Every Tuesday, the historic old Salvation Army Barracks building in Ōpōtiki comes alive with creativity. Its rooms fill with laughter, friendship, learning, and a growing community of talented artists who gather to share their passion for creative expression.
The Ōpōtiki Art Society has experienced remarkable growth, with membership tripling over the past three years. What began as a small gathering of artists has become a thriving hub where people of all ages and abilities come together to learn, create, and inspire one another.
Image credit: Anita Burgess Photography
Creating connections through creativity
At the heart of the Society is a simple but powerful mission: to teach, learn, and help people appreciate art and creativity in all its forms. While pottery has attracted many new members, the Society also nurtures a diverse range of artistic practices. Painting in oils, watercolours, and acrylics remains popular, while jewellery making, textiles, and woodwork feature strongly in the Society's vibrant exhibitions, held three times each year in the historic Salvation Army Barracks building.
Members meet every Tuesday from 10am to 4pm and again from 3pm to 6pm, creating opportunities for people to relax, develop new skills, explore different art forms, and enjoy the company of fellow artists and creatives. The welcoming atmosphere encourages everyone, from complete beginners to experienced practitioners, to discover and nurture their artistic talents.
Image credit: Anita Burgess Photography
A lasting source of support for local arts
As the Society celebrated its 50th anniversary, it also took an important step to secure its future. The launch of the Ōpōtiki Art Society Endowment Fund reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that creativity continues to flourish in our community for generations to come.
Established to provide permanent support for the Society, the Endowment Fund will create a lasting source of funding that helps maintain a place where artistic freedom, learning, and creative expression can thrive. The vision is simple yet ambitious: to ensure there is always a space where people can gather to create, connect, and contribute to a vibrant arts culture in the Ōpōtiki district.
Managed by the Eastern Bay Community Foundation, the Fund enables local generosity to deliver lasting impact. Gifts made today will continue supporting the Society well into the future, helping to build a resilient and thriving arts community for generations of artists yet to come.
The extraordinary growth of the Ōpōtiki Art Society demonstrates what is possible when community, creativity, and vision come together. With growing membership, energetic volunteers, and a secure foundation for the future, positivity abounds in Ōpōtiki. The Society invites everyone to explore their creative side and discover the joy that comes from making art, learning new skills, and being part of an inspiring community.
Creativity takes many forms. Whether you're interested in pottery, painting, textiles, jewellery, woodwork, or simply sharing time with like-minded people, the doors of the Ōpōtiki Art Society are open and welcoming to all. There is an exhibition planned in mid-November.
To find out more about their endowment fund and how you can be part of the Ōpōtiki Arts Society’s future click here.
