Paper-Works Gallery Opens 2025 Christmas Exhibition with a Vibrant Showcase of 40+ Aotearoa Artists

Paper-Works Gallery officially opened its highly anticipated 2025 Christmas Exhibition on Wednesday evening with a full house of collectors, artists, designers, and local arts enthusiasts. The VIP preview event marked the beginning of the gallery’s summer season and coincides with this weekend’s Hawke’s Bay Arts Trail, offering visitors a timely cultural double-feature.

The exhibition features more than 40 contemporary artists from across New Zealand and abroad, showcasing an expansive range of contemporary works on paper from printmaking and drawing to mixed media, sculpture, and three-dimensional pieces under one roof. This year’s show brings together both established names and emerging talent, cementing Paper-Works Gallery as one of Hawke’s Bay’s vital hubs for contemporary art.

Gallery owner Annabel Sinclair-Thomson, known for her curatorial eye and decades shaping the region’s creative scene, described the evening as “a celebration of artistry, community, and the joy of gifting something meaningful.”

“This exhibition has become a cornerstone event for us,” said Sinclair-Thomson. “Seeing our artists, collectors, and supporters all in one room, especially ahead of the Arts Trail weekend, reinforces how strong and vibrant Hawke’s Bay’s artistic community truly is.”

Guests were welcomed with Beatrix Rosé Sparkling, generously provided by Alpha Domus, setting a warm tone for an evening of conversation, preview sales, and relaxed browsing among new works. Many pieces found homes during opening night, with several artists attending in person to meet collectors and discuss their practices.

The timing dovetails with the second weekend of the Hawke’s Bay Arts Trail (9–10 & 16–17 November), positioning Paper-Works as a must-visit stop for both local residents and out-of-town art seekers exploring the region.

Exhibition Details:

Paper-Works Christmas Exhibition 2025
Open to the public: 13 November – 24 December
Location: Paper-Works Gallery, 268 Clifton Road, Te Awanga
Hours: Thursday–Sunday, 11 am–3 pm
Free entry

Flexible purchase options are available, including MyArt interest-free art loans, allowing collectors to acquire original works through simpl,e staged payments.

About Paper-Works Gallery

Located in coastal Te Awanga, Paper-Works Gallery is dedicated to contemporary works on paper, representing a thoughtfully curated selection of New Zealand artists working across printmaking, collage, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media. The gallery hosts monthly spotlights, seasonal exhibitions, and special events, contributing significantly to the cultural fabric of Hawke’s Bay.