MAST2026: Thank You for an Unforgettable Trail
- Karena de Pont
- Feb 20
- 7 min read
The Mahurangi Artist Studio Trail 2026 wound up on Sunday, 8th February, after ten vibrant days that included the holiday weekend celebrating Waitangi Day. What a trail it has been.
This year the Trail grew by a third — a jam-packed map of studios, shared venues, pop-ups and exhibitions that reflected not only an increase in numbers, but an increase in confidence. There were many new artists, new studios, and fresh energy woven throughout the region. Visitors commented again and again on the diversity, quality and warmth of the experience.
Opening Night – A Strong Beginning
Opening night set the tone beautifully, with more than 250 people filling the Warkworth Town Hall. The presentation format this year — fewer individual “studio spaces” and a more open gallery feel — was warmly received. One visitor commented that it “looked like an art show rather than a craft show,” appreciating the breathing space around the Members’ Showcase Exhibition.
We extend heartfelt thanks to our two guest speakers including the Albany Manager of Gordon Harris, Gemma Thomas, who supported the Most Memorable Artist prize linked to our Visitor Passport initiative, and Trish Allen from Less Waste, who partnered with us in our Fundraising Challenge.
Trail Central – The Beating Heart
Trail Central at the Warkworth Town Hall once again became a hub of activity. Behind the scenes, it required tremendous effort — collecting plinths from Estuary Arts Centre, coordinating volunteers, installing the Members’ Showcase Exhibition, and ensuring every last artwork departed safely 11 days later.
This year ran especially smoothly thanks to the artists in residence who ensured at least three people were always on hand to answer questions, explain the Trail, and help visitors plan their routes. The Hall was rarely empty. Groups of friends gathered there before setting off in a single car, mapping out their day over coffee, often returning to share discoveries.
Many visitors followed the Trail for several days, planning their Trail adventure alongside stops at local cafés and restaurants. The sense of community — artists and visitors alike — was palpable.
Visitor Passports – A Hit
The introduction of Visitor Passports added a playful and engaging layer to the Trail. Collecting stamps, debating favourites, and entering the draw for the Most Memorable Artist prize created lively discussion.
One group of friends spending the weekend on the Trail laughed: “These are great and make the whole Trail more exciting for us as we all disagree about who our favourite artist/studio is. Thankfully, we all have separate passports!”
We are currently collecting completed passports from venues, with the prize draw to take place when artists gather on 22nd March for our post-trail meeting.
When Life Happens – Community Matters
In the week leading up to the Trail, storms caused road slips. During the Trail, life intervened for some artists — funerals, ill parents, unexpected closures. What stood out was the quiet strength of the Network community. Artists supported one another, stepped in where needed, and extended understanding when plans shifted.
Nothing ever goes entirely to plan — but the spirit of generosity carried us through.
Creativity for All – Trail Workshops
There were four workshops on offer this year. They are always well attended with many returning to workshops enjoyed from previous years as well as first timers trying something for the first time.
From a two-year-old beginner to adults rediscovering markers after many years, Noila Souza’s “Paint, Party, Paint | Posca Pen” workshop was a reminder of what happens when creativity is nurtured in a safe and encouraging space. One particularly moving moment involved a young girl who arrived unsure of her abilities. With gentle encouragement and step-by-step support, she completed her artwork and immediately began a second. Her mother, a teacher, later said: “You are doing magic here. She never believes in herself.”
Happy participants from Noila Souza's Creative Painting: Paint, Party & Paint workshops and
Nicola Bedford's Creative Resin Art: Wear Your Art workshops.
Stories from the Studios – Moments That Mattered
One of the enduring joys of the Trail is that no two studio visits are ever the same. As one visitor said while travelling through Leigh, “Each studio visit is like a surprise — you never know what awaits!” That sense of discovery echoed across the region — from rural sheds and garden studios to shared venues humming with conversation.
Shared studios in particular proved to be a highlight this year. Visitors loved encountering a range of practices in one location, and artists appreciated the camaraderie. At Sandra Mather’s studio on the outskirts of Warkworth, the energy of collaboration was tangible. Although open for only six days, the venue welcomed a steady flow of visitors, many guided there after seeing works exhibited at Trail Central. One visitor commented: “Great to have such a variety of artists at one venue. Really love the Raku experience. A beautiful location to come to.” Artists spoke of how sharing the space made the long days lighter — conversations flowed, ideas were exchanged, and there was always someone to welcome the next car arriving at the gate.
At Foundation Gallery in Leigh, visitors from Whangārei expressed how much they valued seeing artists actually at work — sketchbooks open, materials laid out, works in progress mid-thought. Observing process as well as product added depth to their experience. The Trail isn’t only about finished pieces on walls; it’s about insight into how and why art is made.
The warmth of hosts was another recurring theme. One visitor described their time at a rural studio as “an amazing experience,” praising the generosity and hospitality that made them feel less like customers and more like welcomed guests.
Then there were the quiet, unforgettable moments — the kind that can’t be planned. Joy Bell shared one such encounter. An older gentleman sat quietly while others chatted around him. Later, he looked her directly in the eye and said her glass wall was “the most beautiful thing he had ever seen in his life.” “And I believed him,” she reflected. Sometimes the simplest words stay with us the longest.
At his Puhoi studio, Frank Watson was showing a bronze pear to a tourist from Ireland who had just followed the Trail road signs. She held the pear and remarked how warm it felt in her hands. The next day, she returned to buy it after learning her sister in Ireland had passed away at the very time she had been holding it — a poignant moment none will forget.
Visitors also embraced the playful rhythm of the Trail itself — cars pulling in and out of driveways, trailers parked roadside, maps unfolded on bonnets, and animated discussions about which venue to visit next. At one garden studio, a delighted visitor declared, “I need some more of Maggie’s art for my garden!” before thanking organisers for “a most enjoyable 10 days.”
Artists as Visitors – Inspiration in Reverse
Not every Network artist opened a studio this year. Some intentionally stepped into the role of visitor — and found it transformative. Fee Blankley chose to experience the Trail from the other side: “Seeing and listening to the multiple ways artists renew their creative edge… The shared community within studios gave me insight into how artists teach and share with family. I wanted to paint a lot after my visits. It’s given me a great boost to be ready next year.” Her reflections highlight something important: the Trail is not only a showcase for the public, but also professional
adevelopment for artists themselves.
Similarly, Sandy Smith explored the Trail with her daughter, travelling to places they had never visited before. “We really loved connecting with the other artists,” she shared. That sense of mutual encouragement — artists supporting artists — threads quietly through the event each year.
And perhaps one of the most affirming endorsements came from seasoned art trail followers throughout Aotearoa when visiting Sue McFadden of Mi Studio, “We continually visit every art trail that we can all over New Zealand and this one has the best quality and standard of art in any one area. It’s our favourite trail.” High praise — and a testament to the depth, diversity, and dedication of the artists who make the Mahurangi Artist Studio Trail what it is.
Together, these stories — of surprise, generosity, inspiration, and quiet connection — form the true heart of MAST2026.
A Trail of Connection
Across ten days we saw friendships renewed, confidence built, first sales made, tears shed, laughter shared, and countless cups of coffee poured. We saw artists step into ambassador roles, visitors step into creative curiosity, and a region step confidently into its identity as a place where art thrives.
Thank you to every artist, volunteer, sponsor, café owner, road-sign installer, workshop tutor, Trail Central helper, and visitor who made MAST2026 what it was.
The map may be folded away for now — but the conversations, the inspiration, and the momentum are very much alive as we begin planning for MAST2027.
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