Wellington’s Maxine Scheckter Blends Art and Pastry for Valentine’s Day

Celebrated Wellington pastry chef Maxine Scheckter is returning to her roots at the Inverlochy Art School for a unique Valentine’s Day event. On February 14, 2024, Scheckter will collaborate with Inverlochy and her own Sugar Flour Pastry School for an event titled “Taste & Create.” This workshop invites both romantic and platonic pairs to explore their creativity while indulging in a selection of Scheckter’s handcrafted pastries.

Scheckter has a deep connection to Inverlochy, having attended classes there during her childhood. Her culinary journey has led her to work in prestigious restaurants, teach at her pastry school in Newlands, and publish her first book, Patisserie Made Simple. Her playful and surrealist-influenced style draws inspiration from memories of the historic manor.

The workshops will feature a variety of activities, including ceramics, caricature drawing, printmaking, and pastels. Each session is designed to offer a fun and creative twist on Valentine’s Day, although the specific pastries remain a surprise for attendees. Organisers promise that the treats will be seasonal and fruit-forward, adding an exciting culinary element to the artistic experience.

Taste & Create is set to take place from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM on Valentine’s Day. Tickets can be purchased through the Inverlochy Art School’s website, inverlochy.org.nz.

In addition to Scheckter’s event, another option for celebrating the day is the annual Heavenly Bodies: Valentine’s Under the Stars at Space Place. This event, now in its third year, offers a unique experience featuring a live show about love across the cosmos in a full-dome planetarium. Attendees can also participate in a drop-in craft session led by local artist Greta Menzies and capture memories at a themed photobooth.

Heavenly Bodies will also take place on February 14, 2024, making it an ideal choice for those looking to celebrate under the stars. More information about this and other events can be found at museumswellington.org.nz.

For those interested in the arts scene in Wellington, an extensive calendar is available at thepost.co.nz. Event organisers can submit listings or press releases to [email protected], including details such as the event name, venue, date, time, and a brief description.

Both events highlight Wellington’s vibrant cultural landscape, providing residents and visitors with engaging ways to celebrate love and creativity this Valentine’s Day.