Art lovers rejoice! The annual Mercury Bay Art Escape's Open Studio Tour is back with more local artistic excellence at its best.

Thirty-six artists from Tairua, Whenuakite, Hahei, Hot Water Beach, Cooks Beach, Whitianga and Kuaotunu are opening their studios to the public to peruse during the first two weekends of March.

Whenuakite sculptor Gary Nevin is one of 36 artists to open up their studios to the public as part of the Mercury Bay Art Escape's Open Studio Tour which starts this weekend. Photo: MBAET

Along with established artists, this year's line-up includes world renowned Whitianga jeweller and sculptor Hans-Leo Peters, plus four emerging artists: Whitianga photographer, Sharon Wright, Tairua painter Julie Whyman, Cooks beach painter Kay de Blaauw and Kuaotunu glass jeweller Michaela Palacios.

Spokesperson Marion Manson says the talent on show is wonderfully diverse – from hand-forged knives, jewellery, mosaics, painting, prints, photography, pottery, and glass to woodcarving and sculpture.

'Visit their studios and workshops at your own pace, meet the artists and take the opportunity to chat to them about their creative practices,” she says.

'Experience the very best Mercury Bay has to offer in the way of arts and culture, vineyards, breweries, cafes and world-class tourist attractions and scenery.”

The tour will also feature five Mercury Bay Area School students who were the recipients of the latest Mercury Bay Art Escape Trust Scholarship and will offers visitors the opportunity to appreciate the artistic talent being fostered at the local school.

Hahei painter Ginney Deavoll. Photo: MBAET

Marion says entry to all studios is free, but recommends people purchase the updated 2016 Guide which includes artist's profiles, easy to read maps, plus accommodation and hospitality options.

The tour will open with a sold-out gala launch featuring Otaki painter and sculptor, and NZ Defence Forces official artist Matt Gauldie at Hot Waves Cafe in Hot Water Beach tonight.

'This is an opportunity to pre-view the Taste of the Tour Showcase Exhibition of all 47 Art Escape's members' work and to mix and mingle with the artists and the arts community.”

While Matt is in the area he will also host a half day workshop which will cover the planning and composition of figurative work in 2D and 3D and the role of Portraiture in Art, says Marion.

'The workshop 'the figure in art… portraiture and the ace up your sleeve' will also include some practical painting demonstrations and look at technical and practical implications of working in this field.”

The workshop takes place at the Whitianga Art Group Rooms on School Road in Whitianga on Monday, March 7, from 9am-1pm. Spots cost $25 and spaces are limited.

For more information about the Mercury Bay Art Escape's Open Studio Tour or Matt Goldie's workshop visit: www.mercurybayartescape.com

Tairua carver and sculptor Tim Aldrich with his hand carved kingfish. Photo: MBAET