Auckland’s North Shore will come alive with creativity next month as Open Studios Kaipātiki, a brand-new immersive open-studio art trail, launches its inaugural event.

Taking place on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 November 2025 (10am–4pm), the weekend will invite the public to step inside the studios and creative spaces of local artists and makers across the Kaipātiki Local Board area.

For two days only, artists across suburbs including Bayview, Beach Haven, Birkenhead, Birkenhead Point, Chatswood, Birkdale, Northcote, Northcote Point, Glenfield, Hillcrest, Tōtara Vale, Marlborough, Sunnybrae, Wairau Valley and Windy Ridge will open their studio doors — offering visitors a rare opportunity to see works in progress, hear the stories behind them, and purchase original pieces directly from the artists.

“This event is about celebrating the creativity that already thrives in Kaipātiki,” says Renée Tanner, Creative Director of Lightbox Projects, the team behind the event. 

“It’s a chance for the community to connect with local artists, discover hidden studios, and experience the richness of our cultural landscape in a really personal way.”

Open Studios Kaipātiki builds on the success of Open Studios Waitākere and Open Art Studios Upper Harbour, community arts trails produced by Lightbox Projects. Together, these initiatives have welcomed thousands of visitors into working studios, strengthening the relationship between artists and their local communities.

A Diverse Range of Artists
The inaugural line-up features artists across disciplines from painting and textiles to ceramics, glass and sculpture.

• William Pratt With more than 40 years’ experience as a cabinet maker, William has found new creative freedom in sculptural woodturning - working exclusively with wet oak to explore the natural movement and tension within the timber. As the wood dries, it shifts and reshapes, revealing the unique character and story held within each fallen tree. In his studio, visitors can witness this transformation first-hand - from raw, unprocessed oak through to vessels in progress and a striking collection of finished works.
• Pippa Caldwell (Birkenhead) is an emerging painter working primarily in oils, creating nature-inspired scenes where people and their surroundings intertwine. Her bold black outlines give each piece energy and definition, and visitors will be able to watch her painting in progress.
• Rebecca Owen (Bayview) is an award-winning longarm quilter, known for her intricate designs and expressive use of colour and texture. Her work spans quilts, garments, and thread sketching, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation.
• TripleU Ceramics by Ute Wallbach (Beach Haven) specialises in hand-built ceramics, allowing the clay to guide organic and intuitive forms. Visitors can enjoy a welcoming studio atmosphere, with works in progress on display, pieces for sale, and even tea and homemade treats.
• Claire Redford (Northcote Point) is a painter of vibrant, colourful oils designed to bring joy into everyday life. In her studio, visitors can not only view and purchase framed paintings but also create their own small watercolour piece to take home.

These artists are just a sample of the artists that will open their studios to the community and Auckland art lovers this November.

Ahead of the event weekend, a preview exhibition hosted by Next Door Gallery in Birkenhead on Tuesday 11 November, 6pm–8pm. This will feature selected works from participating artists. The exhibition provides a taster of the full trail and gives art lovers the chance to view and purchase pieces in advance of Open Studios.

Art for the family

During the Open Studios weekend, families are also invited to drop into Our House on Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead, and create their own masterpieces together. A dedicated art activity will be available for children to enjoy, while parents can relax with a cup of tea and learn more about the services offered at Our House.

Supported by the Kaipātiki Local Board, the event reflects the board’s ongoing commitment to supporting local artists and investing in arts and culture across the region.

Visitors will be able to plan their own free self-guided trail via the official website, which includes an artist directory and interactive map.

Event Details:

• What: Open Studios Kaipātiki
• When: Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 November 2025, 10am–4pm
• Where: Artist studios across the Kaipātiki Local Board area
• Cost: Free entry
• Website: www.openstudioskaipatiki.co.nz

For more information and to plan their days and walk - head to www.openstudioskaipatiki.co.nz