1 December 2022
The annual Mercury Bay Art Escape Open Studios is all go for 2023 and takes place over the first 2 weekends in March. The Open Studios event offers the opportunity to experience the creativity of the Eastern Mercury Bay and meet local artists in their studios.
The Mercury Bay Art Escape Open Studios is an immersive fortnight in the Coromandel Arts and Tourism calendar. Besides a professional platform for artists to share their work, it offers economic benefits for local businesses and supports the economy prior to the quiet winter months, according to Stuart Christie, the new Chairman of the Mercury Bay Art Escape.
Showcasing the diverse artists of the Eastern Coromandel, the Mercury Bay Art Escape covers from Hikuai, south of Tairua, winds northward up through Hot Water Beach, Hahei, Flaxmill Bay, Cooks Beach, Whitianga township, Kuaotunu to Otama Bay and ends in Matarangi. The creativity in this collective of local artists is inspired by the Coromandel seascape and stunning natural environment.
As well as challenging experienced artists in the region, the Art Escape has become a bridge for the Year 13 art students at Mercury Bay Area school to enter the art scene. The Art Escape Scholarship is awarded to the top Mercury Bay Area School art student who will feature at the opening Gala event exhibition at Hot Waves Café & Gallery in Hot Water Beach and will then be mentored by one of the Art Escape artists.
The Mercury Bay Art Escape is an inspiration for the local community and the many visitors we welcome to our area. Mark the calendar for the first two weekends in March to enjoy this unique offering of inspirational art, great food, boutique breweries and exceptional hospitality. Bring your visitors to the open studios to engage with talented painters, printmakers, sculptors, jewellers, mixed media artists and the alchemist who practices the art of creating botanical inks.
