The layered, colourful and feminine works of artist Emma Wright represent the "unpredictability" of life - and you can see her in action over the Queen's Birthday holiday at the Waiheke Winter Arts Festival Open Studio Weekend. Wright is one of 29 artists opening the doors of their workspaces at this annual event, which gives the public the opportunity to explore the island and discover the inspirational and often unique settings they work in.
"The light on Waiheke is extraordinary and influences my work deeply," explains Wright, whose new purpose-built studio is made of poured concrete and white plastic walls which create a "beautiful light to work in".
The talent on the island is wide and varied, and includes the likes of Russian artist Ilya Volykhine, German jeweller Christine Hafermalz-Wheeler and American painter Katie Trinkle Legge, as well as a number of extremely respected New Zealand artists - all of whom call Waiheke home. The festival gives visitors a chance to talk to artists about their work and concludes on Sunday evening with a wine and cheese soiree and a silent auction of boxes painted by some of the festival artists.
• June 1-3. $10 per person or $20 for a car of 4-5. Tickets available from Waiheke Community Art Gallery, ph (09) 372 9907.
