OPEN ART STUDIOS
A weekend to enjoy art in
Auckland’s Upper Harbour
Saturday 9 &
Sunday 10 May 2026
10am–4pm
We’re back with Open Art Studios 2026. After the success of our inaugural event in 2025, with fantastic feedback from both visitors and artists, we’re excited to announce that preparations for the 2026 event are well underway.
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Discover Art Where It’s Made!
Discover the thriving art scene in the Upper Harbour Local Board area during Upper Harbour Open Art Studios. This event invites you to explore the studios of local artists and creatives, offering a unique opportunity to step behind the scenes of their artistic process.
Meet talented sculptors, painters, illustrators, ceramic artists, and textile artists as they open their doors to the public. From live demonstrations to the chance to purchase original works, this is your opportunity to experience art in action and connect with the creative community of Auckland’s Upper Harbour.
Join us at this Year’s events
Open Art Studios Opening Night
Begin the Open Art Studios weekend with a social networking gathering at the historic Old School Hall in Greenhithe. Enjoy drinks and nibbles, meet the artists, event organizers, and local board members, and pick up your event brochure and map.
Friday 8 May
5pm - 7pm
Greenhithe Old School Building
15A Collins Park, Greenhithe Road, Greenhithe
Zen Tea and Mindful Painting: An Immersive Studio Experience
Join artist Xie Yi at Mount Top Art Studio for a serene afternoon of Zen tea and mindful painting. Join artist Xie Yi at Mount Top Art Studio for a serene afternoon of Zen tea and mindful painting.
Sunday 10th April
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Mount Top Art Studio
23 Bluebird Crescent, Unsworth Heights
Our Artists
Get to know the creative minds behind Open Art Studios. From painters and sculptors to ceramicists, illustrators and more, these are the local artists who we have taking part this year.
Visiting the Studios
Open Studios allows visitors to explore the studios at their own leisure. Use the Open Art Studios brochure, map, or Auckland Stories App to explore some or all of the studios, artists
Download the Map
Download the Brochure
Download the App
Google Play: Download here | Apple Store: Download here
Artist Spotlight: Freemanz Studio
Step into the working studio of Julie and Michael Freeman and see where their hyper-realistic pastel works come to life.
This video offers a quiet glimpse into their process, the detail, focus, and craftsmanship behind each piece and the environment where it all happens.
A chance to experience the work beyond the finished artwork, and see the care that goes into every mark.
Created by filmmaker Conan Fitzpatrick.
Artist Spotlight: Jacqueline Letham
Take a moment to enjoy this beautiful short video capturing mixed media artist Jacqueline Letham in her element. Filmed in her Upper Harbour studio, Jacqueline shares her thoughtful, layered approach to artmaking — where texture, colour, and found materials come together to evoke memory, place, and emotion.
Watch the full video to hear Jacqueline speak about her process, what inspires her, and how each piece tells a deeper story.
Created by filmmaker Conan Fitzpatrick.
Be part of something inspiring + sign up for news
Whether you’re an artist looking to participate or an art enthusiast eager to explore, signing up ensures you’ll receive the latest updates on registrations, event details, and behind-the-scenes previews.
