Tots@OAS
2026-05-06 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-06-03 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-07-01 09:30 - 10:30 (Pacific/Auckland) | Otago Art Society, Dunedin Railway Station, 22 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin, otagoartsociety@xtra.co.nz, 9016, New Zealand
FREE
Bookings essential – call or email OAS
(03) 477 9465
otagoartsociety@xtra.co.nz
12 tots per session, must be accompanied by parent or guardian

The programme will focus on one artwork each month held in the Permanent Collection. There will be fun activities available for the preschoolers to participate in plus more in-depth information on the artwork and artist chosen for the child’s guardian to read at their leisure.

It's In the Bag - Childrens Art
2026-05-06 13:00 - 14:00
FREE
Bookings essential – call or email OAS
(03) 477 9465
otagoartsociety@xtra.co.nz

Artwork donated for this project with research into the artist, and concept attached to the work, has been put into a specially modified suitcase. Students will be given the opportunity to explore themed artwork through touch and observation, developing an understanding of shapes, textures and materials. The programme is designed to enhance children’s visual literacy, encourage wonder, and foster appreciation of gallery spaces and artworks.
First Wednesday of each month April to September

Plein Air Group
2026-05-10 13:00 - 15:00
Botanical Gardens – Green House
Botanical Gardens Green House

With wintery weather making art outdoors tricky this weekend, we will try the botanical gardens green house. For those that are still willing to endure the elements you are most welcome to get inspired by any other view in the gardens.
3pm Filadelphios (If the new cafe is open in the gardens we will try that instead but I have yet to have confirmation if it is open yet!)

Tuesday Social Art Group
2026-05-12 10:30 - 15:30, 2026-05-19 10:30 - 15:30, 2026-05-26 10:30 - 15:30, 2026-06-02 10:30 - 15:30, 2026-06-23 10:30 - 15:30 | Otago Art Society, Dunedin Railway Station, 22 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin, otagoartsociety@xtra.co.nz, 9016, New Zealand
MEMBERS ONLY
FREE
Work, Chat, Coffee

Lost Gypsy Kenetic Exhibition
2026-05-18 - 2026-05-31 | Otago Art Society, Dunedin Railway Station, 22 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin, otagoartsociety@xtra.co.nz, 9016, New Zealand
Free Admission
Movement is Life

Movement is Life!

A free exhibition by Catlin’s artist Blair Somerville (creator of The Lost Gypsy).

Crafted from natural and recycled materials, these captivating pieces come to life at the push of a button.

Step into a world of used objects, attempted art, and definite ingenuity — a collection in motion that sparks… joy? wonder? envy? something for sure.

Caution, this exhibition may please you.

MEMBERS NIGHT
2026-05-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Otago Art Society, Dunedin Railway Station, 22 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin, otagoartsociety@xtra.co.nz, 9016, New Zealand
MEMBERS ONLY – Members are welcome it invite others to make up the team.

Quiz NIGHT – General knowledge and PRIZES
$60 per team of 6 people (only $10 each)

So grab your team together, choose a fun team name and register by emailing: belindamasonartist@gmail.com as soon as possible.
UPDATE: Tables are full – ask to be waitlisted!!

Exhibition closed (Autumn), contributors pick up work
2026-05-24 | Otago Art Society, Dunedin Railway Station, 22 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin, otagoartsociety@xtra.co.nz, 9016, New Zealand

Council and Life Members drop off day
2026-05-24 | Otago Art Society, Dunedin Railway Station, 22 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin, otagoartsociety@xtra.co.nz, 9016, New Zealand
MEMBER ONLY
Council and Life Members drop off day

Plein Air Group
2026-05-24 13:00 - 16:00
MEMBERS ONLY
FREE
1pm – Toitu Otago Settlers Museum – meet in the foyer by Josephine the train engine

Heritage Collection Exhibition Opening
2026-05-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Otago Art Society, Dunedin Railway Station, 22 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin, otagoartsociety@xtra.co.nz, 9016, New Zealand
MEMBERS ONLY
View the exhibition of the OAS collection

OAS Heritage Collection Exhibition
2026-05-30 - 2026-06-20 | Otago Art Society, Dunedin Railway Station, 22 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin, otagoartsociety@xtra.co.nz, 9016, New Zealand
FREE
OPEN TO PUBLIC
Otago Art Society has been supporting Otago Artists for 150 years, from 1876 to 2026.
Many members have gone on to be New Zealand’s most celebrated artists.
The society has been fortunate to build up a collection that reflects the changes in art over this time and the membership that built the Otago art community.
The collection has been cleaned and rehung for this celebration viewing

OAS Council and Life Members Exhibition
2026-06-02 - 2026-06-20 | Otago Art Society, Dunedin Railway Station, 22 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin, otagoartsociety@xtra.co.nz, 9016, New Zealand
FREE
OPEN TO PUBLIC
Otago Art Society has been supporting Otago Artists for 150 years, from 1876 to 2026.
The Society is a registered charity with an elected council, who work behind the scenes to assist the membership to show their work, and learn from each other to develop their art practice.
Our life members have shown dedication to the society over a long period, contributing both to exhibitions and the mechanics of making it all work.
Their art will be on display and available for purchase.

It’s In the Bag – Childrens Art
2026-06-03 13:00 - 14:00 | Otago Art Society, Dunedin Railway Station, 22 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin, otagoartsociety@xtra.co.nz, 9016, New Zealand

Plein Air Group
2026-06-07 13:00 - 2026-06-11 16:00
MEMBERS ONLY
FREE
1pm – Gas Works Museum – 20 Braemar Street, South Dunedin, Dunedin 9012
We visited the Gas Works Museum last year and it was a real treat. Lots of different shapes, lines and textures to explore in our art work. The forge will be operating, with a quick check in to make sure the teacher and students are okay with us being there. We do need to take a little care to keep out of their way due to the fire, hot tools etc.
If you are able to give a gold coin donation/Koha to the gas works that would be great. I will collect it upon arrival.
There are no restrictions on mediums but as per usual take care to leave the areas you work tidy. You may also choose to bring something to sit on as the bare concrete can be a bit cold.

Tuesday Social Art Group
2026-06-09 10:30 - 15:30, 2026-06-16 10:30 - 15:30, 2026-06-30 10:30 - 15:30

Receiving Day for Annual Exhibition - Out of town
2026-06-17
Members ONLY
Annual 150th Entry Form

MEMBERS NIGHT
2026-06-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Otago Art Society, Dunedin Railway Station, 22 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin, otagoartsociety@xtra.co.nz, 9016, New Zealand
Members only
Prompting The Light: How AI Can Support Your Creative Process – Dennis Asher
Have you ever wondered how AI can support your art practice? Well courtesy of Rob McGee we have speaker to give us a session on AI and how it can usefully be employed in your creative process.
Dennis has always loved capturing movement. His landscapes are full of energy—focusing on fast-moving storm clouds, turbulent seas, and birds in flight.
As a teenager in the 1970s, Dennis got his first camera: an Olympus OM-1. It could shoot five frames a second, which meant he could burn through a whole roll of film in just seven seconds. He learned very quickly that timing a shot wasn’t just an art form; it was an economic necessity.
He found a similar lesson in the work of Ansel Adams, who would hike into the Yosemite wilderness carrying just six sheet negatives for an entire trip. Whether shooting rapid-fire action or careful landscapes, the takeaway for Dennis was the same: making the moment count is everything.
Always curious about new tools, Dennis was an early adopter of digital photography. For the past two years, he’s been exploring the next frontier: how Artificial Intelligence can be used as a practical tool from the initial planning of a photo to the final review.
Tonight, he’s going to walk us through that workflow. And whether you are a photographer, a painter, or a mixed-media artist looking for better reference material, he hopes to show you how AI can be an approachable, helpful companion for your own art.

Council and Life Members pick up
2026-06-21 | Otago Art Society, Dunedin Railway Station, 22 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin, otagoartsociety@xtra.co.nz, 9016, New Zealand
MEMBERS ONLY

Receiving Day for Annual Exhibition
2026-06-21 | Otago Art Society, Dunedin Railway Station, 22 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin, otagoartsociety@xtra.co.nz, 9016, New Zealand
Members only
Please bring your artwork, entry form, and payment to us at the Otago Art Society, first floor, Dunedin Railway Station on:
Sunday 21st June between 10.00 am and 1.00 pm.
Out of town work needs to be received here on or before Wed 17th June
Also, remember that you must be a financial Exhibiting Member/Student or Youth Member of the OAS to be able to enter any members exhibitions. If you have not yet paid your Subscription for 2026/2027, don’t worry, you can pay in the shop at the same time as you pay your 150th Annual Entry Fee.

Annual 150th Entry Form

Plein Air Group
2026-06-21 13:00 - 16:00
MEMBERS ONLY
FREE

King Edward Court Building. Pauline Bellamy Studio
1pm – King Edward Court Building – Level 2 Room 212 – 291 Stuart Street, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016. While you are welcome to come in the main entrance on Stuart street and climb the staircase until you reach the top/2nd floor, go through the right hand door at the very top, head to the end of the hallway to find room 212 on the left of the kitchen. Pauline suggests it is easier to park in Tennyson Street – the back entrance, walk through the Otago Girls car park at 118 to the back door – where the red star is. There is only one set of stairs to climb via this entrance. I will be there to meet you.

We are lucky to be able to work in Pauline Bellamy’s studio in the King Edward building this Sunday. There are amazing, standing views out a number of windows that almost span 180 degrees. There are also other windows in the hallway that could also have a great vantage point. Weather and inspiration depending you could also brave the elements in the surrounding area with St Joseph’s Chapel buildings and other outside views. You are able to work in wet or dry mediums and easels are also welcome.
Red star shows the recommended meeting place.

It’s In the Bag – Childrens Art
2026-07-01 13:00 - 14:00

Annual Exhibition Awards Night
2026-07-03 18:00 - 19:30 | Otago Art Society, Dunedin Railway Station, 22 Anzac Avenue, Dunedin, otagoartsociety@xtra.co.nz, 9016, New Zealand
MEMBERS ONLY – Opening and awards
