Dunedin artist, art therapist and social activist Maggie Treweek is preparing for her final exhibition, "Lifeline", on at the Ōtepoti Dunedin Community Gallery from 13 to 18 October. 

"My exhibition will celebrate the moments, experiences and emotions that have defined my artistic path,” Maggie says. “For me, art has been a means of survival, healing and transformation.”

Aged 73, Maggie’s paintings and pottery have been exhibited and sold throughout New Zealand and internationally, including in Shanghai and Melbourne. 

Growing up in a creative household in Seacliff, north of Dunedin, she discovered her passion for colour-mixing and artistic expression at an early age.

Maggie's artistic journey spans multiple disciplines and decades of innovation. In 1965, she was awarded a fine applied arts scholarship from Melbourne School of Art.

After completing a two-year pottery diploma at Dunedin Polytech in 1982, she co-founded the Pumphouse Arts Market in Dunedin and launched her clothing label, Havana Moon. 

Magenta Creative Space established

Her commitment to accessibility in art led to the establishment of Magenta Creative Space in Nelson in 1999 – a studio space providing art therapy programmes for mental health clients, youth at risk, individuals with disabilities, and those facing addiction challenges.

Her teaching philosophy that "nobody fails in my studio" has guided her work with diverse communities, from long-term unemployed individuals through Work and Income New Zealand programmes to students at Te Awhina marae and various polytechnics.

Maggie has continuously expanded her expertise, studying Japanese shibori dyeing techniques, advanced pottery methods and colour theory.

At the same time, she has combined her artistic practice with community service. By the age 17, she was already working as a social worker and art therapist, using creativity to help young people build confidence and express emotions. This philosophy of empowerment through art became central to her life's work.

“Magenta offered arts programmes for people facing adversity, including vulnerable youth, disabled people and those seeking a fresh start,” she recalls. “My belief that ‘nobody will fail in my art studio’ became a guiding philosophy that has helped many people to discover their own creative potential.”

Despite facing personal health challenges that led to her gifting Magenta Creative Space to the Nelson community in 2008, Maggie has remained dedicated to her craft. After periods in Auckland and international exhibitions, she returned to Dunedin in 2018 as a full-time artist, continuing to create and teach from her St Kilda studio.

"Lifeline" is open to the public at Dunedin Community Gallery from 13 to 18 October (10am to 4pm daily). It is sponsored by Bruce Picot, widely known for Pic’s Peanut Butter. The Ōtepoti Dunedin Community Gallery is owned and managed by the Dunedin City Council.