Over 50 local artists for the inaugural 2024 Lower Hutt Art Trail have been selected to showcase their work at 30 stops. The artists include painters, potters, print makers, collage artists, textile artists, weavers, glass artists, jewellery artists, wood and metal artists and mixed media. Their works can be viewed at both the artists’ own studios and several galleries around the Hutt region. Read about the individual artists below.
Alfred is well-known in New Zealand for his watercolour paintings. He is the owner of the Artspace Gallery in Petone. Petone's gallery offers a selection of paintings, prints, and photography of the Wellington region by Alfred Memelink as well as a curated selection of other New Zealand artists. The gallery has a great range of art in all genres and unique New Zealand-made gifts.
www.memelink.co.nz
Ange Holtslag is a painter based in Pito-one (Petone). She draws inspiration from natural and urban landscapes, creating abstract landscape works using paint, ink, stencil, graphite, and spraypaint.
Drop-in to The Dowse during the Lower Hutt Art Trail and get hands-on with art making. A fun and friendly environment for people of all ages and abilities to come and give art a go. Explore our exhibitions and discover some of the amazing opportunities to dive a little deeper into art in Te Awakairangi. Free workshops Saturday and Sunday, 11am-1pm.
As a trained graphic designer Ellen creates colourful prints digitally by
layering colourful shapes and hand painted
textures. She enjoys applying them onto
a variety of products for her store. "If asked where my passion comes from, it's the joy I feel every time I work on a new piece and gorgeous colour combinations appear. They really do make my heart sing! My inspiration comes from our wonderful flora and fauna and the whimsical motifs and colours of mid century art and design."
www.ellengiggenbach.com
Hutt Art is an incorporated society, formed over 60 years ago, providing a venue for people of the Hutt Valley to meet, practise, and display their art.
Based on the corner of Myrtle and Huia street, Hutt Art has groups of many different disciplines which meet regularly to work together, sometimes on their own, sometimes with a tutor. Membership of the society entitles members to participate in any group that is running, from different types of painting techniques to printing, from pottery to porcelain painting, from embroidery to weaving. Hutt Art also runs the Odlin Gallery and the Huia Gallery with fortnightly changing exhibitions. As well as the Galleries, several work rooms will be open during the Art Trail.
https://www.huttart.co.nz/
Jess MacKenzie, aka Pax, is an artist, writer, and storyteller. She often works in an illustrative style with fineliners and a dash of colour, creating small scenes that tell a fragment of story. Her inspiration comes from nature, people, and culture, and the unstoppable forest of thoughts that grows like climbing rātā all through her mind.
https://www.instagram.com/theuplandroad_presents/
Kererū Artists Collective: Eric Dyne, Johannes Mueller-Welschof, Dorian Everard, Kat MacBaeth, Chris Parkin, Maisie Chilton, and others. The Kererū Artists Collective are a collective of local artists based at Wesley Rātā Village. They host open art studio sessions and structured classes. This is their first group exhibition. New members welcome!
Louise Thomas is a painter, wildlife photographer, and writer. Working primarily in acrylics, her art captures life's fleeting moments with humour and energy. Nature is her inspiration, but she also ventures into portraiture and still life, and explores diverse styles for creative expression. Her work has sold to private collectors from New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. She has exhibited in group exhibitions with the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts and the Odlin Gallery in Lower Hutt. Commissions welcome.
www.louisethomas.co.nz
Marilyn's profound connection with animals shines through in her captivating pet portraits, where she captures the essence of her subjects using pen, ink and watercolour. With a portfolio boasting both gallery sales and commissioned pet portraits, Marilyn's dedication to her craft is evident. Her love for animals permeates each piece, inviting viewers to share in the special connection she forges between art and nature. Marilyn is a member of the Hutt Art Society. Commissions welcome.
Michael Haynes, a British illustrator now based in Wellington, New Zealand, is passionate about art and graphic design. Along with his deep-rooted creative interests, he has an obsession for music and film, which often influences the work he produces. Michael prides himself on his linework, stylized comic book aesthetic and a bold use of colour. "I'm constantly learning to develop and refine my imagery". Michael is the brains behind the popular Library Sketch Club at the War Memorial Library in Lower Hutt. Commissions welcome.
www.mh-illustrates.com.
Mitchell Woods, blends traditional comic book art and the experimentation of vibrant colours/mediums to provide a fresh take on storytelling. He works in many mediums from digital art to making comics from spilt coffee.
MIX - Connecting Creating Living supports people who have experienced or are experiencing mental health distress in the Hutt Valley. MIX participants are supported for who they are, to be themselves, and to reach their full potential.
MIX offers an inclusive and supportive space that aims to foster self-determination and wellbeing.
For the art trail, MIX will be showing a collection of their regular artist's work - mainly painting, and small ceramic sculptural pieces. The artists include Daniel Phillips, Hapi Matika, James Tokie, John Martin, & Amelia Holdaway.
https://mix.org.nz/.
In 2020, the stars aligned for Eastbourne designer, artist, and resident Niki Pennington.
Twin Island Gallery was formed. “It's been a lifelong dream to have a combined Atelier and gallery space,” says Niki.
The daughter of artist Suzy Pennington and product designer Mark Pennington (of Formway), Niki has creativity baked into her DNA. Before moving to Eastbourne 16 years ago, Niki lived in New York and London, prior to which she completed post graduate studies in Switzerland. While working as a creative overseas she always made time for painting and exhibiting.
www.twinislandgallery.com.
Portraiture and figurative studies feature in Rachel's works. She works in 2D: Oils and pastels, reasonably realistic and some more gestural works; and 3D: Figurative Cast Bronze sculptures. See various stages of bronze casting on display in Rachel's studio. "I have been on my creative journey for five years, and I'm presently halfway through a Diploma of Art & Creativity (Advanced) at The Learning Connexion and have exhibited in a number of galleries in the Wellington region." Rachel is happy to discuss commission works.
Richard Ponder Studio (previously Rona Gallery) opened on 20 February 2022 and features the works of Richard and Mike Ponder. A professional artist for over forty five years, Richard Ponder lives and works in Eastbourne. He is best known for his bold, bright abstract paintings and works featuring New Zealand’s natural heritage. His work shows many influences from the impressionism of Monet and Van Gogh to Gerhard Richter’s layered paintings, featuring bold strokes and scrapes of colour.
ronagallery.co.nz
Robyn has been a full time artist since 2000 teaching art and working at her own creations. As a keen tramper she is continually inspired by the magnificence of the natural world. "My commitment is to encourage people through my paintings to help protect our environment and maintain it for the future. I notice beauty everywhere, from the city streets to tiny insects, the ocean to leaves on a tree, and the connectedness that exists between them. I believe these connections are the thread of life."
Sandy began her artistic journey with drawing, explored other media, then returned to drawing. Always an Amateur, she revels in both process and outcome. She looks forward to other draw-ers on the trail dropping in for a chat. As a member of the Hutt Art Society and the Library Sketch Club, Sandy continues to explore and evolve her artistic expression.
Sarah Albisser’s background as a contemporary dancer and choreographer deeply influences her art. Fascinated by movement and self-expression, she has created a decade-long series of black-and-white female characters. This focus has allowed her to experiment with techniques and materials like pens, acrylics, black perspex, and thread. Her artworks are now held in private collections worldwide.
sarahalbisser.com
Sophie is a qualified artist living and working from Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt. She creates art that focuses on positivity over adversity, important in a world that confronts us daily. Her work is bold and colourful, drawing upon symbology, graffiti, nature, and textiles. One of her favourite symbols is New Zealand's native Black Robin, "who as a survivor of near extinction, reminds me that it is possible to overcome adversity, flourish and grow. I have created my own signature character "Kiko" which means "Hope" in Japanese. She often accompanies my Black Robin in my work."
sophiegardinerart.com
Based in Lower Hutt, the Chinese Painting Group holds weekly sessions open to the community. Tutor, Liu Fang, generously shares her mastery and skills with water colour and ink. Group members all share a passion for the ancient art and symbolism of traditional Chinese painting. From diverse landscapes representing a vast country, through to the subtle details of the blossom and peony - visit, and be transported to a land and culture of contrast and colour.
Email: chinesepaintinggroup@gmail.com
Visit The Learning Connexion campus to explore their art studios and connect with their talented artists. Here, you'll find a dynamic mix of artists, tutors and students, who work with a variety of mediums, each bringing their unique vision to life. Their students engage in a diverse range of disciplines, including printmaking, painting, jewellery, ceramics, photography, life drawing, illustration, mixed media, and hot arts.
www.tlc.ac.nz
The Naenae Menz Shed, in operation for 12 years, is teaming up with the Guild of Woodworkers Wellington to feature a range of woodwork and metalwork artists from around the Hutt Valley, including toymakers. Works include fine wood working, green woodworking, turning, and carving as well as metalwork. Over 100 people use the purpose built 210 sqm Shed each month, including a number of groups and individuals with disabilities. All are welcome. For the art trail weekend, guild members will be demonstrating wood turning, carving, furniture making, etc.
Email: menzshednaenae@gmail.com
Menz Shed: menzshed.org.nz/naenae/
Guild of Woodworkers: www.gww.org.nz/
Jonathan has been sculpting in bronze since 1992. In that time he has had numerous dealer gallery exhibitions and worked on multiple project/commissions. He sculpts, moulds, casts and engineers all of his own work. "I like to work imaginatively and enjoy the technical challenges the lost wax casting process presents."
Fiona Christeller is joining Philothea Flynn at Studio Toru. Fiona Christeller creates contemporary jewellery, using a range of materials, including precious and other metals, gemstones, beads, found and recycled objects, and whatever else takes her fancy. Using traditional jewellery techniques to make wearable / art objects, her work is consequently unique, colourful, and exciting. She sells in galleries and design stores nationwide.
"Please come and enjoy our work. There will be some surprises."
www.fionachristeller.com
Philippa Hopkins is a lampwork artist based in Naenae. Her love of glass began in Bristol. She initially started playing around with making jewellery using lampwork beads, then she stumbled across a studio that offered lessons in how to make them and the rest is history! The things Philippa loves most about working with glass are the vast range of colours available and the smooth, solid weight of the finished bead in her hand.
www.facebook.com/GlaesDesign/
Philothea creates jewellery with pure and sterling silver, also with brass, copper, gold and bronze. Seven years ago, her first silversmithing class got her hooked. Choosing products that are environmentally friendly and aiming to make ethical, sustainable, affordable jewellery is important to her. She describes herself as unashamedly a tool geek who loves trying new techniques and learning, whether it be about the history of jewellery, healing properties in gemstones, or new ways of transforming metals.
www.studiotoru.co.nz
Local heritage artist Joy is of Niuean, Samoan, and Hawaiian descent. Her work explores contemporary textiles to honour the art of ie pili Niue, a tradition passed down to her by the matriarchs of her magafaoa family.
The studio is accessible through a security gate, which is clearly signposted.
Simone plays with how she can recreate the beauty of the natural world using recycled textiles.
http://www.instagram.com/antipodayum
Studio entrance is down at the far end of the garage.
All of Anna's pottery is handmade in her studio on the Western Hills.
She makes domestic ware and sculpture. All her ceramic work is predominantly wheel thrown and tends to favour simple forms and clean lines. "I like to use New Zealand clay as much as possible and fire in both electric and gas kilns." In 2022, she completed a Level 6 Diploma in Arts and Design majoring in Ceramics at Otago Polytechnic.
www.annacampbellceramics.com
Amanda Stowers is the Sāmoan artist behind Masina Creative, her ceramic work inspired by her cultural background. Amanda’s pieces often feature hand carved motifs, completed in a freehand style as an homage to the Tatau and Siapo they’re inspired by. Her aim is to create a deeper understanding for her culture while allowing others to feel represented by her pieces that are created with purpose and pride.
masinacreative.co.nz/
Kirsty has been a creative professional for over 30 years - working in interior, fabric and graphic design before establishing her pottery studio and workshop in 2017. Her diverse experience has proved invaluable in the multi-disciplinary art of ceramics.
Kirsty’s work reflects her love of the creative process - drawing inspiration from the patterns, shapes and textures of the natural world and found objects. Every aspect of each design is carefully considered. Particular care being taken with the more subtle, tactile qualities that make using something as simple as an everyday mug feel just right. As an enthusiastic cook and host, she appreciates the difference a set of beautiful plates or serving platter can make.
www.kirstymorison.com/
Anna Gibson is a Wainuiomata artist that loves working with collage, printmaking, and textiles.
For the past three years, Bianca has been sharing her creative vision through Mare Creates. Her work has evolved from acrylic paintings and original art prints to resin art. Inspired by a therapeutic release, her designs aim to ignite wonder and imagination, reminding us to embrace our inner child. Bianca hopes her creations inspire others to welcome creativity and wonder into their lives, tapping into their limitless potential and embracing their magic.
www.marecreates.co.nz
Emily Benefield is a self-taught collage artist based in Lower Hutt. She makes colourful, satirical works from vintage magazines and children’s books. Using a variety of drawn and photographic images she likes to juxtapose unlikely partners to create fanciful scenes.
Glen Jorna, an Australian mixed media artist in Wellington, teaches Visual Art at Wellesley Independent School. He gathers found paper and old posters from Wellington streets, documenting graffiti and textures. In his studio, he meticulously processes these materials, curating them by colour, typography, and imagery. He assembles them into layered compositions, evolving them organically to capture 'the beauty in decay'. Commissions are welcome.
www.glenjorna.com
Linda's work uses many forms of printmaking including screen printing, mono type printing, and woodcut. She is inspired by the local area with the sea and bush and clear colours of New Zealand. "I work on paper mostly and have an antique press that I use to make big prints."
www.instagram.com/lindasmith1686/
Marci Tackett loves printmaking and in her diverse practice she is now including ceramic and textile works. Colour, pattern and atmosphere are at the heart of her investigation into abstraction.
http://marcitackett.com/
Sam Broad is a painter, printmaker and sculptor. Well known for running a vibrant picture framing studio in Moera for 20 years, he is reopening his studio for the Hutt Art Trail and offering limited edition prints for sale.
sambroad.co.nz
