In a unique fusion of art and craft, local distillery co-owner Nikki Oesterle will be debuting her first-ever exhibition at Papaiti Gin during Artists Open Studios 2025. The exhibition will run fromĀ March 15 to March 23, 2025, offering visitors a sensory-rich experience of fine art and expertly crafted gin on the outskirts of Whanganui.
Set within the intimate and atmospheric surroundings of the distillery, this exhibition invites guests to explore Nikkiās dynamic abstract works. As an artist and gin-maker, Nikkiās creative vision is deeply intertwined with a passion for the creative process, and this exhibition presents a rare opportunity to experience both in one setting.
āWe are thrilled to turn the distillery into an exhibition space again and open our doors all week to the public during Artists Open Studios 2025,ā says Nikki Oesterle. āFor me, distilling and painting share a deep connection ā both require intuition, experimentation, and a love for the process. My paintings are inspired by whatās around me and the concept that weāre all seeing things differently. Take a step to the side and you get a different angle, take off your glasses and itās just a spectacle of refractions. Itās very personal, really. I love creating that sense of movement and colour in my paintings, and Iām excited to share them for the first time in the space where we craft our gin.ā
The exhibition will be open daily throughout the event, with opportunities to meet the artist, learn more about her creative process, and enjoy tasting sessions of Papaiti Ginās signature range. Visitors can expect a relaxed and engaging atmosphere where art and artisan spirits come together in celebration of Whanganuiās vibrant creative community.
Artists Open Studios is a highly anticipated annual event, drawing art enthusiasts from across the country to explore the workspaces of Whanganuiās talented creators. This year, Nikki Oesterleās debut exhibition at Papaiti Gin promises to be a standout experience, blending visual art with the craftsmanship of distilling in a way that is both innovative and deeply personal.
For more information, visitĀ openstudios.co.nzĀ or follow us onĀ facebook.com/papaitigin , @papaiti_gin (insta) or @nikki.oesterle.art (insta)
Opening hours during AOS:
Mon-Fri 12-4
Sat-Sun 10-3
