Festival of Pots and Garden Art

Celebrating Artistry and Creativity

Join us Wellington Anniversary Weekend at Anam Cara Gardens in Ōtaki for a captivating five-day celebration of pottery and garden art

This annual event brings together talented artists and enthusiasts to showcase, explore, and experience the beauty of ceramics in a stunning garden setting.

From Thursday 15th January – Monday 19th January 2026, 10am – 4pm daily, with a late night until 8pm on the Friday.
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Entry: $5 per person, free for under-16s (door sales only)

Visitors can enjoy an impressive range of pottery and garden art, watch live demonstrations, and even try their hand at clay with our free 'have a go' sessions. Each year features guest artist talks, an expanded exhibition space, and new creative experiences.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to be inspired, connect with artists, and take home a special piece of handcrafted art.

About the Festival

The Festival of Pots and Garden Art is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse display of artistic expressions. It serves as a platform for emerging and established artists to come together, exchange ideas, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to witness stunning exhibitions, interactive workshops, live demonstrations, and engaging discussions that shed light on the creative process and the rich history of pottery. Guests will also have the chance to purchase a treasure of their own to take home from the artisan market.

Festival of Pots Featured Guest Artists
​2026

The 2026 Festival of Pots and Garden Art proudly features three exceptional guest artists. Celebrated ceramicist Fiona Tunnicliffe​ brings her much-loved animal-inspired works, full of character and intricate detail. Award-winning painter Shona Mackenzie shares her evocative semi-abstract pieces, influenced by the beauty of nature and her ties to New Zealand and Scotland. Completing this year’s line-up is sculptor Win Oliver, whose imaginative forms add a striking three-dimensional presence to the festival. Together, their diverse talents promise an inspiring and memorable experience.

Fiona Tunnicliffe​
​Ceramicist

Fiona Tunnicliffe, a renowned ceramic artist with over 30 years of experience, is celebrated for her animal-inspired sculptures that capture personality and charm through intricate textures and relief work, securing her place as one of New Zealand’s most respected potters.

Win Oliver​
​Sculpture

Win Oliver is a sculptor who works mainly with recycled native timbers, stone and other sustainable materials. Many of his larger sculptures are crafted to bring presence and character to both indoor and outdoor spaces.​

Shona Mackenzie
​Artist

Shona Mackenzie, an award-winning painter based in Tauranga, creates semi-abstract works influenced by the landscapes of both New Zealand and Scotland, weaving themes of memory, belonging and connection to land into her process-driven art.

Festival Highlights

Kelly & Co - Have a Go!

Learn from the best! Participate in hands-on free activities led by skilled potters, where you can learn pottery techniques or try your hand at the wheel.​ 

Guest Artist Talks

Engage in insightful conversations with featured artists as they share their artistic journey, and experiences in the world of pottery.

Live Demonstrations

Witness the magic unfold as talented artists showcase their skills through live pottery-making demonstrations.​
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Kindly sponsored by Kelly & Co Realty and supported by KCDC and CNZ

Exceptional Festival Venue

The Festival of Pots and Garden Art will take place at Anam Cara Gardens, nestled in park-like surrounds, in Ōtaki Beach, Kapiti. Surrounded by natural beauty and artistic inspiration, this venue sets the perfect backdrop for our celebration of pottery and garden art.

With close to one hundred artisans exhibiting, alongside our guest artists you are bound to find a unique treasure to take home with you.

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Onsite Café

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To enhance your Festival of Pots and Garden Art experience, Anam Cara Gardens offers the convenience use of an onsite café which Ōtaki Pottery Club utilise. 

Take a break from exploring the stunning pottery displays and workshops and indulge in a delightful selection of refreshments and delicious treats. The café provides a relaxing and welcoming environment where you can savour the moment and connect with fellow art enthusiasts over shared passions.

The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces, along with the convenience of an onsite café and abundant seating, creates an enriching and enjoyable experience for everyone attending the Festival of Pots and Garden Art. 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Mark your calendars for Wellington Anniversary weekend (January),
and be a part of this enriching and memorable event.

Thursday 15th January – Monday 19th January 2026

We look forward to welcoming you to this exceptional celebration of pottery and artistry!

​Follow us on social media to stay updated with the latest news and announcements about the festival.

​For more information, please contact us:

email

[email protected]
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Anam Cara Gardens
150 Rangiuru Road, Ōtaki Beach