The Arts for Health Exhibition 2026 opened to a full house at ArtsPost in Hamilton on Thursday 29 October. The exhibition is on display at 120 Victoria Street until 23 November 2026, bringing together work by established and emerging local artists.

Opening night had a real buzz, with artists, friends, families and supporters enjoying the work on display. There was plenty of conversation, encouragement and appreciation, with artists complimenting each other on their work.

Different artists, different reasons for taking part

One of the things that makes this exhibition special is the range of artists who choose to participate.

This year, we saw four distinct groups come together. There were established artists from Arts for Health, alongside emerging local artists who were exhibiting for the first or second time.

Others entered their artwork simply because they wanted to support Arts for Health. Winning a prize wasn't their motivation. They wanted to contribute to an organisation they believed in.

And, of course, there were those who were keen to compete, putting forward their best work in the hope of winning one of the exhibition awards.

Whatever their reason for entering, every artist contributed to an exhibition that celebrates creativity, individuality and community connection.

Every artwork has a story

Behind the artwork are some wonderful personal stories.

One artist entered a crocheted pavlova, complete with kiwifruit on top. It was their first experience with crochet, and they spent an entire weekend perfecting the kiwifruit alone!

Another artist, passionate about bees and their importance to our environment, had prepared a piece for the exhibition, only to sell it to a buyer in Australia before the exhibition opened. Fortunately, he had another artwork ready to enter.

We also celebrated an artist who first came to Arts for Health as a complete beginner. After developing his skills through our art classes, he held his first solo exhibition this year, selling five artworks and tonight winning the Gordon Harris Arts for Health Artist Award.

These are just a few examples of the people and experiences behind the work on display.

Celebrating our 2026 award winners

The evening included the presentation of awards, judged this year by artist Anna Wildey, a long-time supporter and previous overall winner of the Arts for Health Exhibition.

Congratulations to our 2026 winners:

·         Overall Arts for Health Award: Phoebe Clarke, A Good Person

·         Gordon Harris Arts for Health Artist Award: Thomas Humphrey-Rush, Softly Grounded

·         Sculpture Award: Anna Nielsen, Screaming Gull

·         Seniors Award: Linda Newton, Life is a Journey

We also congratulate our merit award recipients: Hayley Kwok, Ana Cristina Giraldo, Phillip Longley, Lynda Preest and Irene Crook.

The overall winner receives $1,000, and the winning artwork becomes part of the Arts for Health Art Collection. Award winners also receive recognition through Aotearoa Artist Magazine, including a feature article and a year's subscription.

Visitors can still have their say by voting for their favourite artwork in the People's Choice Award, which will be announced after the exhibition closes.

Thank you to our supporters

An exhibition of this size takes a great deal of support.

We are grateful to Hamilton City Council's Creative Communities funding, Gordon Harris, Central Landscape Supplies, Lugtons Real Estate and Aotearoa Artist Magazine for their contributions.

We also thank our judge Anna Wildey, our MC William During, the volunteers, trustees and everyone who helped make opening night such an enjoyable occasion.

Most importantly, thank you to every artist who entered. Whether you came to compete, exhibit for the first time or simply support Arts for Health, we appreciate your contribution.

Come and see the exhibition

The Arts for Health Exhibition 2026 is on display at ArtsPost, 120 Victoria Street, Hamilton, until 23 November 2026.

As you explore the exhibition, look out for QR codes beside selected artworks. Scan them with your phone to discover more about the artists and the stories behind their work.

We encourage everyone to visit, enjoy the artwork, vote for their favourite and consider purchasing a piece to support a local artist.

There is plenty to see, and every artwork has its own story.