Established contemporary artist Robyn Watchorn is once again inviting the public into her studio – with an expansive exhibition of her work.

On June 27, Watchorn will reopen her gallery and studio at 186 Fortune Road, just six kilometres from Whakatāne, reviving a tradition that first began more than three decades ago.

“I first opened the studio in 1993,” she recalls.

“Tony Ryall [former Cabinet Minister and Eastern Bay MP] cut the ribbon.”

Over the years, the studio became a place not only to exhibit art but also to teach painting and encourage creativity within the community. Watchorn is relaunching the space with renewed energy and ambitious plans.

“We had maybe a five-year break, and now we are reintroducing it.”

Fellow artist Maria King is already involved, and Watchorn hopes to bring in other creatives, including jewellers and craftspeople, to share their skills.

“We are going to do all sorts of workshops. It doesn't matter whether you're 12 or whether you're 100, you can be part of the art world.”

Visitors to the opening will discover a fascinating series of interconnected rooms filled with colourful artworks spanning the many styles and mediums Watchorn has explored throughout her long artistic career.

Her love of vibrant colour shines through in her abstract paintings, while her outdoor aluminium artworks demonstrate how art can thrive beyond the gallery walls.

“They're prints of originals that are printed onto aluminium and become garden art,” she said.

The studio and gallery also showcases another of Watchorn's passions – porcelain painting. Cupboards are filled with recycled white china waiting to be transformed with hand-painted fauna, flora and decorative designs, some enhanced with delicate gold leaf.

“I terrorise every op shop,” she laughed. “My thrust is recycling previously loved china pieces.”

Visitors may even catch Watchorn at work in her studio, where she continues to paint and experiment with new ideas. Easy items to purchase are her printed cards and tote bags.

Community service has always been as important to Watchorn as art. The recipient of a Queen's Service Medal in 2020 for services to the arts and community, she has been involved with 28 organisations throughout her lifetime. Her six-acre property also hosts an area used by Forest & Bird as a plant nursery.

The exhibition will also support a cause close to her heart. As head of Manchester Unity Foundation, Watchorn has chosen Heart Kids New Zealand as her charity of the year. Sales of donated knitted characters, including popular Disney figures, will benefit the charity, while 10 percent of gallery sales will also be donated.

Among the exhibition highlights are ceramic camellia brooches celebrating New Zealand women's suffrage.

“Every female MP receives one of these with her parliamentary number on the back.”

The exhibition will also feature wood carvings by Watchorn's husband, Ivan, and quilts by Caroline Stewart.

Now, at 83 years old, and only recently retired after 33 years working for East Coast MPs, most recently in the office of Dana Kirkpatrick, Watchorn shows little sign of slowing down. Future plans for the gallery include painting workshops, wine-and-paint evenings, group visits and even a “Meet Your Local MP” afternoon tea event.

Watchorn’s Gallery opens June 27 at 186 Fortune Road. The gallery will continue to open on weekends by appointment, with visitors encouraged to watch social media and local listings for upcoming events and workshops.

Watchorn can be contacted at [email protected]