Anna Crichton, Tanya Wilkinson, Lesley Jenkin, Liz Mitchell and Yoko Onishi are collaborating to bring you a a wonderful range of cartoons, ceramics, jewellery and innovative wool creations. All artists will be on hand to talk about their process, materials and inspiration, offering visitors a hands-on look at five different approaches to five very different art forms.

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.

Judi’s jewellery is influenced and inspired by the beauty of nature around us in Waitākere and the intricate design of natural materials - bone, horn, feathers, leaves etc. Judi uses mainly silver, copper, perspex, wood, horn, bone and occasional found objects. She aims for her work to be a little intriguing but wearable.

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.

Ceramic artist Karen Kennedy creates brightly painted animal sculptures with a playful, comic edge, while Pauline Allpress makes colourful beaded jewellery and decorative pieces. These artists will be joined by Neena Buksh with her Pottery and home made produce.

Karin has been working as a glass artist since 1989, including lamp shades, windows, mirrors, sculptures and jewellery. The curvilinear shapes found in nature form the basis for her functional, contemporary glass art. Visitors to Karin’s studio will see her tiffany/copper-foil work being demonstrated.

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.

Rex works in silver, gold and semi-precious stones.  His creations are entirely handcrafted using traditional methods.  He crafts bespoke and unique pieces that combine his lapidary and metalwork skills.  Many of his creations are made from stones he sources himself at locations around New Zealand.  You will find earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets in carnelian, jasper, pounamu, lapis lazuli, chrysoprase, and many other gemstones, all crafted with silver and gold.