On View: 27 June – 3 July
Hewson Gallery
🏺 New Clay & Ceramics Classes are open at Mairangi Arts Centre! 🏺
Ready to get back to the wheel or try hand-building for the first time? Our Term 2 Adult Ceramic classes are now available for booking! Whether you`re looking to create functional tableware or sculptural art, our studio is the perfect place to find your flow.
✨ Our Clay Programs Include:
Wheel Throwing & Hand-building: Mixed-level classes where you can learn the fundamentals or refine advanced techniques.
Tutor-Led Sessions: Work alongside our experienced expert ceramicists in a supportive, creative environment.
Focus on Creativity: From pinching and coiling to mastering the potter`s wheel and glazing.
💡 Why Join a MAC Class?
✅ All-Inclusive: We keep it simple—clay and firing are included in your course fee so you can focus entirely on creating.
✅ The Perfect Environment: Our Mairangi Bay studio is fully equipped and designed for artists of all levels.
✅ Community Vibes: Connect with other local makers and share the joy of handmade art.
📅 Term 2 Starts next week from Monday 20th of April!
📍 Location: 20 Hastings Road, Mairangi Bay.
Spaces fill up quickly! View the full timetable and book your spot today:
👉 Click here the link in our bio to browse classes!
Apr 14
Unleash your inner artist! 🎨✨ Our School Holiday Programme is back next week, and we’re ready for another round of messy, creative fun.
Whether you`re into sculpture, sketching, or jewelry making, there`s a spot at the table for you. Check out some of the amazing work our students have been dreaming up lately—from the awesome hammerhead shark to our colorful birdbaths and pastel bagels!
You can book your child in now to secure their spot at the craft table. Our sessions are filling up fast, and we can’t wait to see what new masterpieces will be heading home next week.
From clay and sculpture to jewelry design and character sketching, we have everything ready for a week of pure imagination.
Click the link in our bio to register!
Apr 9
Threads of Friendship – North Shore Embroiderers’ Guild
On View: Thursday 9 – Sunday 19 April
North Shore Embroiderers’ Guild Biennial Exhibition “Threads of Friendship”, has a very apt title as it celebrates those who stitch together. Recently celebrating 40 years of our Guild, we will have a reshowing of previous trophy winners pieces, “40 Winning Years” plus 3 judged categories in addition to pieces from numerous classes held in the past 2 years. Be sure to visit to see over 100 embroidered artworks 🪡
Apr 9
We asked our tutor Belle H for an update on her class! Here’s some great insight and pics! Q: Could you tell us about your teaching approach?
In my class, Self-Expression, I focus on balancing foundational techniques with each student’s unique artistic voice. While I guide students through essential skills, I encourage them to interpret ideas in their own way. Our class works toward a group exhibition called Dreamworks, held every two years. Each exhibition is based on a shared theme, but every student expresses it differently, using their own style and perspective. Through this process, students not only develop their skills but also discover how they want to express themselves.
Q: What is your personal passion and purpose behind your art?
My purpose in creating art is to better understand myself and to express that inner journey visually. I am continually drawn to the idea of self-discovery—how making art can reveal parts of ourselves we may not have been aware of before.
Q: Why is making art important to you personally?
Beyond the visual result, the most meaningful benefit of making art for me is personal reflection and growth. The process allows me to connect with my thoughts and emotions in a deeper way, offering a quiet but powerful sense of clarity.
Q: How do you encourage students who might be struggling?
The biggest challenge many students face is a lack of confidence, especially when they first think about exhibiting their work. I focus on creating a supportive and enjoyable environment where the process matters more than perfection. Even contributing a single piece can be a meaningful achievement. As students continue, they often discover a new side of themselves and gain a strong sense of accomplishment.
Q: Can you tell us more about the Dreamworks Exhibition?
Dreamworks is a group exhibition held every two years, and the upcoming exhibition will be our third. Each exhibition begins with a central theme, but every artist interprets it in their own unique way, resulting in a diverse and deeply personal collection of work. Through this experience, they create meaningful memories—doing something they love, while sharing the journey with others.
Apr 4
Calling all New Zealand artists!
The 12th Hibiscus & Bays Art Awards are officially open for entries. This is your chance to showcase your work, join a legacy of incredible talent, and celebrate artistic excellence in our community.
Take a look at the caliber of work from our past winners for a little inspiration!
From stunning portraiture and intricate textiles/multimedia pieces to evocative landscapes and contemporary abstracts. We had such a diverse range of winners from the 10th Awards and cant wait to see what our 12th Exhibition has to bring!
Key Details for Entrants:
Entry Deadline: 27 April
Exhibition Dates: 23 May – 13 June
Location: Mairangi Arts Centre (MAC)
Why Enter?
Supported by the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board and our fantastic sponsors, these awards are a premier platform for both emerging and established artists across the country. Whether you work in paint, fiber, print, or mixed media, sculpture we want to see your vision.
Don’t miss the deadline!
Ready to submit? Head over to the Mairangi Arts Centre website using the link below to fill your entry form and review the submission guidelines.
More Info Here:
https://mairangiarts.co.nz/events/12th-hibiscus-bays-art-awards-call-for-entry/
Apr 1
Keep the kids creative, not just busy! 🏺✨
School holidays are just around the corner, and the "I’m bored" chorus is already warming up. Skip the extra screen time and let them dive into a world of clay, color, and creativity! 🎨
Our Holiday Art Programme is where messy hands lead to big breakthroughs. From the magic of the pottery wheel to mastering the paintbrush, we provide the space for your child to find their inner artist.
Don’t let them spend the holidays on the couch. Let them create something they`re proud of!
The Details:
📅 Dates: 7th April - 17 April
📍 Location: 20 Hastings Road, Mairangi Bay, Auckland.
🎟️ Spaces: Strictly limited to ensure quality time for every child.
Ready to secure their spot?
👇 TAP THE LINK IN OUR BIO TO BOOK NOW!
Mar 31
Still buzzing from Artfest! ✨
Our community truly came alive this Saturday with a full spectrum of artmaking. From individual masterpieces to massive collaborations, seeing your creativity in action was nothing short of magic.
A massive THANK YOU to the people who made it happen:
🎨 Our wonderful MAC Tutors for sharing your expertise.
🏫 Rangitoto College – The Art Club, South East Asian Club, and Filipino Kabayan Club brought such incredible energy!
🤝 LIFTa Organisation for your wonderful support and engagement.
🌟 Our Talented Students: Wendy and Alice (from Brian Millard’s Watercolour) and Annette (from Brook Duffield’s Oil Portrait Painting).
🌿 Angie from our MAC Garden team for keeping things beautiful.
🌼 Julia & Whanau for showing us how to weave Puti puti (flower) with harekeke
🍲 An and the team for the delicious catering that kept us all fueled!
🥰 AUT student volunteers for your enthusiasm and support.
We are so grateful to everyone who picked up a brush, a tool, or a plate. Artfest is proudly supported by ANCAD,Auckland Council & HIbiscus & Bays Local Board 🌺 #Artfest #CommunityArt 📸: Meller Hu
Mar 25
Your Saturday plans, but make them cute. 🧸🍓
Ditch the screen and get your hands on some clay! Whether you’re into dreamy anime vibes or cottagecore aesthetics, our one-off workshops are the ultimate creative escape.🔥
The Details:
📅 Saturdays: May 2nd – July 4th
⏰ Time: 2:30pm – 4:00pm
💸 Price: $45 (All materials + firing included!)
Check the slides to see what our last crew made! 👆 No experience needed—just bring your ideas and we’ll handle the rest!
✨ TAP THE LINK IN BIO TO BOOK! ✨
Mar 23
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