42 artists on the eastern Coromandel Peninsula are preparing to welcome art lovers to their studios and creative spaces

What: Mercury Bay Art Escape
When: Weekends of March 2nd/3rd, and March 9th/10th 2024
Where: Various studios around the coastal area of the Eastern Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand, from Tairua to Matarangi.

A visit to the Mercury Bay Art Escape for Open Studios during the first two weekends of March is a must-do for art lovers.

Attendees will visit the studios of more than 40 artists along the Eastern Coromandel Peninsula’s stunning coastal region, experiencing a rich and eclectic mix of mediums and chatting with artists in their studios, seeing their work in progress and buying directly from their studios.

With 11 new members and a variety of new mediums, the 2024 iteration of Mercury Bay Art Escape Open Studios promises to be an exciting creative journey for visitors. Remember to collect an Art Guide available from I-sites, libraries, local cafés or download it from the website here.

Festivities will kick off with the Gala Showcase Opening Exhibition on Friday, March 1st at Hot Waves Café in Hot Water Beach (Be in to win a double pass along with two nights’ accommodation at Hot Water Beach TOP 10 here.) There, New Zealand contemporary artist Flox will open the Art Escape Showcase Exhibition. Flox has transformed grey walls into colourful murals throughout New Zealand – including one near the town hall in Whitianga created for Tuia 250.

To view the Artist’s Showcase Exhibition call into Hot Waves Café for brunch or lunch from March 2nd – April 9th. It. Vote for your favourite artwork and the artist with the most public votes wins the coveted People’s Choice Award.

For more information, head to the website or follow Mercury Bay Art Escape on Facebook or Instagram.

We are invited inside Annie Smits Sandano’s Hahei’s home and studio in the Jan/Feb issue of NZ Life & Leisure, on sale on December 18.