Amy Potenger will discuss the translation of her painting practice into the medium of monotype printmaking.
Booth 42
This event is free to all ticket holders and does not require an RSVP.
Archives: Events
Guided Tour: The Private Home of Pat and Gil Hanly
A rare opportunity to visit the home, studio and garden of Painter Pat Hanly and Photographer Gil Hanly. Experience a guided tour of the home by Claudia Pond-Eyley and Hanly House Project Manager Diane Blomfield, with works of Pat and Gil curated from the Arts House Trust collection.
The Hanly House project is an initiative to preserve the Mt Eden home and studio of iconic New Zealand artists Pat and Gil Hanly. The goal is to convert the property into a dedicated museum and artist residency, ensuring its legacy as a sanctuary for art, filmmakers, and writers. The home has been a focal point for the Aotearoa artistic community for over three decades, featuring a distinctive tropical garden designed by Gil Hanly.
The Arts House Trust stewards an archive of over 9,000 artworks, holding one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest private art collections. As an independent charitable entity, the Trust champions contemporary artists, while ensuring the long-term preservation and public accessibility of its collection.
Meet the Artist: Aida Tomescu at Fox Jensen McCrory
Join Aida Tomescu at Fox Jensen McCrory for the opening of her new show ‘A Long Thread of Attention’ with works by Colin McCahon and Aida Tomescu.
Charles and Janine Williams presented by Te Manawa
Charles and Janine Williams have an extensive art practice that expands the boundaries of graffiti, mural art and fine art. This husband-and-wife duo are renowned for their large-scale public mural art practice and their work can be found across urban landscape environments, business and corporate buildings and civic spaces throughout Aotearoa and the Pacific. Their art practice is increasingly found gracing the walls of galleries across the country. They present new works at the Te Manawa booth and Nigel Borell sits in conversation with couple to discuss their unique collaborative and the ideas behind the work.
Booth 19
This event is free to all ticket holders and does not require an RSVP.
Mark Smith & Felicity Jones, Co-Authors of ‘Case Studies’ presented by Lamplight Books
Mark Smith and Felicity, are the co-authors of Case Studies, a book for people who love plants and their stories.
Mark Smith has been making photographs since the late 1970s. His work has appeared in many national and international publications plus galleries. Some of his favourite projects have been the Cake Poster Collective, the book Once Removed (on tour with Neil Finn), Person, Place and Animal, a solo show at Artis Gallery, Auckland and Green Man with Deborah Smith and John Reynolds at the Black Barn Gallery, Havelock North. In 2018 he started an ongoing collaborative art project with Felicity Jones called Case Studies. He lives in Auckland with his family.
Felicity Jones is a botanical artist with a lifelong interest in all things plant related. Her small organic garden and the natural world beyond provide much of the inspiration and raw material for her work in floristry and set design. She is also a singer/songwriter and heads up the Grey Lynn Kitchen Choir.
Lamplight Books, Level Two.
This event is free to all ticket holders and does not require an RSVP.
This event is free to all ticket holders and does not require an RSVP.
Nicole England, Author of ‘Art in Residence’ presented by Lamplight Books
Nicole England is a Melbourne-based architecture and interiors photographer who has worked with many of the industry’s top architects and designers, both in Australia and abroad. When Nicole isn’t shooting architecture and design for work, she can be found photographing personal projects – most of which have an architectural focus. The best known of these is Resident Dog, which grew to become a book that captured the hearts of dog and design lovers around the world. She has also just released a new book, Art in Residence.
Lamplight Books, Level Two.
This event is free to all ticket holders and does not require an RSVP.
Christine Fernyhough, Author of ‘The Albino Kiwi & Other Rarities’ presented by Lamplight Books
Christine Fernyhough, author of The Albino Kiwi & Other Rarities; a curated selection from the author’s collection.
Christine Fernyhough is a philanthropist, sheep farmer, collector, and author whose many passions converge around a deep love of New Zealand and its people. Co-founder of Books in Homes with Alan Duff in 1994, she has dedicated decades to education and community, recognised with an ONZM and later a CNZM for her contributions. In 2004 she purchased Castle Hill Station in the Canterbury Alps, later sharing the story in her best-selling memoir The Road to Castle Hill. Her collecting life found expression through the Museum of the Everyday, established in 2015, and the 2019 publication Mid-Century Living: The Butterfly House Collection.
Lamplight Books, Level Two.
This event is free to all ticket holders and does not require an RSVP.
Guided Tour: Public Artworks in the CBD with Sara Hughes
Join Sara Hughes for a special guided walking tour of a selection of her public artworks in the CBD. This will focus on her artwork at the recently opened New Zealand International Convention Centre, ‘Iwi Rau’ a major commission that was a decade in the making. This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from the artist about the evolution of this project and others, and a unique chance to gain insight into the artists process and her passion for public art.
This is a walking tour, please wear comfortable shoes and bring an umbrella.
Meet outside the main entrance of the New Zealand International Convention Centre, 101 Hobson Street.
Private Home: Art Tour with Arts House Trust Curator
As part of Aotearoa Art Fair 2026, WALL Real Estate invites you to tour a brand new architectural home in Herne Bay – a unique experience of art and architecture in context. Hosted by and featuring a curated, contemporary selection of works from The Arts House Trust, the largest private collection in Aotearoa, this exclusive viewing will showcase a selection of standout pieces from the collection within a refined residential setting, to highlight the dialogue between contemporary art, design, and everyday living.
The Arts House Trust stewards an archive of over 9,000 artworks, holding one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest private art collections. As an independent charitable entity, the Trust champions contemporary artists, while ensuring the long-term preservation and public accessibility of its collection.
Aotearoa Art Fair Opening Night
Be among the first to experience Aotearoa Art Fair 2026 as the doors open and the art world comes together for one unforgettable night!
On Thursday 30 April, 5–9pm, the Viaduct Events Centre transforms into the centre of the art world as artists, collectors, curators, and art lovers gather to celebrate the opening of the Fair. Art, music, champagne, and extraordinary works from 200 artists across 25 countries. Expect a dynamic evening of art, music, conversation, and celebration – the perfect way to start the Fair.
Tickets are limited and sell out every year – book now to avoid disappointment!
A valid Opening Night ticket is required for entry. Buy tickets online.
Meet the Artist: Ruby Wilkinson and designers Ike, Tom, and Cosmo Conway in-store at Sylvester
A conversation with some of Aotearoa’s most exciting emerging creatives.
Ruby Wilkinson’s paintings are intimate, gestural and quietly commanding. Her work will be on show at the Aotearoa Art Fair with Jhana Millers Gallery, and for one evening you can meet her in person and see it up close. Joining her is Ike, Tom and Cosmo, who together have relaunched the beloved Sylvester label — carrying a cherished New Zealand fashion legacy into a new era.
Come for the conversation, stay for the collection. Explore Sylvester’s new Wings collection, hear from Ruby and Ike about what drives their creative lives, and enjoy 15% off in store on the night, while enjoying a glass of wine.
Guided Tour: The Private Home of Pat and Gil Hanly with Arts House Trust
A rare opportunity to visit the home, studio and garden of Painter Pat Hanly and Photographer Gil Hanly. Experience a guided tour of the home by an Art House Trust curator and Hanly House Project Manager Diane Blomfield, with works of Pat and Gil curated from the Arts House Trust collection.
The Hanly House project is an initiative to preserve the Mt Eden home and studio of iconic New Zealand artists Pat and Gil Hanly. The goal is to convert the property into a dedicated museum and artist residency, ensuring its legacy as a sanctuary for art, filmmakers, and writers. The home has been a focal point for the Aotearoa artistic community for over three decades, featuring a distinctive tropical garden designed by Gil Hanly.
The Arts House Trust stewards an archive of over 9,000 artworks, holding one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest private art collections. As an independent charitable entity, the Trust champions contemporary artists, while ensuring the long-term preservation and public accessibility of its collection.
Exhibition Opening: Rufus Knight et al. at Lett Thomas
You’re warmly invited to the opening of Rufus Knight et al. “Bound Earth” at Lett Thomas. Join us to experience the exhibition with both artists present and a glass of wine ahead of the public opening.
Meet the Artists: Pop-Up Gallery at Karen Walker, Britomart
To coincide with the Aotearoa Art Fair, the Karen Walker Britomart store will be transformed into a temporary gallery — four artists creating bold new work in direct conversation with one of New Zealand’s most iconic fashion brands.
Monica Rani Rudhar and Jess Swney (Foënander Gallery) alongside Julia Holderness and Josephine Cachemaille (SANDERSON) each respond to the Karen Walker world in their own distinct voice.
Join Karen Walker, the artists, and gallerist Lydia Cowpertwait for an in-conversation event, with Two Rivers wine and refreshments served. Plus, enjoy 15% off in store on the night.
Behind the Scenes Tour: University of Auckland Art Collection
You are invited to an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the University’s art collection from the storage space to the walls they adorn on campus. The tour will be led by Art Collection Advisor Madeleine Harvey and provide a rare glimpse into the Artstore, where attendees can see where artworks are stored, their handling processes, and what it takes to house a collection on site. The tour will also include viewing works from alumni artists of Elam, spotlighting their contributions to their practice and wider artistic spheres including works by Lisa Reihana, Fiona Pardington, and Robin White. There are limited spaces, so don’t miss out!
Artist Talk and Tour: 40 Anzac Studios complex
Join Sally McMath for a private tour of 40 Anzac Studios complex, offering rare access to 26 artists working across three floors. You will have the opportunity to meet a selection of these artists and explore how they undertake studio practice. Conclude your experience with an artist talk within a newly opened group exhibition onsite hosted by Treadler.
Artist Studio Visit: Te Rongo Kirkwood
Following Te Rongo Kirkwood’s international acclaim as New York’s Corning Museum’s Rakow commission winner, the artist invites you into her studio to meet and learn about her multimedia practice, including blown and cast glass, sculpture, video and performance art. Te Rongo and her studio team will also demonstrate the handling of hot glass.
Salon of Close Looking by Marleen Hartjes and Ane Tonga
Take a deep dive into Pacific Art, focusing on works in Tai Moana I Coastlines: Art in Aotearoa, guided by Ane Tonga (Curator, Pacific Art) and Marleen Hartjes (Senior Manager, Schools and Learning). You will be able to look closer than ever at how Pacific artists are harnessing performance, sculpture and customary practices in service to their communities. This ‘Salon of Close Looking’ will be conversational and interactive as we unpack artworks together through discussion and close looking.
Artist Talk and Studio Visit: Amanda Kemp, UKU Gallery
Join us for an exclusive VIP studio visit hosted by Amanda Kemp, owner of UKU Gallery. Amanda Kemp brings over 30 years of mastery to her art, captivating collectors and art lovers with her hand-built ceramic sculptures and evocative wall installations. Working between Aotearoa and Europe, Kemp’s creations stand out for their tactile beauty and spiritual depth.
Amanda will introduce the KURUTAI Collective showcasing a curated selection of contemporary ceramics by Māori artists from Ngā Kaihanga Uku and friends, Hineukurangi Collective, Te Atinga Contemporary Māori Visual Arts of Toi Māori Aotearoa, and Toi Ngāpuhi. These artworks will be exhibited across both the Aotearoa Art Fair and UKU Gallery.
Private Collection Tour: Herne Bay Home with Andrew (scrap) Wall
WALL Real Estate invite you for a private VIP home tour and a unique experience to enjoy art and architecture in context. Join Andrew (scrap) Wall from WALL Real Estate at this extraordinary Sumich Chaplin designed contemporary estate for a bespoke private collection tour of art, architecture and design featuring works by Michael Parekōwhai, Julian Dashper, Dale Frank, Rohan Wealleans and many more contemporary New Zealand artists.