The 19th annual Coromandel Open Studios Arts Tour has wrapped up.
Over two weekends, the Coromandel came alive with creativity, connection and colour as artists opened their doors and welcomed visitors from near and far. By every measure, this year’s event was a huge success, the best one yet.
The opening night exhibition set the tone beautifully, drawing a record crowd and filling the space with energy, laughter and the unmistakable buzz of excitement that comes when a community gathers to celebrate art. The evening was officially opened by Leo Magri from Coromind, whose inspiring speech about creativity, courage and community struck just the right chord. His words reminded everyone why events like this matter; they bring people together and make space for art to thrive.
The crowd was clearly inspired too, so much so that the People’s Choice Award turned into one of the night’s biggest highlights. Newcomer Iona Matheson wowed visitors with her striking bird sculpture, taking home the top prize and plenty of admiration. Three lucky voters also went home happy, each winning beautiful art prize packs donated by the artists themselves – a lovely example of the generosity that runs through this creative community.
Over the course of the exhibition, more than 800 visitors came through the doors, exploring the studios and meeting the artists behind the work. Guests travelled from Auckland, Taupō, Tauranga, Te Awamutu, Matamata and all across the Coromandel Peninsula, eager to see what our region’s creative scene had to offer; they weren’t disappointed.
Everywhere there were smiling faces, great conversations, and new connections being made. Visitors described feeling inspired by the variety of work and the warmth of the artists who welcomed them in. The artists, in turn, were thrilled to see such genuine engagement and support. “It wasn’t just about people looking at the art,” one artist said. “It was about real conversations – sharing ideas, inspiration, and a love for creativity.”
A standout feature this year was the Signature Hunt, which encouraged people to explore multiple studios and really get out and about. It was a huge success, with many visitors visiting at least five studios to collect artist signatures.
The feedback was fantastic; people loved discovering new studios and meeting artists they might not have found otherwise. Three lucky winners received vouchers to spend with the artist of their choice.
Of course, an event like this doesn’t just happen on its own. Behind the scenes was a passionate team of organisers, sponsors and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make everything run smoothly. A huge thank you goes out to all the visitors, sponsors, prize donors and supporters, whose energy and enthusiasm made the tour such a joy. And a very special thank you to Coromind, whose partnership this year has been absolutely invaluable. Their support helped bring fresh ideas and new energy to the event, and the results truly showed.
After 19 years, the Coromandel Open Studios Arts Tour has become much more than just an art event – it’s a celebration of creativity, community and connection. Each year seems to build on the last, and this one felt particularly special.
“There was something magical in the air,” said another artist. “So many beautiful connections were made, it reminded us why we do what we do.”
With this year’s success still buzzing, plans are already underway for the 20th anniversary next year. If the 19th was anything to go by, it’s going to be a blast. Expect even more artists, more visitors, and more of that signature Coromandel creativity and heart.
Until then, here’s to those who made the 2025 Coromandel Open Studios Arts Tour such a shining success – the artists, the organisers, the visitors, and the community that makes it all possible. See you next year for the big 20th!
Click here to see the 2025 Open Studios Arts Tour Guide
Words by Charlene Scott
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