About KAE
The first Kaiapoi Art Expo was held in 2006. Kaiapoi artist Rae West, our first guest artist, created the Madonna branding that has graced our billboards until 2024.
The initiative for the art show came from Ohoka residents Dan Gordon, Jackie Watson and Elaine Armstrong. Elaine wanted Kaiapoi to have an art gallery like Rangiora’s Chamber Gallery which the Waimakariri Community Arts Council had opened.
A public meeting was held and the idea of an Expo open to local artists was born.
Jocelyn Larsen was the first co-ordinator and she did an excellent job of devising the format that all Expos have since followed. Her successor, Theresa Smith, added her own brand of creativity and methodical organisation skills required when dealing with a large number of creatives.
Today Mandy Palmer runs the event, continuing the attention to detail of her predecessors as the first contact for artists.
Trustees
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Chair of the Waimakariri Arts Trust, Jackie Watson, has been a trustee of the Kaiapoi Art Expo since its beginning. Her love of art and the desire to see art play a significant role in our community lies behind her involvement in a number of arts groups in Waimakariri District.
These include Waimakariri Public Arts Trust, Waimakariri Community Arts Council, Rangiora Pottery Group and she manages Kaiapoi's Art on the Quay gallery in the Ruataniwha building which celebrated ten years of exhibitions in 2025.
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Joan is a Trustee of the Waimakariri Arts Trust and in this role she is involved in the presentation and running of all aspects of the very successful Kaiapoi Art Expo. She values the opportunity to be involved in promoting art and artists in Waimakariri and has seen a considerable growth of the arts in this district.
She is a member of the team who curate the exhibitions at the Art on the Quay gallery in Kaiapoi’s Ruataniwha Library building.
An artist herself, Joan has been involved in the arts for most of her life and is currently enjoying life drawing and portraiture.
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In 2024, Julie was honoured to join the Kaiapoi Art Expo as a Trustee, where she is excited to contribute to the growth and direction of the event. Through her involvement, she aims to inspire the next generation of artists, foster appreciation for the arts, and help cultivate a culture of creativity that enriches the wider community.
Julie is a multidisciplinary artist who intertwines textile art, collage, and stitching to create intricate, nature-inspired works. Her lifelong passion for creativity has led her to share her skills through teaching, empowering others to explore and express their own artistic voice.
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Business owner Urban Revival , enjoys supporting local communities, bringing people together. A passion for creating cuisine foods using local produce . Serving food to revive the mind and body.
Arts Trustee , a passion for local activities. Enjoy seeing the creative talent in our own district
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Christine is a partner with Corcoran French Lawyers based in their Kaiapoi office. Corcoran French became involved as one of the early sponsors for the Kaiapoi Art Expo, becoming the opening night and naming sponsor in 2016.
Christine has always had a passion for art and sees the benefits for the annual exhibition for the artists as well as the wider community. She was first asked to be involved with assisting with the Trust set up in 2010-2011 and has been a trustee since January 2016.Christine and the team at Corcoran French have always enjoyed the opening night with artists and guests and being part of the weekend events.