Sign In / Register
It’s not every day you get the chance to go behind the scenes and step into the workspaces of some of Rodney’s most talented artists.
But from Friday, January 31 to Sunday, February 9 that’s exactly what you’ll be able to do on the Mahurangi Artist Studio Trail (MAST2025), which is back for another year.
The trail map boasts 48 artists and has 25 open studios of all shapes and sizes dotted about the area.
From purpose-built creative spaces to converted barns, garages, sheds and spare rooms, visitors have an open invitation and are welcome to visit them all at no cost.
The hub of the event, or ‘trail central’, is at the Warkworth Town Hall, which will host the opening night celebration on Thursday, January 30, from 6pm to 8pm.
The trail is becoming increasingly popular and has attracted a new wave of 16 artists, who have joined an already stacked lineup for 2025, with everything from photography and mixed media to ceramics and silkscreen prints on show.
Organiser and artist Alysn Midgelow-Marsden says the message is getting out that there’s loads of creative people around Rodney.
“It’s quite unique that you get to go in and see the studios, to actually see the mess that we work in half the time or see the materials and equipment we use, or talk to us about our art,” she says.
“You might go to a gallery or an art maker’s sale and see the finished works, but that doesn’t give you an insight into what the processes of the artist are.
“I don’t really get to talk to people about my work because usually it’s displayed at another location and
I’m often not there. So it’s really exciting to show people what I’m doing and talk to them about what I enjoy and why.”
Midgelow-Marsden says trail central not only has artists running workshops for the public, it’s also able to provide a space for art makers who haven’t got a permanent studio to show their work.
“That’s really taken off in the last three years since we’ve been using the town hall, and it’s a very popular part of the trail. It’s sometimes so full you can hardly get in.”
She says every year there are new artists on the trail so they always have something different to offer, even for those who have been on the trail before.
“Hopefully the spaces are a little tidier than we often work, but you never know.”
What to expect (source: Auckland Council)
Meet the makers: step inside the studios and connect with artists as they share insights into their techniques and inspirations.
Live demonstrations: witness creativity in action with live demonstrations of painting, pottery, textile stitching, and other mediums.
Unique purchases: take home original, locally-made art, with options to suit all budgets.
Explore Mahurangi: enjoy a day of art and exploration, discovering the beauty and charm of the local area.
Have a go workshop experiences: spend a little time rekindling your creative vibes through any of the workshop opportunities in painting, sculpture, ceramic, glass.
Discover creative clay, posca and juice, creative re-vibe, and introduction to fused glass at the Warkworth Town Hall; have fun with stencils at the Women’s Centre; make creative upcycled art at Less Waste.
Family friendly for all ages and free unless otherwise stated.
Event dates: January 31 to February 9. Times: 10am to 4pm (some studio opening days and times vary, please see brochure or website for details) Locations: 25 venues across Rodney. A full map is available at www.mahurangiartistnetwork.com. Free entry.
