He ara toi

Art at the Centre

Join us in celebrating the creative mahi of emerging and established wāhine artists in Hawke’s Bay.

The importance of art to women’s wellbeing

Art is fundamental to our Centre’s identity, from Abbey Merson’s stunning floral paintings featured across our website to the diverse works by local artists on display in our hallway, we find daily joy and inspiration in the creative mahi of the wonderful women around us.

We believe art has the power to heal, to inspire important conversations, and to encourage connection.

Read on to find out about our featured artists and how to get your artwork on our walls.

Introducing Abbey Merson

Abbey is a Hastings local and has been an avid creator from a young age. Her art encapsulates feminine vibrancy and often features delicate florals and colourful landscapes.

Abbey’s work brings joy to so many, and we’re proud to have many of her pieces featured across our website. If the paintings on this website have brought a smile to your face, head to the shop on her website where you can buy beautiful prints, cards, calendars and original artworks.

Art in the Hallways

Exhibition space available at Heretaunga Women’s Centre

If you’re an emerging or established artist, consider displaying your work in our large, well-lit hallway for a couple of weeks. It’s free to use the space to exhibit and sell your work – we simply charge a 20% commission on any work sold during this time.

If you’re interested in exhibiting at the HWC, please call us on +64 06 878 5401 or send an email.

Terms and Conditions

  • You’ll be allocated a two-week period for your art to be on display in the Centre.
  • There’s no restriction on the number of pieces you hang, as long as they fit down the hallway.
  • You’re responsible for hanging your own work on the first Monday of your allocated two-week period. You must be able to take your pieces down on the Friday at the end of the two weeks.
  • Art that is exhibited may be for sale, but it doesn’t need to be.
  • There is no cost for exhibiting art in our hallway, but for any artwork sold at the Heretaunga Women’s Centre will retain a 20% commission.
  • Once someone purchases a piece of art, they can take it as soon as it has been paid for.
  • You, the artist, are welcome to put up another piece of art in the sold one’s place.
  • The Centre will manage the art sales for you and will pay you, the artist, the sale price (less a 20% commission) within 7 days following your two-week display period.
  • You, the artist, must sign the Art Exhibition Terms & Conditions before we can display your work in our hallway.
He mihi aroha ki a mātou kaitautoko

Thanks to our supporters

Aroha mai, aroha atu

Support the Heretaunga Women’s Centre

As a charitable organisation, we rely on generous people like you to provide the wāhine of Hawke’s Bay with the support they need. Regular and one-off donations, corporate partnerships, and legacy donations all make an invaluable difference to the women in our community.