Lower Hutt Art Trail

07/06/2026

Well, well, well!

We're excited to start sharing who's who on the 2026 Lower Hutt Art Trail! Which of your favourites are set to return, who is fresh and new and who's going to be where.

It's shaping up to be another great year and we can't wait to share it with you all!

24/04/2026

Muriel Hopper entries are open now.

Artists from the Hutt Valley are invited to enter the Hutt Valley’s premier art event - the 12th Muriel Hopper Art Awards. Now in its twelfth year, the Muriel Hopper Art Awards have become a highly-competitive cornerstone of the local arts calendar, showcasing the richness and diversity of creative talent from across the Hutt Valley.
A key highlight of the Awards is the involvement of three nationally renowned judges, each highly respected in their field. The judges jury the exhibition, and their expertise ensures that the awards recognise not only technical excellence, but also originality, creativity, and the ability to connect with audiences. The judges will award several prizes, including the Overall Winner ($1000.00) and Highly Commended Awards ($400.00), identifying standout works from across the exhibition. There will also be two people's choice awards ($100.00). Entries cost $30 per artist ($20 for Hutt Art members), which is not refundable if your work is not selected. Note: Work must be original (no copies, classwork, or AI) and not breach any copyright or IP. Maximum of two works per artist. For full T&Cs see https://www.huttart.co.nz/copy-of-events

23/04/2026

We're thrilled to hear that MIX artist Daniel Phillips has been shortlisted as a finalist for the 2026 Adam Portraiture Award. Congratulations, Daniel!

If you haven't heard of MIX yet, they're a mental health community service offering programmes in art and wellbeing in Lower Hutt, with the motto "Connecting, Creating, Living".

They've also been with us since the first Art Trail, and have been a crowd favourite from the get-go. We're so privileged to have them onboard for a third year! MIX is back in the mix 🤩

Art Awaits | Follow the Trail

18/04/2026

Our New Artist search is still open, but hurry, you've only got until the end of the month to apply!

We're keen to hear from anyone in Lower Hutt with an art practice or unique space - even if you're not 100% sure if the Art Trail is for you, we're happy to chat about any questions you might have.

Head on over to the Lower Hutt Art Trail website to apply today!

31/03/2026

Hello! Did you miss us?!

We're hard at work behind the scenes, preparing for what we hope will be another successful Lower Hutt Art Trail for 2026 on the 17th and 18th of October!

Returning artists are now confirmed, and we're opening up expressions of interest for new artists to join us!

You've got until the 1st of May 2026 to head on over to our website, where you'll find an application page.

Please note that we anticipate getting more applications than we have places on the trail, so there is a selection process, and applying won't guarantee you a spot. We try to ensure there is a range of locations, disciplines and artists, and can't wait to see more of the talent we have in Lower Hutt!

Any questions, please reach out to the team!

27/12/2025

Meri Kirihimete and a Happy New Year, Trail-sters 🥂🎄

Our little gift to you all as we head into the new year is the date for the 2026 Lower Hutt Art Trail; make sure to get the 17th and 18th of October into your diaries for another weekend full of local talent and creativity!

While we're here and talking about the Art Trail, if you have any feedback that you think could make the next Trail bigger, better or even more interesting, our feedback survey is live and we're keen to hear from you. Of course, if you just want to let us know how much you enjoyed yourself on the Trail this year, we'd also love to hear all about your highlights!

https://lowerhuttarttrail.co.nz/survey.html

Art Awaits | Follow the Trail

19/11/2025

This might be a little belated, but what a weekend!

Firstly, thank you to all of our visitors for braving the weather and visiting so many of our artists over the Art Trail weekend, we loved seeing you all out and about!

As for our incredible sponsors and supporters, we want to give the most heartfelt thanks and appreciation to:

Hutt Art
CreativeNZ
Hutt City Council
Hutt Mana Charitable Trust
Nicky & Bernie Kane
Silbery Roofing Ltd
Southend Business Group
Alfred Memelink Artspace Gallery
Pito One Depot
Earthlink
Resene
Hutt City FM
Wellington Access Radio
The Post
Wainuiomata News
I love Petone - Jackson Street Project

The generosity and support of these individuals, organisations and businesses is what keeps the Lower Hutt Art Trail up and running, and we couldn't be more grateful!

If you or your organisation has a hankering to get on board with sponsoring an artistic community event that is proving (and improving!) itself year after year, please email us at [email protected].

Art Awaits | Follow the Trail

20/10/2025

A big thank you to everyone who came through my open studio (really my lounge) over the Lower Hutt Art Trail weekend. A few pieces have found a forever home, which I'm chuffed about. Including the one of Regent Street in Christchurch which was still wet and unfinished sitting on the easel. The first couple through liked it so much they wanted to purchase it, and are happy to pick it up next month when it's actually finished - so...... hope I don't mess it up now. I've still got a few (less than 10 of each) 2026 wild birds of New Zealand photographic calendars and my art calendars. They are $33 each with postage at cost (or free pick up in Lower Hutt) if anyone would still like to get one. I've also still got this beautiful original of a tui by the Hutt River if anyone fancies it - yours for the bargain investment of $390.00 plus postage at cost (probably around $15 or less to most places in NZ). It's acrylic on canvas, 41cm by 30cm and comes with a free calendar of your choice (while stocks last). Cheers and thanks again

19/10/2025

19/10/2025