If you’re interested in running your own workshop or event at The Arts Village, we are always open to new ideas! Get in touch with us at office@artsvillage.org.nz for more information.
Take a look below at all the info you need for what has been planned ahead
Mahi Raranga – Earings
with Miria Kalman
Join Miria as she introduces you to taonga tuku iho. A multidisciplinary artist where her practice is deeply grounded in mahi raranga. Learn to make harakeke earrings, either as a gift or to keep
$10 per ticket
all materials included
@ Eric Bridgeman room, The arts Village
Clay Charcuterie Workshop
Wednesday 11th March ,
6pm – 8pm
Get ready for a fun-filled Adult Clay Handbuilding Class. In just two hours, everyone will shape and craft their very own stunning charcuterie board out of clay, no experience needed! Whether you’re a DIY pro or just here for the vibes, the creativity is endless.
Once the masterpiece is complete, it’ll be glazed, fired, and ready for pickup*
And because everything is better with snacks, feel free to bring your favourite drinks & treats. Mark those calendars, this is going to be a blast! Don’t miss out!
$30 per person
All materials included
@ The arts Village, Studio 2
Rug Tufting
Friday 13th March, 5pm -7pm
Join the new trend!
Learn the craft and make your own modern rug or wall hanging with friends, coworkers, or loved ones. From the tufting gun to the projector for sketching your design to cotton yarn, we have everything you need in the workshop.
$120 per person
all materials included
@ The arts Village, Studio 2
Clothes Swap with snacks!
Friday 20th March ,
6.30pm – 7.30pm
Accessibility – We want everyone to feel welcome at our events, if you have any physical, sensory, or other accessibility needs, please make contact ahead of time so we can support you.
Photography – Please note that photographs and videos may be taken at our events and used on our social media and website. If you or your children do not wish to be photographed, just let a staff member or volunteer know when you arrive.
Transport – To minimise environmental impact, we encourage walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transport to attend. Please note that some venues may have limited parking available.
Sustainable Backyards – This event is part of the 2026 Sustainable Backyards series. Check out our other event listings here or follow us on Facebook.
$5 per person
All materials included
@ The arts Village, Studio 2
Whakaahua mai – Portrait sessions with Oriwia and Calida
Saturday 21th March ,
Step into the past and honour your presence through portraiture.
Book a 20-minute sitting and be photographed. Inspired by Te Ao Maori with the option of moko stamps and traditional portrait props such as piupiu and hue. This experience invites you to explore identity, heritage, and creative expression in a unique and memorable way.
Perfect for individuals, whānau, or anyone wanting a timeless keepsake with cultural depth.
If you would like to bring your own kakahu or taonga please do!. Ensure everyone is mostly dressed before arrival for a seamless no stress sitting.
Please make sure you are wearing Black bottoms and black/white singlets and your best pukana! Bleh!
Limited sessions available — bookings essential.
20min sittings
$10.00 per person
4 people max per sitting
1 digital image
@ The arts Village, Studio 2
Wrap for Purpose Harakeke shroud paper making
Saturday and Sunday 28th and 29th March, 9am – 3pm
Immerse yourself in an inspiring, hands-on demonstration of harakeke shroud making with acclaimed artist Jane Johnson-Matua.
Jane is dedicated to creating sustainable materials for natural burials and works passionately with mixed media across both 2D and 3D art forms. In this workshop, she shares her deep connection to whānau, whakapapa, and whenua, guiding participants in the traditional and respectful use of indigenous harakeke in shroud-making.
Each workshop is held over two days at The Arts Village, Rotorua. By the final day, participants will leave with a completed harakeke shroud, suitable for natural burial, burial, or cremation.
$120 per person
All materials included
@ The arts Village, Studio 2
Enviro Screening
Friday 27th March ,
6pm
In conjunction with the exhibition “And Again!” Envirohub will be presenting a screening about fashion to inspire change for the better of our environment.
$5 per person
All materials included
@ The arts Village, Studio 1
Get Up and (Van) Gogh Artspiration for Adults with Too damn lippy
Wednesdays
Hour long creative exercise sessions for your imagination, which do not focus on your level of skill, or the quality of your output, what is important is the enjoyment and mindfulness you will find in the process.
These sessions are an absolute passion project of mine, borne from the strong desire to give our community art as a useful tool in the betterment of mental health and wellbeing.
Every week I put together creatively engaging exercises with simple materials, which will sometimes push you outside of your comfort zone, but should no matter what allow your brain to become deeply absorbed into a state of mindfulness, and ultimately leaving you feeling a sense of calm, even joyfulness, by the end of the session.
Attendance is on a casual basis, so there is no need for a whole term of commitment, just come as you are able.
No matter your skill set, if you are aged 15-109 you are warmly welcome to join us!
Suitable for any level of skill, all are welcome to attend.
Please join the Get Up and Van Gogh facebook group to keep up to date with class info.
$15-$20 per person
all materials included
@ The arts Village, Studio 2
