Now in its 11th year, Open Studios Waitākere returns on November 22–23, 2025 (10am-4pm), bringing together more than 80 artists from across the Waitākere Ranges for a weekend of creativity, connection, and community spirit.

This much-loved annual event is one of the highlights of the West Auckland creative calendar, celebrating the incredible diversity of artists who live and work across the region. With the support of the Waitākere Ranges Local Board, across one inspiring weekend, more than 50 studios will open their doors, offering visitors a rare chance to step inside their creative spaces, talk to the makers, and see artworks in progress.

From painting, sculpture, and ceramics through to photography, printmaking, jewellery, and even tattoo, the event showcases the breadth of artistic talent in the Waitākere Ranges. Whether you’re an art collector, a curious local, or simply looking for a creative way to spend a spring weekend, there’s something for everyone.

The event is self-guided, with a downloadable map and brochure available on the website, making it easy to plan your own art trail. 

Studios are spread across the Waitākere Ranges Local Board Area including Glen Eden, Titirangi, Oratia, Laingholm, Te Henga, Piha and beyond.

“Open Studios Waitākere is all about connection,” says event organiser Renée Tanner of Lightbox Projects. “It’s an opportunity for the public to step into an artist’s world, to see the environment where the work is made, hear the stories behind it, and meet the people creating it. Every year, we see new artists join alongside returning favourites, and that mix keeps the event fresh, exciting, and deeply inspiring.”

Meet some of the artists

Angela Amerigo – Painting
New to Open Studios this year, Angela Amerigo brings a bold, vibrant energy to the line-up. Her work is characterised by saturated colours, dynamic gestures, and a passion for exploring feminist ideas. Visitors can expect to see works on paper in a variety of sizes, printed reproductions, demonstrations, and works-in-progress.

Melissa Hastings of Shaw Road Ceramics
Nestled among the apple orchards of Oratia, Shaw Road Ceramics was founded in 2018 by ceramicist and sculptor Melissa Hastings. With a background in film and theatre design, Melissa’s connection to the west coast of Tāmaki Makaurau led her into the world of environmental arts and community projects. Today, she creates functional stoneware and sculptural vessels characterised by soft, earthy tones and modernist-inspired forms. Visitors will find thoughtful work that reflects both fragility and strength, designed to bring beauty and calm into everyday life.

Post Objects – Candles & Sculpture
Post Objects is the collaborative practice of makers and designers Simon Oosterdijk and Elizabeth Wilson. Their innovative candle designs explore the forces of nature and the movement of matter, combining computer simulations with hand-building to capture action and flow in sculptural form. At Open Studios, they will showcase works in progress, finished pieces, and limited editions.

Open Studios Waitākere is a celebration of creativity, community, and connection made possible through art. Make a day of it, or spend the whole weekend exploring the studios of West Auckland’s talented artists.

Event Details

What: Open Studios Waitākere

When: Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 November 2025, 10am – 4pm

Where: Artist studios across the Waitākere Board area

Cost: Free entry

Website, download the map and meet the artists: www.openstudioswaitakere.co.nz

About Open Studios Waitakere
Open Studios Waitākere is an annual weekend opportunity for artists resident in the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area to open their studios to the public. With over 80 artists involved, and 45 studios from Piha to Glen Eden, Titirangi to Te Henga, it's an inspiring weekend out and about.

The weekend provides the opportunity to meet local artists, see art in action, purchase local artwork and learn about the creative process. Visit some of Waitākere's most celebrated artists including sculptors, painters, jewellers, illustrators, ceramic artists and photographers.  

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