Elly Sharp Art

11/10/2026

Excited to be part of this year's Arts Whakatāne Art & Garden Trail! Last time it was held in 2024 was the first time I sold my artwork to anyone other than my family and friends. It also helped me network and become part of the arts community here in the Eastern Bay! It's a great opportunity to have a fabulous weekend out and support local artists and celebrate our creative community! Don't miss out - tickets are on sale now!

08/10/2026

🎨 Meet Featured Artist Tania Akehurst

We're delighted to welcome Tania Akehurst to this year's Art & Garden Trail.

Based in Galatea, Tania creates vibrant, expressive artworks inspired by the unique landscape where native bush meets farmland. Her work is full of colour, energy and creativity, often exploring abstract themes and the connection between people and place.

Beyond her own artistic practice, Tania is a passionate advocate for community arts. She has been involved in projects including The Collaborative Whakatāne Project, Art That Moves You, and is a regular contributor to Light Up Whakatāne. She is also the founder of Tulip Rose Gallery.

When she's not creating art, Tania helps manage her family's farm, bringing a unique perspective that combines rural life, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the land that inspires her work.

We look forward to sharing Tania's artwork with visitors and giving you the opportunity to meet the artist behind these vibrant creations. Tania Akehurst Artist

🌿🎨 Art & Garden Trail Whakatāne
📅 Sat 28 - Sun 29 November
🎟 Tickets available soon!

01/10/2026

Proud to be part of this upcoming event!

What is the Art & Garden Trail?

The trail brings together local artists and garden owners to create a wonderful day of inspiration, creativity and connection.

Every ticket sold helps support the ongoing work of the society and our efforts to promote arts, culture and community in our region.

23/09/2026

Peaceful Waves is one of several of my paintings being displayed this week in Whakatāne as part of the Arts of Spring Festival at the Anglican Methodist Parish. Stop in if you get a chance, they are open from 1-4pm on Thursday then 10-4pm on Friday and Saturday! There is a door charge but for that you will get a cuppa 😁 The proceeds are a fundraiser for the parish.

12/09/2026

A new direction in colour. These three paintings explore a bolder, more earthy palette than much of my recent work, drawing on the colours of weathered land, distant horizons, and changing light. Built through layers of texture and intuitive mark-making, each piece captures the feeling of a place rather than the details. ✨ Fresh from the studio. Which speaks to you: 1, 2, or 3?

04/09/2026

Looking for a rewarding way to connect with your community? 🎨
We’re at Meet the Locals today sharing everything that makes The Art House such a special place. From exhibitions and classes to community events, our volunteers help bring creativity to life.
If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, we’d love to chat. Stop by and discover how you can be part of a vibrant, welcoming arts community.
Whakatane ArtsVolunteer

24/07/2026

We are onto our last two days at the Art House Winter Exhibition! Come in and check us out this weekend! Open 10-4 Saturday and Sunday 😊

19/07/2026

Edit: 26th July, not August! My brain is tired!
Some of my new work is available to view in person at the Art House Winter Exhibition in Whakatane until the 26th of July! Let me know what you think! It is a bit of a new direction for me 😊

17/07/2026

The Art house winter exhibition open today at the corner of McAlister and Short Street in Whakatāne, 10-4pm and open every day until Sunday 26th July!

10/04/2026

These three beauties are new to my website, all completed in recent months and were on display at local exhibitions until now 😊 “Held between Tide and Sky” 12x36 inch, “The Ocean Held its Breath” 18x36 inch, and “Shore Break” 30x40 inch oils on canvas. Website in my bio 💕