23 September – 2 October 2026 | Henderson Gallery & Grant Gallery, Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery
Spring has arrived in Central Otago, and with it comes one of the region’s best-loved traditions — the Central Otago Art Society’s Blossom Festival Art Exhibition. Now in its 51st year, this exhibition is a highlight of the Alexandra Blossom Festival calendar, bringing together the work of professional and amateur artists from across the district and beyond.
This year the gallery will host between 120 and 150 original paintings alongside a selection of ceramic works, all created especially for the exhibition and all available for sale. Whether you’re a longtime collector or simply looking for a reason to wander through beautiful art on a spring afternoon, there’s something here for everyone.
What to Expect
Every piece on display is original and has not been shown at a COAS exhibition before. A guest judge will award prizes across seven categories, generously sponsored by local businesses, and visitors get their own say too — the People’s Choice Award is voted for by the public throughout the exhibition.
Key Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Monday 21 September | Artwork drop-off and hanging |
| Tuesday 22 September | Judging |
| Wednesday 23 September | Opening night (Please RSVP to manager@centralstories.com) |
| Thursday 24 September – Friday 2 October | Exhibition open to the public |
| Friday 2 October, 4–5pm | People’s Choice presentation & art pick-up |
| Saturday 3 October, 10–11am | Final art pick-up and gallery de-install |
Opening night falls right alongside the opening of the wider Alexandra Blossom Festival, and is preceded by the presentation of the Festival’s Princesses and Senior Queen — making it a wonderful way to kick off Blossom Festival week in Alexandra.
A Community Tradition, Decades in the Making
The Alexandra Blossom Festival is New Zealand’s longest-running festival, celebrating the arrival of spring in Central Otago since 1957. What began as a modest community fundraiser — the Alexandra Junior Chamber of Commerce’s plan to raise money for new swimming baths — has grown into a much-loved week-long celebration featuring the iconic Grand Procession down Centennial Avenue, Party in the Park, and festivities across the town.
The Central Otago Art Society (COAS) has been an integral part of the Blossom Festival for decades. Formed in the 1970s by a small group of passionate Alexandra artists and art supporters, COAS now has a membership of around 100 and runs two key exhibitions each year: the Easter Show in Clyde, and its flagship event, the Blossom Festival Exhibition here at Central Stories. Beyond exhibiting, the Society also runs regular hands-on workshops for artists of all skill levels, helping to foster creative talent throughout the district.
We can’t wait to see what this year’s artists bring to the walls of the Henderson and Grant Galleries.
Visit Us
Come and celebrate spring with us at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery. Browse original works by Central Otago’s artists, vote for your favourite in the People’s Choice Award, and take home a piece of the region’s creative spirit — every artwork on display is for sale.
Entry: $2.00 into this exhibition
Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery, Alexandra Exhibition open daily, 23 September – 2 October 2026
For more information about the Central Otago Art Society, visit centralotagoarts.com or follow them on Facebook.
