If you have a passion for public art and want to learn more then make sure you head down to Thames' Bella Street Pumphouse tonight.

Thames-Coromandel District Council's Parks and Reserves manager Derek Thompson will be giving a talk focussing on art in public places at the Pumphouse, from 5pm.

The community is invited to a talk focussing on public art at Thames' Bella Street Pumphouse tonight. Photo: Google Maps

The evening will be hosted by public art sculptor John McKeowen, who is also vice-president of Bella Street Pumphouse and manager of the Seagull Centre.

Council says for people interested in public art, what will be especially valuable is Derek's wealth of experience in guiding projects through council criteria.

'Rather than coming from an artist's perspective, Derek will give insights from the practical installation experience working with public places.”

'Derek will also show some great images of steampunk art as a segue into the launch of Steampunk The Thames' Steampunk Sculpture Competition.”

Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction and sci-fantasy, and features advanced machines and other technologies based on the steam power of the 19th Century.

Council says this competition is a way of celebrating Thames' industrial past while marrying it with an innovative future, and the challenge is to create a permanent piece of public art.

'If you're an engineer, fabricator, smithy, machinist, erector, constructor, welder, salvage artist, assembler or sculptor, you're encouraged to have a go in the Steampunk The Thames Sculpture Competition.

'This is a fabulous chance to release your hidden talents, show off your true artistic potential, bring out your inner playfulness and untapped ingenuity.”

The winning entry will be installed in pride of place in Thames and receive a prize and bragging rights.

Your entry should be child safe, weather proof and not be able to be carried off in the dead of night. Details of entry and dates will be announced on the night.

The Art in Public Places Talk will take place at Bella Street Pumphouse, corner of Bella and Waiokaraka streets, tonight from 5pm.