Waikouaiti Coast Heritage Centre

16/06/2026

Another artist featured in our June exhibition is Jackie Matheson, a member of the Otago Art Society who dabbled and painted from a young age. "Now with more time on my hands I am really enjoying getting seriously back into my art... I have also successfully exhibited and sold my work."

Come in today or tomorrow between 1-4pm or Friday - Sunday between 10am - 4pm to see Jackie's art, alongside other local artists. Most artwork is for sale so you can enjoy it well beyond the exhibition by having it in your home!

We still have two events coming up that are part of our 5th birthday celebrations:
🎨June 20th @ 2-3pm Zenobia Southcombe presentation (just turn up at our Heritage Centre)
🎨June 26th & 27th @ 11-3pm Sue Lean "Introduction to Painting in oil" workshop - txt 022 0145596 to register

12/06/2026

Here are some images from another of the artists exhibiting at our Heritage Centre during June. Jeff Matheson says, "Having been my wife's critic for many years, I decided to give her an opportunity to respond. Painting gives me time to experiment and try new things as I now have retired."

Come in today and tomorrow between 10am - 4pm to see Jeff's beautiful artwork, as well as other artwork by talented local artists.

12/06/2026

Did you know that the majority of art on display at our June exhibition is for sale? Make sure you visit us over the weekend from 10am - 4pm to have a look at our talented local artists.

One of our artists is Jenny Longstaff, whose paintings are often reminiscent of stained-glass windows. Her subject matter incorporates rural themes, respect for nature and our relationships within it. "Depictions of scenery aim for a ‘sense of place’ rather than being specific locations," says Jenny.

11/06/2026

Thanks to everyone who came along to Jenny Longstaff's presentation on 'Why old stuff matters: the place of heritage in communities' earlier this week.

We have more workshops and presentations coming up as part of our 5th birthday celebrations - check them out below.

🎨June 12th & 14th @ 11am - Ngahuia Crossman's workshop on "The art of showing up" (register at www.inspiringdesign.co.nz)

🎨June 20th @ 2-3pm - Zenobia Southcombe presentation (just turn up at the Heritage Centre)

🎨June 26th & 27th @ 11-3pm - Sue Lean "Introduction to Painting in oil" workshop (register by emailing [email protected] or fill out the form at the Heritage Centre)

We look forward to seeing you and your friends soon!

05/06/2026

Happy 5th birthday to us! We had a fabulous opening event for our June artist exhibition to celebrate five years since our new Heritage Centre opened. Make sure you come in to have a look we're open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1-4pm and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am - 4pm.

Check out our other posts to sign up for a workshop. We are very lucky to have such amazing support from our community - a very big thank you to you all, as we couldn't run our volunteer-led museum and gallery without your help. :)

02/06/2026

Sign up for an oil painting workshop with local artist Sue Lean on Friday 26 June.

For only $25 (to cover some of the materials), join this one-day workshop (11am - 3pm) where you will be guided through the process of painting in oils. It's perfect for helping you decide if oil painting is for you, whether you are a beginner or already painting in acrylics, water colours or pastels.

Paints, a small canvas and other materials for mixing and experimenting on will be provided. All you need to bring is an apron or old shirt, an easel or table easel if you have one, lunch, and enthusiasm.

Sue will cover the fundamentals of painting in oils, such as grounds, types of brushes, colour mixing, tonal value and techniques. Instruction will be largely in reference to representational painting (still-life, landscape, portrait) but will apply to any style of painting. You will be encouraged to experiment, and to explore various ways of applying paint. You will then have a chance to put it all into practice by producing a small study on canvas to take home with you.

Register for the workshop either in person at our museum or sending a text to Sue 022 014 5596.

Spaces are limited so get in quick! A second workshop may be arranged for Saturday 27 June if there's demand.

28/05/2026

As part of our June celebrations for five years since our Heritage Centre opened, some of our local artists are offering a series of workshops. Perfect for keeping you busy over winter!

🎨June 7th @ 2-3pm - Jenny Longstaff is presenting "Why old stuff matters: the place of heritage in communities (just turn up at the Heritage Centre)

🎨June 12th & 14th @ 11am - Ngahuia Crossman's workshop on "The art of showing up" (register at www.inspiringdesign.co.nz)

🎨June 20th @ 2-3pm - Zenobia Southcombe presentation (just turn up at the Heritage Centre)

🎨June 26th & 27th @ 11-3pm - Sue Lean "Introduction to Painting in oil" workshop (register by emailing [email protected] or fill out the form at the Heritage Centre)

We look forward to seeing you and your friends at one of more of these fabulous workshops.

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21/05/2026

We have another fabulous artist to feature in the lead-up to our June exhibition to celebrate five years since we opened the new Waikouaiti Coast Heritage Centre.

Zenobia Southcombe's work is inspired by her love of the outdoors. "When not painting, you will often find me enjoying the company of birds and butterflies in the garden."

We've been lucky to display some of her beautiful art in our gallery.

18/05/2026

We'd like to share another artist who will feature in our June exhibition to celebrate five years since our new Heritage Centre opened.

Sue Lean was born and bred in Waikouaiti and began painting the sights around her at a very young age. "After being away for so long, I find myself back and focusing again on the local scenery, perhaps in celebration of being back home."

We're excited the exhibition isn't too far away now, and will let you know soon about some exciting presentations and workshops we also have planned. Watch this space!

13/05/2026

To celebrate five years of our Heritage Centre being open. we are holding a major art exhibition this June.

One of our artists is Christopher Willmott, a visual artist living in Waikouaiti after moving to New Zealand 13 years ago.

"I am excited to be a part of this exhibition as the Heritage Centre is a real asset for Waikouaiti for proudly showing the town's heritage, and for showcasing local artists and crafts people to show their talents in different areas."

Make sure you come and check out Christopher's art as well as other local artists from 4-28 June (and of course, you are welcome to visit us before then as well!). We're open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1-4pm, and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am - 4pm.