From on-site installations and sculpture to fine arts photography, hand dyed silks and mosaic art, Raglan’s artwork is known to be both varied and accomplished.
This October, art lovers across the country will be treated to the fifteenth instalment of the Raglan Arts Weekend, with arguably the most impressive portfolio of artists to date.
Over 65 artists will be exhibiting in 43 studios, including 6 groups and 12 new studios for this year. “We’re excited to welcome some really well established and credible artists into our fold, including well known site-responsive artist Amanda Watson, whose work is made in-situ and has international acclaim,” says Nicky Brzeska, RAW’s Co-Ordinator.
Work such as this really encourages visitors to understand the processes behind the creations, which is exactly at the core of RAW. “This year, you can watch Ben Grant’s wood-bending demo at Rangitahi, catch Simon Dickey’s intense live kinetic painting on Volcom Lane, participate in an all-ages large art community canvas with Yaniv Janson, or watch Theo Arraj’s beautiful mural develop over the weekend at the Joyce Petchell Park,” says Nicky.
RAW followers will be delighted to see some popular artists return too, including Marise Rarere, Brodie Reynolds and Sebastian Hart. Other new RAW studios include Code Orange, Harrison Synnott, Echt Arts, Helen Parsons, Kayla Bacon, the Raglan Art group’s The Artfull Dodgers’ and ‘Velocity over Frequency’, an ocean photography exhibition.
Nature lovers are in for a treat too with Jean Carbon’s silk installation in the redwoods, Karin Bettley’s beautiful ceramic sculpture in her garden near Jean, or the very popular Waikeri Sculpture Trail back again this year, to name a few.
“It’s like a massive Choose Your Own Adventure exploring our beautiful coastline and township, unearthing all this interesting and inspiring mahi,” says Nicky. “Just grab a Raglan Arts Guide which has a map and choose your own route. If you need some help deciding where to go, visit our website or speak to our team at the Old School,” she adds.
Over its 15 years, RAW has grown into one of the North Island’s most favourite self-guided art trails, held over Labour Weekend every October. It’s grown since its inception to now include:
a three-week Preview Exhibition made possible by The Chartwell Trust
The Hatch, an emerging artist incubator, enabled by Rangitahi and the Waikato District Creative Communities
‘Artist Connect’ programme including an opening ceremony at Iso Bistro-Cocktail Lounge and a RAW-artist bus tour, in partnership with Bayleys Real Estate in Raglan
It’s also partnered with the Raglan Country and Blues Festival which will have various concerts and gigs throughout the weekend, meaning there is something for everyone in Raglan this Labour Weekend.
RAW Open Studio event: Sat 25 – Mon 27 October 2025, studios open 10am to 5pm
Visit www.raglanartsweekend.nz for more information or pick up a Raglan Arts Guide brochure and map from the iHub or the Old School Arts Centre.
RAW is a Creative Raglan Event, brought to you by the Raglan Community Arts Council, a not-for-profit. All funds are obtained from grants, partnerships and advertising from our business community. Without these organisations, this event would not be possible: Rangitahi Peninsula, Bayleys Real Estate in Raglan, The Chartwell Trust, Meridian Energy, Waikato District Council Creative Communities, Raglan Country and Blues Festival, Tony Sly, Artists at Work Gallery, Bing Ceramics, Amanda Watson, Orca, Freedom2Fly, Groundswell Property, Raglan Sunset Motel, Raglan Holiday Park, iHub, The Monster Company, Jet, the Old School Arts Centre, Raglan Signs and Mafia Design.
