Open studios: 7-8-9 & 14-15-16 March 2026
Words by Kate Beauchamp
In 2026, Mercury Bay Art Escape proudly marks its 20th anniversary. Art Escape has grown into the Eastern Coromandel’s premier arts event, showcasing the work of more than 50 talented local artists.
The popular Open Studios Tour is a free event held over the first two weekends of March. It offers the opportunity to visit artists in their studios, see works in progress, learn what inspires them, and purchase original art directly from the source. Each year, the tour features a rich and eclectic mix of creative mediums.
Artists from Pauanui to Whangapoua will open their studio doors, inviting visitors to plan their own art trail and explore the region’s vibrant creative community. From pottery and sculpture to painting, photography, weaving, jewellery, glass, mosaics, silk art and artisan blacksmithing, there is truly something for everyone.
In 2026, Open Studios will run on Saturday, Sunday and Monday across the first two weekends in March. Hot Waves Café at Hot Water Beach displays one artwork from each participating artist.
Mercury Bay Art Escape 2026 opens with the annual Gala Event on Friday 6 March at Hot Waves Café, Hot Water Beach. This popular event is now sold out.
If you miss the March Open Studios, many artists are open by appointment at times during the year and welcome visitors.
To help plan your visit, pick up a free, colourful Mercury Art Escape Guide or download it online at www.mercurybayartescape.com.
An enormous thank you to our sponsors: Bayleys Coromandel; Lea Jurkovich, Bayleys; Guthrie Bowron, Whitianga; CFM Coromandel; Basker Modern Beach Kitchen, Whitianga; Kūaotunu Bay Lodge, Kūaotunu; Create Digital, Cooks Beach; The Coromandel Informer; Coromind; Hot Waves Café, Hot Water Beach; Hot Water Beach TOP 10; Gather Curated Workshops, Tairua; The Pour House, Hahei; Stephensons Unichem, Whitianga; Forsyth Barr, Auckland; Whitianga Art Gallery, The Whitehouse, Coroglen; Mercury Twin Cinema, Whitianga; You Travel, Whitianga.
For more information on this years Mercury Bay Art Escape you can follow them on social media or check out their website below!
