May brings a gentle shift in pace at DEPOT, a month that invites making, reflecting, and spending time together. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we are thinking about shared experiences and the quiet joy of creating something by hand.

This Mother’s Day, our DEPOT Ceramics Studio offers a relaxed and welcoming way to spend quality time with the special people in your life. It’s simple, accessible, and open to all. Choose a ceramic piece from our range, have fun with it, and start painting. We provide everything you need, from paints and brushes to tools and helpful guidance from our friendly studio team. Once you’re finished, we glaze and fire your piece, ready for collection around two weeks later. It’s an easy, creative outing that encourages conversation, colour and care, with a keepsake to remember the day. Drop in to our Ceramics Studio at DEPOT 3 Vic or book online at depot.org.nz/ceramics-studio.

Our May Maker of the Month is Rose Evans (Te Atiawa, French and Welsh), a resident artist based in Studio D3 at DEPOT. Rose brings deep material knowledge to her jewellery practice, shaped by a distinguished career as a museum object conservator and exhibition developer. Her experience includes 15 years at Te Papa Tongarewa and work with institutions such as the British Museum and Torpedo Bay Navy Museum. Working primarily in silver, Rose explores strong geometric shapes and hollow forms, creating elegant jewellery grounded in structure and balance.

At DEPOT 3 Vic Road, we are proud to present Material World by Chris Melville, an award‑winning New Zealand abstract photographer. The exhibition transforms everyday fabrics into expansive, landscape‑like images using natural light and slow shutter speeds, inviting viewers to pause and reconsider perception.

Over at DEPOT Artspace, Common Matter by Amanda Mackenzie wraps up on 9 May. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed egg cartons. Your generosity has been vital to bringing this exhibition to life.

BETWEEN US, an exhibition by the Figurative Painters group, opens on Saturday 16 May from 2 to 4pm, with an artist panel talk at 3pm. Guest co‑curated by Karlalise Hortsmans and Tracey Coakley, the exhibition brings together 28 contemporary artists exploring identity and lived experience in Aotearoa New Zealand.

As we continue celebrating DEPOT’s 30th year, we are grateful to the artists, supporters, and community who shape this place. Stay connected by signing up to our newsletter at depot.org.nz