MAST2025 Welcomes 15 New Artists

The Mahurangi Artist Studio Trail (MAST2025) is back, bringing a fresh wave of creativity to the region with 15 new artists joining the lineup this year.  From Friday, 31st January to Sunday, 9th February 2025, art enthusiasts will have the chance to explore 48 artists across 25 open studios, with a special Members Showcase Exhibition at Trail Central in the Warkworth Town Hall. The event kicks off with an opening night celebration at Trail Central on Thursday, 30th January. Entry to all open studios and Trail Central is free, offering everyone an opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of Mahurangi’s artistic talent.

CREATIVITY, COMMUNITY & CONNECTION

From Top Left to Right:

ROW 1: Venue #3 Mark Lewington / Venue #4 Elvira Bakker / Venue #6 Lillian Fromont / Venue #7 Sonja Rose ROW 2: Venue#10 Trish Sinclair / Venue #10 Toni Atkin / Venue #10 Sioux Anich / Venue #12 Sue McFadden ROW 3: Venue #19 Julie Bourla / Venue #20 Kathy Stevenson / Venue #22 Brendan Adams / Venue #22 Louise Broadbent ROW 4: Venue #22 Rachel Waterhouse / Venue #23 Nicola Bedford / Venue #25 Hillary Austin / Venue #25 John Wright.

We spoke with some of the new artists about their excitement for MAST2025 and what they love most about working in their chosen media.

For Mark Lewington, joining the Mahurangi Artist Network is a long awaited goal. "I see this as a way to further expose my artwork to a wider audience, a means to share and learn from other artists, and also as a chance to meet and talk with people who are interested in art." Mark looks forward to connecting with the community and building new relationships through his work.

Ceramicist Brendan Adams shares Mark’s enthusiasm, but also appreciates the practical boost the trail brings to his creative practice. "MAST2025 is a great way to reconnect with our customers and showcase the beautiful piece of paradise we now call home," he says. His love for clay is evident. "I trained as a painter, but clay grabbed me with its endless possibilities. There’s no limit to what you can do with it, and as someone who loves to muck around with ideas, clay has been my perfect partner in crime."

Sue McFadden, who works with glass and paints, sees the trail as a chance to share her latest creations. "I’m eager to open my studio doors, to showcase my glassworks and paintings, and to share the stories behind each piece," she explains. "Connecting with like-minded artists and art lovers, hearing their feedback, it’s all part of the experience that helps me grow as an artist."

Lillian Fromont feels a mix of excitement and nerves as she prepares to present her paintings. "The Art Trail is a wonderful challenge, an opportunity to raise my standards and embrace the opinions—good and bad—of people I’ve never met before!" she says. "Will people like my work? Will some want to buy it? Bring it on, I say!" Lillian’s openness and readiness to engage with the public reflect the heart of the Art Trail experience.

For Nicola Bedford, MAST2025 is both an artistic and personal opportunity. Working with resin, Nicola delights in sharing the surprising, often unpredictable results that come with her medium. "Different types of resin and pigments, even the temperature, create different effects," she explains. "I always have some idea of what I want the final piece to look like, but the result after curing is often a wonderful surprise." She looks forward to inspiring others and offering workshops where visitors can explore their own creative potential.

Many of the new artists speak fondly of the journeys that brought them to their chosen media. Rachel Waterhouse finds working with clay to be deeply grounding. "The feel of clay in your hands is incredibly soothing and therapeutic," she reflects, noting the blend of elements—earth, fire, water, air, and space—that shape her work. Whereas Toni Atkins works with a very eclectic mixed media that she applies layer upon layer, “Ink, spray paint, acrylic and pastel.  The freedom to create inspires me.”  Meanwhile, Elvira Bakker reminisces about her first exposure to clay as a child. "I was hooked on clay by Yvonne Russ at her studio in Colombo Street," she recalls with a laugh. "Us kids weren’t allowed to touch it, but I watched Yvonne as she learned to throw on her old kick wheel and built a brick kiln right in the art room. When she fired it up for the first time, the fire engines arrived to keep the place from burning down! I've always played with clay since then."

Trish Sinclair, a painter, cherishes the versatility of oils, a medium that lets her play with both form and spontaneity. "I love the buttery texture of quality oils," she says. "I start quickly, letting my creativity flow, then I come back to refine the details at my leisure. A pop of colour or quirky element brings the painting to life."

From mixed media and ceramics to painting and weaving, each of the new artists brings their own style, story, and unique vision to MAST2025. The Art Trail is a celebration of Mahurangi’s artistic diversity, providing an intimate look into the creative spirit that thrives here. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or a curious newcomer, MAST2025 invites you to experience the many voices, talents, and stories that make our community extraordinary. We look forward to seeing you at the opening night and throughout the trail!