This summer, the lush heart of Wellington will become a living canvas as local artist Helen Casey takes up a two-month Artist in Residence position at the Treehouse in the Wellington Botanic Garden.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Wellington Botanic Garden, this marks the fourth residency in their ongoing program to support local artists and celebrate the intersection of creativity and nature.

Known for her intricate wildlife illustrations and deep love of wild places, Helen Casey will create new work inspired by the Gardens — focusing on native birds and foliage, captured in delicate pen and ink. Visitors may even catch her sketching among the trees or chatting with curious passers-by. Canvases will be available for purchase during the residency period.

As part of the residency, she’ll also host two public workshops, inviting people of all ages and skill levels to explore their own creativity and connect more deeply with the natural world. 

“I’m inspired by wild places — the rhythm of wind, waves, and birdsong,” she says. “This residency is a chance to slow down, observe, and share that wonder with others.”

Born in Cyprus to Scottish parents and raised in the windswept Western Isles, Helen eventually made Wellington her home. A graduate of the Wellington School of Design and former scientific illustrator at Te Papa, her work blends technical precision with Celtic visual traditions and a deep emotional connection to place.

Whether you’re an art lover, a nature walker, or just someone who enjoys discovering something beautiful on a stroll through the Gardens, this residency offers a rare chance to see creativity in action — and maybe even try your hand at it.