Historic Villa, Art Gallery & Shop
Non-Profit Arts Society
Nestled down at the iconic Town Basin in Whangarei, this lovingly restored historic villa houses some real delights. Home to the thriving Northland Society of Arts, who were established back in 1989, they continue to host exhibition space for artists to hire, along with a boutique shop filed with unique pieces of local artworks.
Following the Hatea River, and just a quick walk through our Heritage Rose gardens, you will find the Reyburn Art Studio. This creative space houses the Firebirds Ceramic group and Fire Frenzy along with a main studio space for various groups to hire.
Entry to the Gallery is free but a donation is always appreciated. Run as a non-profit by mostly volunteers, your donation would help us to keep supporting Northland Artists.
What’s on at the Gallery…
Take the virtual tour !
Try a virtual tour from your own home. Works on mobile, tablet and through a browser on a PC or Mac.
Just choose a room and, using finger or mouse, move around a 360° room view. Zoom in and out, move left & right.
Happy viewing! Call in to see the real artworks when you can.
ART EXHIBITIONS ON NOW…
Friday Painters – Group Show – Galleries 1 & 2
After kindly stepping aside last year to let a time-sensitive show in, the Friday Painters are back and brighter than ever! This exhibition is full of charm, colour and creative joy — a reflection of the group’s weekly art sessions and enduring friendship. Come and see what happens when artists gather every Friday to paint, laugh, and share.
The group meet every Friday, 10am -1pm, at Reyburn Art Studio in the Town Basin, Whangarei. It’s $5 per session and all are welcome to join in.
Patricia (Pat) Grey – Local Scenes – Gallery 3
Self-taught and painting most of her adult life, Pat Grey shares beautifully observed scenes inspired by the landscape around her. Her late husband’s photography was the starting point for many of her works — and her love for scenic detail shines through. Pat says painting is her “happy place” — and you’ll feel that calm joy in every brushstroke.
Jocelyn Friis – Overflow – Gallery 4
In Overflow, award-winning artist Jocelyn Friis explores themes of reflection, gratitude, and the joyful release of creative energy. Inspired by the natural rhythms of Aotearoa, her semi-abstract seascapes and landforms invite you to let go and just feel. A triple award-winner and advocate for the healing power of art, Jocelyn works from her coastal studio in Mangawhai.
TOI PAUA – First Voices
Toi Paua is a celebration of new and emerging artists from Whangārei and Te Tai Tokerau, many exhibiting for the very first time. Organised by PAUA Trust (People Achieving Unique Aims), this exhibition uplifts community voices through creativity. “Toi” speaks to mastery and expression, while “Paua” reminds us of uniqueness and purpose. This is art made with mana, heart, and aroha — not to be missed.
Exhibition Opportunities for Artists…
Call for Northland Artists:
- Matariki Exhibition – 10 June – 6 July
- Multicultural New Zealand – 8 July – 3 Aug
- NSA 2025 Calendar Art Competition – 5 Aug – 31 Aug
- Squared Up! – 30 Sept – 12 Oct
MATARIKI 2025 EXHIBITION
Reyburn House Gallery invites all Northland-based artists to participate in this year’s Matariki Themed Exhibition, celebrating renewal, remembrance, and creativity through art.
Key Info:
- Exhibition dates: Tuesday 10 June – Sunday 6 July 2025
- Location: Galleries 1 & 2, Reyburn House
- Work drop-off: Sunday 8 June, between 2:00pm and 3:00pm
- Opening event: Date TBC – we hope to invite a Kaumātua to offer a blessing
This is a non-selected exhibition open to all Northland artists, NSA members and non-members alike.
Artwork Requirements:
- One work per artist (space permitting, additional works may be offered later)
- Maximum size: 600 x 900 mm
- All entries must comply with NSA’s hanging requirements (D-rings, cord, labelled on the back – see pg 3 of our [Terms & Conditions] or ask us if unsure!)
- Work must reflect themes of Matariki – remembrance, reflection, whānau, aspiration, or new beginnings
Please ensure your work is dry, unwrapped, clearly labelled, and ready to hang. No wrapping materials are to be left behind.
Entry:
- $25 per artist
This small fee helps cover gallery operating costs for the month. While this year’s show isn’t externally funded, your contribution keeps the lights on and the doors open for future kaupapa.
How to Enter:
Please email office@reyburnhouse.co.nz by Saturday 31st May with:
- Your name
- Proposed work title + medium (if known)
- Approx. size or note if still in progress
- Retail sale price
Multicultural New Zealand – Art Exhibition
ENTRY FORM – HERE!
It’s Back! NSA Calendar Competition – 2025 Edition
This exciting annual event will showcase original Northland-made artworks in a month-long exhibition at Reyburn House, with 12 pieces selected to feature in our next fundraising calendar.
This year’s competition and exhibition will once again turn Reyburn House into a showcase of local brilliance. We’re searching for standout artworks to feature in our 2025 fundraising calendar
If you’d like to be considered, please email:
📧 calcomp@reyburnhouse.co.nz with:
- Your name
- Whether you intend to submit 1 or 2 artworks
Proposed Details:
- Who can enter? Open to all Northland-based artists and NSA Members
- Entry fee: $30 for one artwork, $50 for two
- Mediums accepted: Painting, embroidery, collage, mixed media — anything wall-mountable and handmade (max A1 or 1.2m wide in landscape format)
- Prizes: Generous cash prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place, plus a People’s Choice Award
- Once we’ve confirmed numbers, we’ll be in touch with official entry forms and all the nitty-gritty details.
Key Dates:
- Expressions of Interest now open!
- Exhibition dates: 4-week show starting Tuesday 5 August and runs until Sunday 31 August
- Opening event & judging: During the first week
- Awards event: End of week two
- People’s Choice voting continues into the second half
Bonus: Artists whose works are selected for the calendar will receive a free copy — and bragging rights for all of 2025.
🟧 It’s Squared Up! and Locked In!
Thanks to the fantastic response from artists, we’re thrilled to confirm that our Squared Up! (12×12) exhibition is definitely going ahead!
Exhibition dates: Opening Tuesday 30 September 2025
Theme: All works in a 12×12” format — small in size, big in impact!
A big thank you to everyone who submitted an Expression of Interest — we’re so excited to see what you’ll create. Entry forms will be sent out to all who registered interest closer to the time.
Got a question in the meantime? Flick us an email at: squaredup@reyburnhouse.co.nz
Let the square magic begin!