March Mercury Bay Art Escape a success – with more to come for art lovers in April

Locals out in force for Mercury Bay Art Escape Open Studio weekends

While Aucklanders’ plans to travel during the first weekend of Mercury Bay Escape in March were affected by Covid restrictions, artists report excellent numbers through their doors. They’re particularly pleased with how many locals showed up.

The Open Studios began more than a decade ago and are now firmly established on the New Zealand art calendar. It’s fantastic to have so much support from people in the wider Coromandel. Visitors from near and far commented about the high quality of the work to view and buy here, as well as the warm welcome they got from our fifty artists.

Mercury Bay Art Escape chair and Kuaotunu photographer Ian Preece.

Mercury Bay Art Escape Programme extended to include dates in April

Due to March Covid-19 level two restrictions in the Coromandel the Mercury Bay Art Escape organisers have rescheduled and added the following events to the programme:

• The gala evening – originally planned for March 5 and rescheduled to April 1
• The Showcase Exhibition – has been extended and will run through until May 2nd. It’s at Hot Waves Café, Hot Water Beach. This exhibition features work from all Open Studios’ participants and Mercury Bay Art Escape members. There, you can pick your favourite and vote for the coveted People's Choice Award
• Open Studio – additional weekend scheduled for April 3-4.

Mercury Bay Art Escape Open Studios Information

The Mercury Bay Art Escape’s Open Studios are a brilliant opportunity for members of the public to meet artists and see inside their creative spaces. Discover what inspires artists, see their works in progress, and buy an original piece directly from its creator. 

Artists are based in and around Tairua, Coroglen, Whenuakite, Hot Water Beach, Hahei, Cooks Beach, Whitianga, Opito Bay, Kuaotunu and Rings Beach. The fifty artists represent a rich and eclectic mix of the arts and include flax weavers, furniture makers, jewellers, glass and mosaic artists, painters, photographers, potters, printmakers, sculptors, and woodworkers. Seven new artists are taking part for the first time.

The Open Studios are a free event, with studios open the weekend of April 3-4. Doors are open 10am to 4pm. Use the links below to download a map to plan your visit. When visiting artist studios and the exhibition, guests are reminded to please scan the QR code on entry.

Summary of dates and events

The Gala Evening

The Gala Evening is a favourite social event of Coromandel’s arts scene and is rescheduled until Thursday April 1 At Hot Waves Café in Hot Water beach from 6pm.

• Meet the artists and have an early viewing of their work
• Tickets are $45 and include a complimentary wine, food and live music
• Tickets are limited and can be purchased via the related links below.

Open Studios

Final Open Studio dates are Easter weekend, April 3-4.

• Studios are open from 10am until 4pm
• Design your own fun road trip with a self-guided art trail throughout the greater Mercury Bay area on the eastern Coromandel Peninsula
• Download maps using the related links below.

Artist Showcase Exhibition

At Hot Waves Café from March 6 until Sunday May 2. All artists participating in the Open Studios and members of the Mercury Bay Art Escape will have a piece on display
Maps and guides available, along with information about the artists at the Mercury Bay Art Escape website via the link below.