Inspired by the beauty of nature in this special place
Kuaotunu has always attracted people with an artistic and creative bent.
In recent years support from TCDC’s Creative Communities Scheme, as well as Creative New Zealand, has helped local artists in Kuaotunu to develop a number of artistic initiatives which enable their work to be showcased to, and appreciated by, the wider community.
See and experience the artistic creations being made in Kuaotunu
Many of our local artists have studios to which they enjoy welcoming visitors with an interest in art.
Two public art exhibitions have also become regular highlights of the Kuaotunu community calendar:
- the 25 Trees of Christmas exhibition (held on the 1st weekend of December); and
- the 10 Artists exhibition (held over Anniversary Weekend in January).
Held in our beautiful Kuaotunu Hall, these art exhibitions are testament to the depth of creativity in our community and are much enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Visit open studios in Kuaotunu with the Mercury Bay Art Escape
The Mercury Bay Art Escape is an Open Studio Art Tour that aims to make art lovers and art buyers from throughout New Zealand aware of the richness, quality and eclectic character of the Coromandel Peninsula's Mercury Bay area.
Held annually on the first two weekends in March, Kuaotunu artists are always a key part of the tour.
Chris Charteris - sculpture
Chris is a sculptor who regularly exhibits nationally and internationally. His practice is inspired by the materials he uses and his connection to the environment.
He is represented by FHE Galleries, Auckland, and Milford Galleries, Dunedin and Queenstown.
Kuaotunu
ccandll@xtra.co.nz
Instagram
Ian Webster - pottery
Ian has been working with clay for over 35 years, developing his own methods and style. He uses hand built techniques to create a large range of shapes which are functional as well as beautiful.
His sculptural forms continue to evolve with figurative work taking on a more surreal appearance.
07 866 5344
325 State Highway 25, Kuaotunu
claystudio325@gmail.com
Roimata Taimana - drawing
Roimata specialises in fine ink drawings. He is constantly inspired by the beautiful area we are lucky enough to live in.
Roimata uses his pen to show the struggle between dark and light that everyone experiences at some point.
021 0886 0641
462 Kuaotunu-Wharekaho Rd, Kuaotunu
roimatataimana@gmail.com
www.mercurybay-artescape.com/roimata-taimana
Instagram
Lutz Gaebler - mixed media, pottery, sculpture
Lutz is a mixed media artist working in the Bauhaus tradition. He mounts photos on canvas by cutting, reassembling and gluing them, and uses acrylic paint to emphasise the content or story of each image.
Lutz also runs ceramic workshops in his Try Fluke clay studio, and opens his studio by appointment to interested public during the year.
07 866 5371
462 State Highway 25, Kuaotunu
tryfluke@xtra.co.nz
www.mercurybay-artescape.com/lutz-gaebler
Facebook
Lizzy Leckie - weaving
Lizzy is a weaver of hats, kete and sculptural pieces. She works with harakeke (NZ flax) and other natural fibres.
Lizzy teaches beginners flax weaving locally in Kuaotunu to groups of 2 or more.
07 866 0002
lizzyleckie@gmail.com
Instagram
Colin Verner - mixed media; predominantly wood and ceramic
Colin produces woodcraft and artworks which can be seen at his studio/gallery in Kuaotunu.
He constructs and carves wall mounted relief sculptures from recycled timber, incorporating ceramic, paint and other media within the artworks.
07 866 0630
19 Cemetery Road, Kuaotunu
colinvnz@yahoo.com
www.mercurybay-artescape.com/colin-verner
Facebook
Warwick Lidgard - painting
Warwick's recent paintings are in acrylics, but many of his earlier paintings are watercolours.
Examples of both are displayed in the Waiari Farm Gallery, Rings Beach, which is open by appointment.
His style ranges from representational to abstract.
07 866 5074 / 021 166 0286
191 Bluff Rd, Rings Beach, Kuaotunu
w.lidgard@icloud.com
warwicklidgard.art
Kevin Cook - driftwood
Using locally sourced driftwood from Kuaotunu, Kevin uses thousands of pieces exactly as they are found to create intricate, life-like, wall-mounted artworks.
Most are between 1 and 2.5 meters, and examples can be found at Luke’s Kitchen, or you can phone to check out other works.
021 487 407
Kuaotunu-Wharekaho Road, Kuaotunu
Kevcook1965@gmail.com