Saturday 21st March 2pm-5PM
Art Fest: Free Community Day of Creativity for the Whole Whānau!
Get ready for a vibrant celebration of art! Mairangi Arts Centre is thrilled to announce its Art Fest, a free and all ages event . It’s the perfect way to spend a fun and creative afternoon together!
The Art Fest invites people of all ages to dive into a world of hands-on art activities. Whether you’ve never picked up a paintbrush or you’re a seasoned artist, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy activities like painting, clay making, and even try your hand at pottery wheel throwing! Plus, get ready for some fun art-inspired games. No prior experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided – just bring your enthusiasm!
Throughout the day, you’ll have the chance to meet our friendly team, talented tutors, and the wonderful MAC community, who will be there to welcome you and guide your creative explorations.
Adding to the excitement, we have a fantastic lineup of special workshops and demonstrations, including:
- Live Watercolour Painting Demonstrations
- Hands on Crafting and Clay Making Activities for All Ages
- …and much more to come! Watch this space
Bring the whānau and unleash your creativity at the Mairangi Arts Centre Art Fest, where community and creativity come to life!
✨ Meet Our HBAA Judges! ✨
We are absolutely honored to introduce the incredible judging panel for our upcoming 12th Hibiscus & Bays Art Awards.
Natanahira Pona
Natanahira Pona is a highly accomplished Whakairo (Māori carving) tutor & project manager with a career spanning over three decades. Holding a Bachelor of Applied Visual Arts & a Diploma from the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute, he combines deep cultural expertise with practical, `on-the-floor` management skills.
Known for a calm & diplomatic approach, he excels as a mediator between artists, local councils, & community stakeholders, ensuring complex projects—such as the Matariki Rotorua festivals & more recently the Lake House Sculpture Symposium—are delivered safely & efficiently. We look forward to having him be a part of our judging panel for this exhibition.
Wiremu Taniwha Kingi rauauko Ngahuia Retimana oku tipuna ki te taha ko taku Matua. Rangi Herewaka Rata rauako Paiahua Karena oku tipuna ki te taha ko taku whaea. Ko Tutete Taniwha Kingi rauauko Mailie Rata oku maatua. Nga Puhi, Tu Wharetoa, Ngati Awa, Te Aopouri, Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Porou, Te Arawa oku Iwi.
Ko Matangirau, Mangamuka, Hirangi, Tunohopu oku marae.
Paul Slater
By day, Paul is a Creative Director working in news media—an industry he has been a part of for more than 30 years. Although originally trained as an illustrator, He now spends his working week in front of a screen, which drives his passion for returning to his studio to get "paint under his fingernails."
For Paul, painting is a vital way to reconnect with the human instinct to observe, interpret, & express the world around us. In an era where technology is rapidly changing how we create & consume images, he believes the ability of artists to communicate lived experience, emotion & meaning is more essential than ever.
Whether an artist is exploring complex ideas or simply making marks that bring pleasure & connection, he views creative expression as one of the most distinctively human things we do. He is honored to join the judging panel for this year`s awards & looks forward to a selection of work he knows will be both inspiring & humbling.
Mar 9
🎨 APRIL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME – BOOKINGS NOW OPEN! 🌟
With over 30+ creative workshops to choose from, there is something for every young artist at Mairangi Arts Centre this April!
From Split Clay Day and Clouded Skies painting to Gnome Homes and the Mask Making workshop—this is just a taste of what’s on offer. Whether your child is into pottery, painting, or mixed media, we have a space for them.
📍 Mairangi Arts Centre
🎒 All materials included.
Click the link in our bio to book their spot now, Spaces are filling fast!
Mar 4
🎨 Exhibit at MAC Art Space 🎨
MAC Art Space (8 sqm) is one of the first areas visitors see when they enter our gallery✨
Showcase your artwork at this welcoming, high-traffic space where people gather for coffee, conversation, and connection - an ideal setting to gain visibility and connect with our community☕
Learn More: https://mairangiarts.co.nz/exhibition-hire/
#artgallery #artspace #exhibitart #artexhibition #visualartists #artcommunity #localartists #nzart #aucklandart #galleryexhibition #artistopportunity #creativecommunity
Mar 1
🌺 Pop Up! a Cash and Carry Art Exhibition 🌺
Thank you to everyone who joined us for today’s opening!
It was a wonderful chance for artists and visitors to connect, share stories behind the artwork, and and celebrate creativity together🎨
This special exhibition is on view until 7 March.
Feb 21
🚨 TOMORROW AT 12PM: OUR POP-UP CASH & CARRY OPENS! 🚨
Looking for that perfect piece of art but don’t want to wait weeks for an exhibition to end? This Exhibition is your chance! 🎨✨
We are thrilled to announce our Pop-Up Cash & Carry Exhibition at Mairangi Arts Centre. We received over 100+ entries so pop in and view this unique exhibition and have the opportunity to support our local creative community in the most direct way possible.
Why you can’t miss this:
100% to the Artists: Every cent of your purchase goes directly into the pocket of the artist who created it.
Take it Home Today: No waiting! If you fall in love with a painting, a mosaic, or a ceramic piece, you can pay and take it home the moment you buy it.
From the stunning maritime scenes and whimsical "Flower Fairies" to the intricate mosaics and vibrant florals seen in our preview video—tomorrow is the day to claim yours.
📅 When: Saturday the 21st Feb
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM - 2 PM
📍 Where: Mairangi Arts Centre
Come prepared to find your new favorite treasure and walk out the door with it. See you at midday! 🏃♂️💨🏺
Feb 19
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