Explore creativity
Woolshed Art Studio
Create as you have been created.
The former Orama Woolshed has been beautifully transformed into an inspiring art studio, offering a dynamic space for artists of faith, artists in residence, guests and our Aotea community.
Our studio is available for workshops, team-building activities, creative processing and events.
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Our studio is available to both host or lead creative events. Keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities to learn, explore and play.
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Available for artists of faith wanting to get away and find inspiration by our beautiful surroundings.
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We are privileged to have a number of artists working at, or affiliated with our space.
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We have big dreams for our space, but it takes the ideation and generosity of many helping hands.
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The old woolshed has been transformed into a creative arts studio!
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Mix-media workshop
Mixed-media collage serves as a vehicle to inspire well-being in body, soul and spirit through the creative process.
Engage participants in a journey of what hope looks like for them, these workshops encourage a positive sense of identity, self-worth and help relieve stress and anxiety.
No experience is necessary, all materials will be supplied and each participant leaves the day with a finished art piece.
Duration of workshop: 3 hours
Cost per person: $45 includes materials
Group size: 2-6 people -
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Abstract expression workshop
Art that is about the process. The development of the art comes with the journey of creating it. It’s not about what you see, but rather what you feel and it is creating from the heart.
The format of these workshops has been developed by contemporary visual artist Froyle Davies.
These workshops will be run as one-day art retreats, as part of an event, and/or tailored as the need arises.
Duration of workshop: 3 hours
Cost per person: $45 includes materials
Group size: 2-6 people -
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Art Sozo workshop
Connect your emotions to the heart of God and allow His healing to take place.
The Art Sozo workshop is a group workshop. The activity of painting helps to bypass roadblocks and allow God's truth to shine through on canvas and speak deeply into hearts. Each activity builds upon the last to encourage vulnerability through safety.
No art experience is necessary to be able to enjoy Art Sozo.
Duration of workshop: 3 hours
Cost per person: $45 includes materials
Group size: 2-6 people
Artists Residencies
Available for artists of faith wanting to get away and find inspiration by our beautiful surroundings.
2-4 week residency
Scheduled private space in the studio each day (worked around any bookings)
Please note, all artists are to pay for their own transportation to and from Orama, Aotea/Great Barrier Island.
Have questions?
For further information, contact us >
“The Lord said to Moses, “...I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs...to work in every craft.”
— Exodus 31:1-5
Our Artists
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Jo McQuoid’s journey began in West Auckland, and then moved to the Hibiscus Coast, where she dedicated 30 years to registered nursing in the community.
She began her painting journey, when her 2 boys were in middle school. Between work and whānau commitments, Jo recognised that she desperately needed to set aside a morning a week to embrace and lean into her artistic side, in which she found an outlet of expression, joy and essential self care. A community of like-minded, inspirational artists at Estuary Arts in Orewa, provided encouragement and critique, as they shared their joint passion.
Now residing between Whangaparaoa and Aotea/Great Barrier Island, Jo is able to showcase her multifaceted talents and compassionate spirit through her role in event management and arts development for Orama.
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Murray Leslie is a skilled and versatile artist who graduated with a diploma in art, craft, and design, specialising in ceramics and bronze casting.
With a passion for exploring various forms of artistic expression, Murray's work is defined by his deep understanding of materials and techniques. His mastery of ceramics and bronze casting allows him to transform raw materials into captivating works of art, each piece reflecting both technical expertise and creative vision.
In addition to his specialisation, Murray is highly experienced in graphite pencil drawing, focusing on detailed portraits and wildlife.
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Art Sozo facilitator and mix-media artist
Treena has a passion for bringing freedom and connection to God through Art. This led her to undertake Art Sozo training from Gail Spooner the Pastoral Counselor at Bethel Transformation Center and founder of Art Sozo.
Treena has run and helped facilitate a number of creative and well-being workshops throughout New Zealand and Australia and was the founder of the Beautiful Courageous You and Be You Women events that have been held in New Zealand and Australia.
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Born to US-Canadian parents, Mary immigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand when she was six years old. She completed her BFA from Columbia, Chicago, later migrating to California where she lived, worked and painted for some time. The events of 2020 spurred a desire to return home to Aotearoa, where she now resides permanently.
E mihi ana ia ki ngā mana whenua. Mary believes it right to acknowledge her place in Aotearoa is upheld by her commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi and sustained through the friendship of many.
Deeply connected to the land and unearthing her indigenous North American [Mohawk] heritage, Mary operates alongside local and national peacemakers around matters of reconciliation. Her work carefully considers the role and responsibility of the ‘witness,’ and explores what it means to invoke memory, serve, and tend to the dynamic nature of the whenua, both land and body, with generational vision.
The Transformation
Thanks to the fantastic folk at MMM and support from the Great Barrier Local Board, the old woolshed has been transformed into a creative arts studio, affectionately named the Woolshed Studio. We hope it will be a creative space for many Artisians of all genres for many years to come.
