At Marbles, we believe every child should have the freedom to imagine, explore, discover, create, and celebrate who they are.

Our mission is to provide a studio dedicated to creativity—a place where young artists can share their experiences, grow their skills, collaborate with others, and produce work they feel proud of.

We are passionate about running art programmes that engage, inspire, and nurture each artist, encouraging a lifelong enjoyment and appreciation of art.

Ruth Christy

I was lucky enough to grow up in a creative, artistic home—where art transformed spaces, crafted messages, captured moments, and always served a purpose.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve taught art to children in both classrooms and studio settings. During this time, I’ve seen just how brilliant young artists can be.

I take great joy and pride in helping every artist discover their unique talent and creative potential.

Marbles - The name

One of my fondest childhood memories is closely examining the marbles my mother kept in an old Anchor milk tin.

Each glass sphere gleamed with colour—its patterns drawing me in for hours.

That special tin lived in my grandmother’s wardrobe for more than 60 years.

Trips to visit Nana in Te Araroa only happened every two or three years, as she lived far from our home in Awarua. But when the marble tin came out, my eleven siblings and I were beside ourselves with excitement.

We would count, sort, and admire every marble, listening as Mum shared stories of how she won them at school.

When it was time to put them away, we’d take turns gently placing each marble back in the tin before it returned to its place in the wardrobe.

For me, Mum’s marble tin represents many things:
Her childhood. My childhood.
Family. Art.
And now—my studio.