In the spirit of this Christmas season, it’s crucial, now more than ever, to champion local businesses. What better way to contribute than by purchasing unique arts, crafts, and experiences from our talented local creatives and organisations? Our 2023 creative gift guide is designed to simplify your #shoplocal experience in the Bay. If you’re aware of a local artisan who isn’t featured on the list, feel free to reach out to us at rose@creativebop.org.nz and share their details.
Ceramics & Pottery
Adrienne Pitts (ALP Ceramics) makes honest, functional pieces inspired by Brutalist architecture that would look stunning in a minimalist-style home. Check out her work at The Little Big Markets on 23 December, and browse her Instagram here.
Christine Cousineau‘s ceramic art is inspired by Japanese aesthetics, a set of ancient ideals that include wabi – a quality of austere and serene beauty – sabi – old and faded, and yugen, grace and subtlety. Browse her gallery of work here, and view it in person at The Pot House on 17th Ave, Tauranga.
For the person who loves art that’s a little different, we recommend the weird and wonderful works of Dominique Ford, aka Precocious Vessels. From vampiric goblets to friendly slugs, these pieces are sure to delight. Dominique’s range is also available to view at The Pot House.
Browse even more ceramics and pottery at Bethlehem Pottery Club. Operating since 1975, this group of keen creatives shares a love for working with clay. The gallery is open on Sundays from now until 17 December for your Christmas shopping.
Eight kilometres north of Katikati lies Turama Ahi Pottery, a space dedicated to uncomplicated, interesting pieces. The team invite you to come and say hi, grab a coffee and browse the shop.
And nestled in Te Puna you’ll find the charming JS Ceramics studio, full of beautiful, functional ceramics for everyday use at home. We particularly love this colander and this colourful vase! Browse in store or online.
Jewellery & Accessories
Contemporary Māori artist Arohanoa Artistry has a range of earrings and kākahu available on her website. We love these Mauao earrings (perfect for that someone with the maunga close to their heart), and her mana wahine range!
Sina Potaka uses the natural world as her inspiration for her jewellery, incorporating flowers, leaves and feathers to create unique pieces. With more creations coming in time for Christmas, be sure to follow her Instagram for updates.
Tauranga jeweller Jo Weir creates hand-crafted pieces from resin and ink; we especially love this bee pendant and these green earrings. Browse Jo’s website here, and take a look at her landscape art while you’re there.
We’ve had our eye on Chloe Grey’s serpent collection for a while now. Chloe started making jewellery over ten years ago, and enjoys the rewarding feeling of turning raw material into something precious. Check out her rings, earrings, necklaces and ceramics here.
Alexandra Mostyn works with sterling silver and semi-precious stones to create beautiful bespoke pieces. Her work is available to view by appointment, Mon to Fri, 9am – 3pm. Check out her Facebook and Instagram for more information.
Rauemi’s kaupapa is to celebrate and promote Māori resources left behind by tupuna for children to nurture. Check out their taonga taringa (earrings) and pōtae (hats) – they’ve also got poi and tītī tōrea available for the tamariki!
Sculpture & Glass
Pāpāmoa sculptor Lynda Soutar has a love of nature and the creatures that inhabit our world. She uses mostly copper and reclaimed materials to create stunning works of art – take a look at her fish! Great for the person who takes a lot of pride in their garden.
Jo Tricker is fascinated by the junction where science and art meet, and this passion is infused throughout her glass artwork. She’s posting some gorgeous Christmas tree ornaments on her Instagram from now until Christmas too! To view her work at her studio, you can contact Jo through her website.
For that really special gift, look no further than Isaac Weston’s epic copper art. Isaac’s design process incorporates salts, acids and sunlight to reveal the hidden elements of metal. With indoor and outdoor pieces available, there’s something for everyone.
Visual Art
If abstract art is what you’re searching for, Nicola Welten has what you need. Big, beautiful blooms and sweeping landscapes are prominent in her work, and we’re obsessed with her gorgeous colour palettes. You can view Nicola’s work in person at Recliner City, 282 Maunganui Road.
Pāpāmoa artist Totaea Rendell has a range of tiki art prints available, as well as bird art and classic kiwiana scenes. We particularly love this floral tiki!
For the perfect beachy scene, Graham Young has original works and prints available on his website. Ideal for that family member with a bach!
Lynette Fisher has two beautiful A3 prints ready for framing. “Family (Daisychain)” and “Family (Kōwhai, Mānuka)” are signed by the artist and feature a velvety finish. There’s also a hidden easter egg; if the flower heads are read as dots and the stalks as dashes, the paintings can be translated in Morse code to read “Whānau”. You can find out more by emailing Lynette at lynettefisherart@gmail.com.
Shopping for a horse-crazy someone? Artist Roxanne Milson creates whimsical equine illustrations – shop her fine art prints here.
Self-taught artist Jessica Marie has always had a passion for all things design and creative from drawing to sewing. Her mandala drawings are perfect for any space; choose from her Kiwiana collection, mind body and soul collection, or star sign collection, or go for something personal with a customised piece!
If you’re looking for a variety of local prints, make a stop at Imprint Gallery in the Historic Village. Featuring local artists such as Stella Clark and Jackie Knotts, this is a great place to see what our artists have on offer.
The 115 Exhibition at The People’s Gallery is showing until 17 December. Each original piece of art is just 300mm x 300mm and is priced at $115. Find out more at The Incubator’s website, and head along to get your Christmas shopping list ticked off!
Literature
Tauranga author Charlotte Lobb’s debut novel Hannah & Huia is out now! Two women, two literally unspeakable tragedies, two families, one powerful and unforgettable story… Order your bookish family member a copy here.
For younger readers, Sophia Butler’s novel North Star Academy is set in far north New Zealand and follows a group of friends who uncover a dangerous secret, and their journey to secure their futures. Sophia’s debut novel DNA is also available, and is set in Birmingham, giving voice to issues that face young people in this century.
First-time author Laetitia Olivier published her action and adventure novel The TJ-Split this year. One reviewer gave it five stars and described it as “an emotionally charged odyssey that sweeps readers off their feet and takes them on a whirlwind journey from the bustling streets of New York to the serene beaches of New Zealand”.
For fantasy-lovers, Sharon Manssen‘s Realmshift Trilogy is bound to capture young reader’s attention. What if you discovered that the only world you’ve ever known isn’t the only world? Freya’s journey takes her to the very edge of the only world she has ever known. The key to the long lost path to Tyrelia – and freedom – is in her hands.
Rebecca Larsen‘s books for tamariki are perfect presents this Christmas, with favourites such as Twinkle, Twinkle, Matariki and Row, Row, Row Your Waka. Add on one of her musical instruments for a truly special gift!
Experiences
For the musical theatre lover, give the gift of experience with tickets to Tauranga Musical Theatre’s production of Les Misérables, hitting the stage in September 2024. Featuring one of the greatest scores of all time played live by a 14 piece orchestra, Tauranga Musical Theatre brings Les Mis to audiences 29 years after its first showing at Baycourt Theatre.
Also at Baycourt, see family band The Harmonic Resonators as part of their Encore Tour in March. Always entertaining, The Harmonic Resonators have struck a chord in Aotearoa and around the world. You’re in for an evening of lush harmonies, country geetar breaks, and delightful banter.
Hailing from the leafy streets of Palmers Green in North London, Rory B-C moved to Tauranga at the start of 2023 and has been performing across the Bay since. If you fancy pop punk energy with a dash of Britpop and his signature whimsical lyrics, you are in for a treat. He’s playing The Jam Factory on 21 January – this would make a great gift for your cool niece or nephew.
Or, treat your loved one to a creative workshop! For the painters, we recommend Week end à la mer (Whakamarama), Mount Wildheart (Mount Maunganui), Back Studio (Tauriko) and Ranger Studio (Waihī Beach). For the crafters, book in at The Pottery Studio (Tauranga), or explore the Creative Community Campus (Tauranga). For the budding performers, book them into a class at BOP Actors Studio and keen photographers would love a session with The Wanderer Photographer.
Honourable Mentions
A few other favourites we couldn’t not mention include Art + Body Studio in Mount Maunganui (grab a tattoo voucher for the person who still can’t decide what they want), The Little Big Markets (on in the weekends in Mount Maunganui and Papamoa), Okorore Ngā Toi Māori Gallery (located in the Historic Village with new stock arriving daily), and the Carlton Gallery Christmas Exhibition (the chance for you Katikati locals to get your Christmas shopping sorted!)
Know of a local creative who should be on this list? Email us at rose@creativebop.org.nz.
