The Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide   
Once a year Mercury Bay Art Escape creates a fantastic opportunity to visit the many artists and galleries in the area from a small village north of Whitianga, Kuaotuna, south through Whitianga, Cooks Beach, Hahei, Hot Water Beach, Whenuakite to Tairua.
I made it a point to be there this year ( March 2015 - two weekends).
Now I am pretty much of a nut when it comes to seeing the work of talented artists and craftspeople. I find it one of the best ways to enjoy life and all its pleasures. Being able to meet and talk with the artists is a real wonderful experience for me and the ones in the Mercury Bay area provided me with a fabulous time getting to see their work and getting to know the artist.
Mercury Bay Escape is a registered Charitable Trust committed to its artists and the community that began in 2006.
They produce a wonderful guide each year - The Mercury Bay Art Escape - listing the participating artists, detailed maps and information about each one that can be used year round when you visit the area. Check on their website.     

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                                                   Featured artist - Ian Webster
                                                               Clay Studio​ 
                                                    325 Kuaotunu-Wharekaho Rd
                                                Ianwebster-claystudio@xtra.co.nz​​                                 
                          RETURN
I truly enjoyed my short visit with Ian and a wander around his studio inside and out admiring his skill with clay. Ian has lived in Kuaotunu for 40 years and has created his clay art since 1980 developing his own style that begs you to take one with you.
Very beautiful and exciting work.................​as you see below....