Waikato Report Sept. - Nov. 2026
Waikato printmakers meet socially for morning tea every two months from March to November. Remaining Dates for 2026: September 12, November 14. If you are in the Waikato on any of those days you are very welcome to join us. Just contact the local PCANZ representative, Vicki Jones, for more info (vwjones@lifeworkz.co.nz).
Recent and Current events
Artist books were the focus of our most recent social gathering. It was a great time of sharing books and exchanging ideas. David Bell, a regular exhibitor at Printopia, spoke about the books he has been making, experimenting with text, book binding, letterpress, and printmaking. David brought with him a collection of books he has made, showing a variety of binding types, printing techniques, and subject material.
The annual exhibition for Waikato Society of Arts printmakers, WAIPRINT 2026, was held at Artspost gallery, Hamilton, in August. Once again, there was a great range of work on show from members. The guest artist was Taupo printmaker Maggie Dawson, showing her skilled use of colour and reduction relief prints in her “Celebrating the Wai” exhibition. Maggie led a very successful workshop demonstrating how to make a repeat pattern. This year the Waikato Society of Arts print tutors assembled an informative display of printing methods, including samples of plates, blocks, and prints. This complemented the WAIPRINT exhibition really well.
Alongside this exhibition, the work from the finalists for the National Youth Art Awards (NYAA) was on show. PCANZ sponsors the print award. Again, there was an excellent range of work on show.
We have also enjoyed an exhibition of paintings and prints selected by Dr Carole Shepheard for the Waikato Society of Arts, “A Glimpse of Abstraction,” and a very interesting accompanying artist talk led by Carole.
A recent letterpress workshop in August led by Graham Judd was also very popular.
Events coming up
The annual WSA Member’s exhibition is coming up and printmakers are busy getting their entries prepared – the exhibition runs 5th October 2026 – 25th October 2025 at ArtsPost, 120 Victoria St, Hamilton.
Events coming up include the annual exhibition for Waikato Society of Arts printmakers. WAIPRINT 2026 will be exhibited at Artspost from Friday, 7 August, through Saturday, 29 August. This year’s Guest Artist is Taupo printmaker Maggie Dawson, whose exhibition ‘Celebrating the Wai’ explores the effect of light on water in both natural and manmade settings using reduction linocuts and sensitive layering of colour. (Please note: you must be a member of WSA to exhibit in WAIPRINT. Check out https://wsa.org.nz/become-a-member/ ). Maggie will also teach a workshop, August 8th, exploring the mysteries of repeat patters. Please register your interest in the workshop at WAIPRINT2026@gmail.com
An exhibition of paintings and prints selected by Dr Carole Shepheard for the Waikato Society of Arts, “A Glimpse of Abstraction” opens Saturday June 13th, 1pm. There will be a panel discussion at 3 pm. The exhibition runs from 13 June until 6 July.
There will be a one day letterpress workshop at the Waikato Society of Arts print studio on August 22nd. Contact Vicki Jones if you’re interested.
7 - 29 August National Youth Art Awards: check WSA website for more information. This award is open to young print artists.