The Artery is a vibrant learning space for artists from all disciplines and students of all ages. We offer an affordable venue for artist to share their knowledge in bite-sized workshops for the community to sample. It is also available for casual bookings for groups, private workshops, or for individual use. Click the 'Artery Venue Hire Info' button, at the top of the page, for more information and to make an expression of interest.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

Watercolour Pencil Portaiture Workshop
with Helen English
In this workshop participants will have the opportunity to develop both watercolour pencil and portrait drawing techniques to encapsulate both the subjects and their own unique characteristics.
Professional watercolourist and portrait artist Helen English will guide participants through the various stages of portraiture through various observational techniques and practical applications, focusing on:
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Understanding facial proportions and skeletal structure.
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Utilising different techniques to determine individual proportions.
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How to create three dimensional artworks using light and shade.
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Progression of portrait using watercolour pencils.
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How pencils differ from traditional watercolour, and the range of what can be achieved with them.
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Using both pencil and watercolour pencil to create realism or a stylised portrait.
Tutor: Helen English
Date: 28th May 2022
Time: 10am – 4pm
Where: The Artery
Price: $120
All materials supplied, as well as tea coffee and nibbles.
Open to all levels of experience, ages 18 and over (unless accompanied by adult).
‘Drawing people, from my imagination and life, has been a constant since I was very young. I spent my childhood constantly drawing in whatever medium I could get my hands on. I began painting in my late 20s, starting with acrylic and oils, however when I discovered watercolour, in later years, it really felt like I'd found home! It's an amazing medium - so delicate by itself but so easy to add depth to with ink or watercolour pencil techniques. I have a teaching background, primary through to adults, so combining teaching with art is my happy place’.
You can see Helen’s work on her website HelenEnglishArtist.com
Follow her on Facebook @helenenglishartist and on Instagram @helenenglish_artist

Rongoa Balms Workshop
with Nettie Black
Nettie has a subsidised workshop and a full price workshop available. Bookings for both are now open. You can book into as many full price workshops as you wish, but only one subsidised workshop, so choose carefully!
In this workshop you will learn how to make balm for your first aid kit and family care with native plants. We will learn karakia and tikanga around harvesting. Learn about simple methods and tools for infusing medicinal plants with oil and their benefits.
Tutor: Nettie Black
What: Rongoa Balms - How to make a balm with a plant infused oil and / oil mixes
When: Saturday, 4th June
Where: The Artery
Workshop One:
SOLD OUT - Waitlist open
Time: 9am to 11am
Cost: $10
Workshop Two:
Time: 1.30 to 3.30pm
Cost: $75
All materials provided. You'll leave with you own handmade and packaged balms.
Nettie Black will be your facilitating tutor for this workshop. Some of you may already know her products, soaps, balms, oils range we have available at Okorore. Nettie has been a tutor in many different disciplines over the years: plant regeneration, pest control flora and fauna, rocking, sea kayak, rafting, orienteering, river kayaking, tramping, deep sea caving, sea trawler mahi, managing backpackers, raising sea chickens, duck surveying and tagging.
Nettie has a deep passion for nature and caring about people and is a powerhouse of knowledge when it comes to native plants and their medicinal purposes. She is very patient and laid back. You will have a great time at her workshop.

Parāoa Parai / Fry Bread Workshop
with Kelly Egan
This is a subsidised workshop in The Incubator’s Matariki series. You can only book into one subsidised workshop, so choose carefully! Bookings for all full price workshops are also open, and you may book into as many of those as you wish.
Step by step with guidance from your tutor Kelly, you will learn how to make fried bread.
No experience needed; however you will need to be confident frying your bread with hot cooking oil. If you would like someone to help you with that part until you are confident on your own, please let us know we can arrange one on one for you.
Tutor: Kelly Egan
What: Fry Bread
Date: Sunday, 5th June
Where: The Artery
Time: 10.30 am to 12.30pm
Cost: $10
Adults ONLY
What you will need to bring:
- Clean or new tea towel
- Fry pan to cook with
- Big bowl or big dish to take home your fried bread home
- Tongs
- Your favourite apron
Everything else will be provided
Fry bread (Parāoa parai) is a special treat and is often a staple made in many Māori households, special occasions, and marae. Kia tūpato though, because of it's deliciousness and...it may just go straight to your hips.
Trying new recipes on your own is not always easy. If making Fry Bread is something you've always wanted to give a go, we welcome you to sign up for this workshop.
Come and celebrate this Matariki with us, we'd love to have you along.
Important: If you are unable to make this workshop, please let us know immediately, so we can let someone else go instead.

Ipu / Flax Basket Workshop
with Aroha Kapi
Ipu are multi purposed baskets woven with harakeke (flax) and are traditionally used for customary purposes such as containing the whenua (placenta) of a newborn, they are great for storage and the perfect alternative to gift wrapping.
During this workshop you will weave both a base and a lid for your Ipu.
The workshop is designed for beginner weavers but some prior knowledge of the processes of weaving would be advantageous.
Tutors: Aroha & Sandra
Date: 11th June
Time: 11am to 1pm
Where: The Artery
Cost: $65
All materials and tools will be provided.

Rēwena Māori Bread Workshop
with Karin Egan
Learn to make and bake rēwena bread with Karin Egan, step by step, beginning with the mixture (bug). Take your bug home to ferment and let it rise over 7 days.
You will be able to keep in touch with Karin over Facebook in a private group for support and progress, pics, tips on finishing and cooking the perfect Rēwena in your oven at home.
Tutor: Karin Egan
Date: Saturday, 11th June
Where: The Artery
Time: 1.30 pm to 3.30pm
Cost: $10
Things you will need to bring:
- Glass mason jar 2 - 3 litres
- Mixing bowl
- An apron if you wish
All other ingredients and materials will be provided.
Please note: You are only allowed to be booked into one subsidised workshop. Booking system will go live 10 days prior to the workshop starting. If you are unable to make the workshop, please let us know immediately so we can let someone else go instead. The booking link will be available 10 days prior to workshop.

Kintsugi Workshop
with Ema Frost
Learn the magical art of Kintsugi with Artist Ema Frost in this new Workshop.
It's called kintsugi (金継ぎ), or kintsukuroi (金繕い). Literally, golden (“kin”) and repair (“tsugi”). This traditional Japanese art uses precious metals – liquid gold, liquid silver or lacquer dusted with powdered gold – to bring together the pieces of a broken ceramic item and at the same time, enhance and make a feature of the new seams.
You will take away your wonderful, finished work plus your knew skills which will enable you to further your own Kintsugi in your own time, as well as a new understanding of this beautiful art form, including historical background. You will also receive a Frosty Goodie bag.
This class is not just for budding or accomplished artists. It is for everyone to enjoy a relaxing evening of art and design with Ema.
Tutor: Ema Frost
Date: Sunday 12th June
AM Workshop: 10.30am - 12pm
PM Workshop: 2 - 4pm
Cost: $149
Where: The Artery
Materials supplied. Bring along a piece of your own pottery to restore. Ema will also have a few pieces available as back ups.
Ema Frost is a very clever Kiwi Artist, whose illustrations and ceramic works sit in many of our country’s best galleries, and whose products and merchandise sell in the most stylish design stores and gallery shops. Her style is enchanting - quirky, feminine and colourful, and clearly influenced by her travels throughout the world, usually off the beaten track. Ema is inspired by the mystery and magic found in Japanese and Maori Folklore, and this influence can be seen throughout her captivating and detailed images.
Visit her website www.emafrost.com
Follow her on Facebook @emajfrost and Instagram @emafrostartist

with Rhian Smith
Rhian has a subsidised workshop and a full price workshop available. Bookings for all full price workshops are open now and you may book into as many as you wish. The subsidised workshops are only open to book 10 days prior to the workshop and bookings are limited to one subsidised workshop per person.
Guided by Rhian Smith, in this workshop you will have the opportunity to prepare your own pigments and paint your own masterpiece while discussing how to respectfully harvest whenua without leaving a trace.
Tutor: Rhian Smith
What: Kōkōwai / Painting with Whenua
Where: The Incubator
Workshop One:
Date: Sunday, 12th June
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Cost: $10
Workshop Two:
Date: Saturday, 25th June
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Cost: $55
“Mā te kimi ka kite, mā te kite ka mōhio, mā te mōhio ka mārama.”
“Seek and discover, discover, and know, know and become enlightened.”
Ko Mauao te Maunga
Ko Tauranga te Moana
Ko Taakitimu, ko Mataatua, ko Ngātokimatawhaorua ngā Waka
Ko Ngāti Ranginui, ko Ngāi Te Rangi, ko Ngāpuhi ngā Iwi
Ko Rhian Smith tōku ingoa.
Growing up I was surrounded by a lot of mainstream standards to which I never really fit in. It wasn’t until I immersed myself into my Māori heritage and culture that I was able to see the potential in my own self and in my art.
I enjoy working with various mediums from harakeke and mahi raranga – weaving, to create my own pigments out of koha – gifts from whenua and moana and letting the pigments tell their own story on paper or canvas.
A saying that resonates with me is “Mātauranga doesn’t belong to you, you hold it on behalf of those who need it”. Therefore, I like to weave stories into my art as I believe art can create conversation and the opportunity of sharing mātauranga.
My mahi toi is inspired by my surroundings, the indigenous ability to tell stories in such visual and creative ways and most importantly my whakapapa.

with Alexandra Mostyn
This workshop will introduce participants to the traditional handmade craft of jewellery making – working with sterling silver.
First, participants will decide on a design and size. Using a jewellers' saw, they’ll then cut your precious metal, anneal, pickle, shape, form and solder your ring. Together, the group will discuss different types of solder and how they are used, as well as, filing and sanding metal. Rings will be finished with polish and if time allows, a bezel and stone can be added at an extra cost, depending on the stone.
Tutor: Alexandra Mostyn
Date: Saturday, 18th June
Time: 10am – 3pm
Where: The Artery
Cost: $205
All tools and materials supplied, as well as hot drinks and biscuits.
Participants must have their hair tied back, wear closed shoes and no loose clothing that may get caught in electric hand tools.
Alexandra Mostyn grew up in London where she studied jewellery design at Chelsea & Kensington College later going on to study a pre-apprenticeship at the London Guildhall University. Alexandra has been creating her own unique handmade jewellery for over 20 years as well as teaching workshops and private tutoring. Having worked for prestigious fine jewellery boutiques such as Theo Fennell, David Morris and Tiffany & Co, Alexandra is passionate about creating and teaching jewellery design. Her workshops teach beginner and intermediate level on how to create, problem solve and master techniques in creating handmade sterling silver pieces of art.
Check out Alexandra’s work @AlexandraMostynJewellery on both Instagram and Facebook

with Ngawaiata Sellers
Ngawaiata has a subsidised workshop and a full price workshop available. Bookings for all full price workshops are open now and you may book into as many as you wish. The subsidised workshops are only open to book 10 days prior to the workshop and bookings are limited to one subsidised workshop per person.
This is an introductory workshop and a contemporary take on the traditional Maori art form of tukutuku. In this introductory workshop we hope to inspire you to get weaving and tell your story through tukutuku.
Tukutuku are found in Wharenui (meeting house). The walls are adorned with Tukutuku panels each telling stories of our ancestors.
Tutor: Ngawaiata Sellars
What: Story Telling through Tukutuku
Workshop One:
Date: Wednesday, 15th June
Where: The Artery
Cost: $10
Time: 6.30 pm to 8.30pm
Workshop Two:
Date: Saturday, 2nd July
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Where: The Incubator
Cost: $75
Tukutuku are made with various materials such as natural fibres like kiekie and pingao. That are then traditionally dyed with flora and fauna native to Aotearoa. We will have some of these materials on display at the workshop so you can see and feel the different textures and familiarise something new.
The patterns of tukutuku have symbolic meanings, in this workshop you will learn the basics and go home with a handout to continue creating at home.

Intro to Planting by the Maramataka Workshop
with Rina Walker
This workshop is an introduction to the Maramataka / Maori Calendar and planting by its moon phases.
As a group, learn how to save seeds from your vegetable plants that have gone to seed; seed swap - please feel free to bring along any seeds you have ample of to share with others. We will have a go at creating seed labels as well as discuss how to keep and store those seeds.
Tutor: Rina Walker
Where: The Jam Factory
What: Intro to the Maramataka, seed saving and labelling.
Date: Saturday, 25th June
Time: 10.30 am to 12.30pm
Cost: $10
Adults only. Beginners level no expertise needed. Cuppa tea and refreshments supplied come celebrate Matariki with us.
Please note: You are only allowed to be booked into one subsidised workshop. Booking system will go live 10 days prior to the workshop starting. If you are unable to make the workshop please let us know immediately so we can let someone else go instead.

Timeless Portraiture / Maumaharatanga
with Kalena Egan
"He kitenga kanohi, he hokinga mahara"
"to see a familiar face is to stir the memory"
The same can be said with special items of clothing such as a favourite pounamu worn by your kuia or a coat worn by koro.
This year during our Matariki celebration we have an opportunity for whānau that will awaken the nostalgia of your whakapapa.
If you have various cultural taonga such as kākahu, korowai, medals, kilts, clogs, sari or even Koro's hat that you'd like to be photographed wearing we would love to help you create and re-create magical moments.
Being photographed cloaked in the memories of your whānau suited up in the armour of taonga and kākahu that were once adorned or lovingly made by your whānau will have you feeling empowered and connected.
The mauri and wairua of your whānau heirlooms will be encapsulated giving you the opportunity to celebrate and share these treasures for years to come.
We have a beautiful range of clothing and items to style you on the day as well.
We have an amazing professional team that passionate and excited, and have put this opportunity together special for Matariki this year.
Bookings are essential. Portrait sessions will take place 9am - 4pm, Sunday 26th June, Saturday 2nd July and Sunday 3rd July. Prices start at $150 for an individual, plus $50 for each additional participant. Professional makeup is available for an extra $50 per person as well as, moko kauae stamp for an extra $15.
When you make your booking select your time slot and add one Participant for each person that will be in the portrait. For example, if you want to do a solo portrait, add selected time slot and add one Participant. If you want a whanau of six, add selected time slot and add six Participants, plus however many moko kauae and makeup applications you would like.
Each individual or group will receive 1 edited image per person, plus two more. Each individual or group can choose who they would like in each photo. A whanau might like to have an individual portrait each plus one of the whole whanau, plus one with just the kids. Additional photos will be $50 each and can be arranged on the day.
Edited photos will be sent out via email within 10 days of photoshoot.
If you wanted to book for a group larger than six please get in touch.

Konae Kete / Raranga Workshop
with Lacey Bartlett
Create a small over the shoulder, two corner kete to hold your keys, phone and/or wallet.
Tutor: Lacey Bartlett
What: Konae Kete
Date: Sunday, 26th June
Where: The Artery
Time: 1.30 pm to 3.30pm
Cost: $55
Open to ages 12 years and up.
No experience needed; you will learn the process step by step with Lacey.
Harakeke (flax) and tools will be provided.

Let's Get Sticky
with Nancy Scott
The Incubator is very excited to present Hawkes Bay based group Let’s Get Sticky for their very first set of workshops with us here at The Artery!
Let’s Get Sticky’s alchemist Nancy will guide participants in a deep dive into their inner creative while they get hands on with the delightful realms of resin, gold leaf and inks.
‘You will create two round or square artworks, both 38cm wide. There are no rules. You will surprise yourself with the finished results. Check out Let’s Get Sticky Instagram feed for inspiration. The workshops are approximately two hours long, with a debrief and refreshments when completed. The resin takes at least a day to be touch dry, so pick up is within a few days. We supply everyone with plate hangers to hang your pieces with pride in your home.’
Tutor: Nancy Scott
Where: The Artery
Price $250
Two dates to choose from…
Friday, 1st July / 6 – 8pm
Saturday, 2nd July / 2 - 4pm
Click on the Book Here link to visit their website.
You can also follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/letsgetsticky.co.nz/
and Instagram @letsgetsticky.co.nz

Maramataka / Moon Phases Dial & Planting Calendar Workshop
with Rina Walker
You will be able to make your own Maramataka Dial to visualize the Māori moon phases for planting and learn how to use it.
Who: Rina Walker
What: Maramataka / Moon Phases Dial and Planting Calendar
Where: The Jam Factory
Date: 2nd July
Time: 10.30 am to 12.30pm
Cost: $55
Adults only.
Cuppa tea and refreshments supplied.
Beginners level, no expertise needed.

with Jo'el Komene
Date: Sunday, 3rd July
Time: 12pm – 4.30pm
Where: The Jam Factory
Price: TBC
2 hour presentation and demonstrations
2 hour taonga pūoro crafting workshop (pūrerehua, pongāihu hue, kōauau)
A brief, group performance
This 4.5 hour workshop will introduce you to the different families of traditional Māori musical instruments with a discussion about each. Construction techniques and materials, whakapapa (genealogical links) as well as tikanga (protocols) surrounding traditional performance using taonga pūoro. Demonstrations will embellish this workshop.
Participants will then spend two hours making a taonga pūoro and learning how to play them with tuition and guidance in the making process and playing techniques.
Participants will also be invited to contribute to a group performance using the taonga pūoro just made and/or playing the Rōreka - Jo'el Komene collection.
Jo’el Komene - Ngā Puhi / Tapuika / Tainui - BIT, BMVA, MA, Dip. T.
Jo’el is a taonga pūoro artist based in Tauranga, New Zealand. He has assisted in the revival of taonga pūoro having facilitated numerous wānanga exhibited whakairo taonga pūoro (carved instruments) in several exhibitions, recorded taonga pūoro for a number of organisations including Māori Television, Māori radio and local establishments; performed live using taonga pūoro in a range of contexts and practised Māori musical traditions in fulfilling his greater goal of assisting in the revival and maintenance of taonga pūoro on marae (Māori meeting places) and appropriately in broader contexts.
Taonga pūoro produce organic sounds viewed as the ancestral language of Aotearoa and the land, taking the listener and tuned ear into ancient times, being wrapped up in voices originating from aeons ago. This, Jo’el utilises as motivation for his passion for Māori art forms both tangible and intangible.

