Exhibitions

REFINERY ARTSPACE

We stimulate and strengthen the artistic and cultural life of Whakatu, through a diverse programme of contemporary exhibitions, projects and events.

Comprising three adaptable gallery spaces and two large workshop facilities, Refinery ArtSpace is also the home to the Arts Council Nelson Team.

HOW TO EXHIBIT

Our Current Exhibitions

Seasonal Agreement

Ōtautahi-based artist John Vea (Tonga, Aotearoa New Zealand) explores the complexities facing migrant workers working in Aotearoa in an exhibition at Refinery ArtSpace, curated by Nelson Arts Festival.

23rd October: Opening Night from 5 PM

25th October: Artist Talk with Chris Ulutupu at 12 PM

Free to attend

23rd October - 15th November 2025

REFINERY ARTSPACE
&
NELSON ARTS FESTIVAL

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Coming up

Kisetsu | 季節 | Seasons

Amy Yoshikawa Couling

Kisetsu is the Japanese word for the four seasons. Appreciation of each season is an integral part of Japanese culture, with different festivals being celebrated nationwide every spring, summer, autumn and winter. Seasonal motifs feature in every aspect of daily life and their symbolism is represented in food, art, music, literature, pottery, kimono patterns and the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Observing and acknowledging every season has always been a way to practise mindfulness and to enjoy the present moment.

Opening 17 Nov from 5.30pm

18 Nov - 13 Dec

Wa Hei | Peace

Yuyu Calligraphy School

Hei Wa / Peace is a selection of works by students of Nelson's Yuyu Calligraphy School.

Their work is exhibited alongside work by master calligrapher Akiko Crowther, as a celebration of 20 years of teaching in Nelson.

There's information on Yu Yu Japanese Calligraphy School here.

Opening 17 Nov from 5.30pm

18 Nov - 13 Dec

REFINERY ARTSPACE

Decorative Histories

Isla Thomson

Isla’s practice is multidisciplinary, focusing on recreating historical processes using the techniques of the past to create textiles, garments, and artworks. Incorporating experimental archaeology into her practice by researching primary sources and replicating the techniques used to revive crafts of the past and forgotten methods.

She explores how these processes would have worked in a practical way, and if the primary texts reflect the accuracy of the period techniques, and how we can feel connected to this history by recreating the processes and discovering what we can learn from these ancient methods.

Opening 17 Nov from 5.30pm

18 Nov - 13 Dec

REFINERY ARTSPACE
&
ARTS COUNCIL
NELSON

RAW ‘25

Submissions are open for RAW 2025, an exhibition for creative people who work outside the edge.

RAW aims to showcase works:

- created by people who have no formal or traditional art training
 
- that express individuality and inventiveness 

- that are ‘RAW’ – uncooked by cultural and artistic influences

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EXHIBITIONS

Last year we hosted over 30 solo and group exhibitions and special events bringing over 14,659 people through our doors. We supported 293 exhibiting artists and brought 3,626 members of the community through events in our workshop space.

Find out more about participating in our exhibition programme or holding a community arts event.

HOW TO EXHIBIT

ARCHIVE

Our archive is coming soon!

Social Media

Jessica Hazel | Vulva Last days to view this remarkable exhibition of tapestries by Whakatū based artist Jessica Hazel. "This exhibition is a celebration of the female form and an exploration of what it means to have a vulva. It's about embr
Lance Kerr | A View From Somewhere Last days to view this fabulous exhibition by Te Tai Poutini based artist Lance Kerr. "My work over the last five years has been in response to my first visit to Japan, where the old and new are integrated an
Makyla Curtis | Folding Time Textile Poetics Last days to view this gorgeous exhibition of hand bound books of poetry and and textile prints by Tāmaki Makaurau based artist Makyla Curtis MFA The misty layering of cotton-silk in Folding time: textil
Make your own fluffy vulva broach in this one-off workshop next Saturday 11th October with Jessica Hazel! Take inspiration from Jessica's latest exhibition, Vulva, at Refinery ArtSpace and learn how to Punch Needle. There are limited spaces, so book
Take a closer look.... 🧐 This month our exhibitions are full of texture: bold brush strokes, soft silks and On now until Image 1: Lance Kerr Image 2: Makyla Curtis Image 3: Jessica Hazel Images by @eli_cliche
We had a fantastic opening night this week for three new exhibitions in our gallery spaces! Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate with us. Come into the gallery next week to check out Jessica Hazel's tufted vulvas, Makyla Curtis' delicate botanic
Opening Monday at 5 30 PM, Makyla Curtis presents her solo show 'Folding Time: Textile Poetics' developing kinship with plant-life and notions of rootedness and belonging in misty layers of cotton-silk. Makyla was the Supreme Winner of Changing Thre
Opening on Monday at 5.30 PM, Lance Kerr's latest exhibition 'A View from Somewhere' explores the resonance between buddhism and postmodern deconstruction, inspired by his first visit to Japan. Join us on Monday 15th September for opening night, alo
Calling local artists! Our latest exhibition, KŌPŪ, has multiple opportunities for Māori practitioners to get involved in city projects. Pop in to the gallery to find out more! Open Saturdays 10 am - 2 pm.
KŌPŪ is an awesome exhibition for tamariki! Alongside a colouring competition designed by Matt Tait (pictured), there's also an interactive playground design, inviting kids to feed into a future playspace in Whakatū. Open 10-4 weekdays, and 10-2 o

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