Following on from the wildly successful premier in October 2024, Lower Hutt is set to host its third Art Trail on the weekend of 17 and 18 October 2026, 10.00am-4.00pm. The event will feature over 50 artists from across the Lower Hutt Region, from Taita to Eastbourne - with many artists returning from last year with fresh works, plus some artists new to the trail.

The trail will offer 32 stops, free for visitors to view and offering a diverse array of artistic disciplines such as painting, pottery, printmaking, collage, textile arts, weaving, woodwork, glass art, jewellery, metalwork, and mixed media. Visitors can view these works in both artists' studios and various pop-up sites and galleries throughout the city.

The event will feature exhibitions at Hutt Art, Dowse, the Petone Depot, the Historic Petone Police Station, the Alfred Memelink Artspace Gallery, and the Learning Connection. This website, along with a printed catalogue and guide, will assist visitors in navigating the trail. The guide will detail the locations of participating artists.

Approximately 3,500 free guides will be distributed across libraries, galleries, museums, cafes, and shops in Lower Hutt and the wider Wellington region. Visitors beginning their journey at Stop 1 - The galleries at Hutt Art in Myrtle Street, can also collect a printed copy of the catalogue and guide there.

Opening night of the 2025 Lower Hutt Art Trail. Left to right, artists Johannes Mueller-Welschof, Louise Thomas, and Meryl Winter.

Guides will be available from late August. Pick one up at the War Memorial Library, Hutt Art, Dowse, and many other places.

For artists, the Art Trail is an opportunity to interact with visitors, to showcase their talent, to sell their work and to draw visitors to the district, for the mutual benefit of all. For visitors, the Art Trail is an opportunity to view and interact with, and purchase and/or commission work directly from, a variety of artists from around the district and to experience what Lower Hutt artists have to offer.

The Lower Hutt Art Trail promises once again to be a vibrant celebration of local talent and a significant cultural event for the community.

If you would like to know more or support the Lower Hutt Art Trail by becoming a sponsor, please get in touch: info@lowerhuttarttrail.co.nz.