Open Studios Waitākere is your chance to step inside the working studios of local artists, designers and makers, painters, sculptors, jewellers, ceramicists and more.
The 2026 line-up is still coming together.
Registrations are open until 4 September, and we'll publish this year's artists here in October.
In the meantime, browse the artists who took part in 2025 to get a feel for the range of work across the ranges.
Angela creates vibrant paintings characterised by bold, saturated colours and dynamic gestures. She is passionate about creating art that elicits emotional response and inspires discussion. Limited and open edition reproductions will be available to view and purchase, as well as originals on board or paper, art calendars and greeting cards.
Maria Podskrebko is the artist behind Awaroa Rd Jewellery in Laingholm. She creates distinctive, handcrafted jewellery using titanium, niobium, natural stones and vintage gemstone beads. Expanding into lapidary, Maria now hand-cuts many of her stones in her studio. Her process-led work celebrates natural materials, individuality, craftsmanship and the stories behind each piece.
Book Art Studios is a working studio where bookmaking techniques meet a love of paper and colour. Neighbours walking past are often treated to a washing line filled with hand-dyed paper! Liz has over 20 years’ experience in bookmaking and will have both handmade and published books for sale.
Edward has been designing and making fine furniture for over 40 years. Working primarily in wood to create furniture and objects drawn from the traditions of the modern designer craftsman that explore ways to express an essence of NZ.
Rosie Carson creates contemporary jewellery designs using a mixture of natural materials and precious metals. She has a passion for gemstones so expect to see plenty on display, in both rough and polished form. If you have ever wondered how stones are polished you can have a go at hand-poilshing a specimen while you visit.
Helen creates colour-rich, layered paintings featuring soft, overlapping forms and plains, sweeping curves and painterly marks. Step inside Helen’s colour-filled home studio and see large scale artworks on canvas, and work on paper.
Established Auckland artist Katherine Simpson creates layered contemporary paintings that explore the relationship between abstraction, landscape and subtle figurative forms. With a painting practice spanning many years and a return to exhibiting in 2026, her space offers visitors an insight into her evolving process of building, removing and revealing layers. Original works will be available to view and purchase.
Monique has been painting for around 30 years, with much of her work inspired by West Auckland’s landscapes, flora and fauna. Over the years, her paintings have received numerous awards in art competitions.
Maria’s ceramic practice is rooted in a love of slow making, simplicity, and the quiet beauty of imperfection. Working from her home studio, she creates small-batch, hand-built pottery, with each piece shaped and decorated individually and carrying its own unique character. Pieces will be available for purchase, along with some seconds and bargains.
Melissa Hastings is a ceramicist based in the west of Tāmaki Makaurau. From her Shaw Road Ceramics studio in Oratia, she creates functional stoneware and sculptural vessels shaped by a quiet dialogue between the natural world and design.
Working in a palette of soft, earthy tones, her forms are often gentle and architectural—bringing texture, light and a sense of calm to everyday rituals.
Michelle Huizinga is a multi-media sculptor working predominantly with clay and fibre. Michelle finds beauty in dilapidation and decay and this is reflected in much of her work. Most of her work comprises of sculptural vessels with weaving but during the Open Studios Michelle also has a range of domestic wares available . Visitors can view old and new projects, as well as works in progress.
Pauline McCoy is an established ceramicist based in Titirangi. There will be a variety of functional ware for sale over the weekend, from mugs, jugs, bowls etc.
Rhyll works with encaustics, an Ancient Greek/Roman method that uses heat to mix tree resins with beeswax and pigments. She blends painting and stone assemblage with copper and natural materials such as sticks, leaves, feathers and wood blocks to give expression to the sacred in nature.
Sofia Athineou is a contemporary glass artist of Greek heritage whose sculptures capture the elemental energy of Aotearoa's landscape. Drawing inspiration from the wind, fire, and water of the Waitakere Ranges, she casts glass ranging from intimate pieces to commanding installations, prized for their sensual, optical play with light.
