The region has a growing art community with numerous galleries and markets plus a new art gallery, which opened in October 2007.
Whether you’re interested in Maori carving or abstract paintings, you’ll find lots of art in the coastal Bay of Plenty. Traditional Maori arts such as carving and weaving are alive and well, and can be viewed in markets, shops and on marae (meeting grounds) throughout the region.
Many artists are happy to have media and the public visit their home studios. The Arts & Craft Art Gallery Trail 2005/2006 provides contact information and sneak previews of the art and craft art available for public viewing at local galleries and artists' studios. Nearly all artists featured in the guidebook will open their home studios to visitors wanting to view and learn about art and craft art.
The Cargo Shed is an art and craft market where local artists and organisations can work and display their products to the public every Saturday and Sunday. There is a range of artists from contemporary and traditional Maori artists with carvings, jewellery, weaving, and painting. There are also multi media artists, spinners and weavers, pottery and garden art.
The Cargo Shed, located on historic Dive Crescent, has quickly become a hub of life and activity for the public and creative artists in the region.
