2026 Harcourts Challenge and Big Arts Day Out

I always look forward to this annual event. The theme for this years challenge is: North, East, South West.

Front Page of the Whangamata & Waihi News

The Art in Motion event made it to the front page of the local paper, and my mosaic sphere was featured in the article on page 8.

Front page

Close-up

Page 8

Art Waikino 2025 - opening night

Here are a few photos of the exhibition, taken on the opening night, which was very well attended.

Sailing at Sunset

And the waves keep rolling in

19.10.2025 Art in Motion event

Here are the two pieces in the exhibition. I thought my idea to display 'Celebration' on a turntable (see video) was fitting for the 'Art in Motion' theme.

Aqua Swirl

Celebration

And a few general shots - some very interesting outfits!

 

Two entries for 'Art in Motion'

I have managed to complete another small piece, in time for this event, so I now have entries:

Celebration
polymer clay mosaic, 20cm diameter

Aqua Swirl
mixed media, 17cm diameter

Art Waikino 2025 - entries submitted

I have just submitted my application form for this exhibition - two of my acrylic with sand & glitter paintings: 'Sailing at Sunset' and 'The waves keep rolling in'.

The next Arts Collective event is 'Art in Motion' - Sunday 19 October 2025

I have just finished the piece I am going to exhibit at this event, and have sorted an 'arty outfit'. Looking forward to a 'fun' afternoon.

Whangamata Easter Arts Trail - 19 & 20 April 2025

Organised by the Arts Collective Whangamata

A great weekend but sad too

As a past member of the New Zealand Mosaic Art (NZMA) group I had the opportunity to attend a two day workshop, run by Australian mosaic artist Deanna Kernick, on "Realism in Stained Glass". This was held at the Estuary Arts Centre in Orewa. It was great to go back there (it used to be my local arts centre when I lived in Millwater) and to meet up with some of the NZMA members. I joined this group when I attended their Symposium and Workshops, at this location, back in 2016.

Here is an 'in progress' photo of my stained glass mosaic. It is over 20 years since I have done this type of glass work but the skills came back quite easily. It did however remind me why I switched from using stained glass to making mosaics with polymer clay, which I much prefer.

This weekend was great in terms of re-connecting with NZMA members but also very sad, as the organisation will close down on 31 March 2025 due to lack of volunteers to replace those retiring from the committee. I was pleased to be a part of their last event but sorry that this National mosaic art group, with so many talented and passionate members, will cease to exist.

My stand at BADO 2025

I had a great weekend over the 25 & 26 January, meeting many people, demonstrating how I make my Swirl-StoNZ, and making sales.

The winner of the raffle (ticket #008) for the 'Whangamata Orb' was delighted. They said they never won raffles and later sent me a message to say it looked good on their bookcase.