After last year’s popular debut, the Art Collective pop-up exhibition has returned to The Strand, transforming a prime central space into a vibrant showcase of creativity.

The exhibition, which opened recently, is a collaborative effort between the Arts and Crafts Society and the Art Forum Charity Trust.

Organiser David Poole said the large gallery-style venue allowed the group to bring together an impressive range of work under one roof.

“We have more than 60 artists exhibiting and over a thousand items for sale – there really is something for everyone,” Poole said.

“Ceramics, weaving, embroidery, patchwork and stitchwork, carving, woodturning and much more are on show.”

Poole said the organisers were grateful to the owners of the building, Big Save Furniture, for allowing the artists to use the former retail space to exhibit and sell their work.

Arts and Crafts Society president Elly Sharp said the response from the public had been overwhelmingly positive. Since opening on January 17, around 200 works have already sold.

“People keep coming in and saying how lovely it is and that they wish it could be permanent,” Sharp said.

“It is nice to have this space, and I think the town needs something like this because we have so much talent here.”

Among the artists returning this year is Keith Harding, whose bold pop art-style paintings celebrate his favourite subjects – vintage vehicles and surfing culture.

His bright, energetic works channel the carefree beach vibes of 1960s and 70s California, featuring Kombis, Chevys and other classic cars, often loaded with surfboards.

His newest and largest work, measuring 1600mm by 1100mm, continues the automotive theme.

“I love VDubs – I’m a big Volkswagen fan – and I love surfing and old-skool 60s longboards,” Harding said.

“I became good at painting cars, but I still want to step outside my comfort zone. There are so many ideas rattling around in my head that I want to put down on canvas.”

Harding also incorporates graffiti-style elements and song lyrics into his paintings, reflecting his passion for music. A semi-abstract work and photography are among his works on show.

He even makes his own canvases, having been professionally taught how to stretch them.

Another artist drawing attention is Leticia Hary, whose colourful works – created using watercolour and markers on paper – often explore social issues and personal experiences.

Having moved to New Zealand from Hungary just a year ago, many of her detailed paintings reflect her sense of discovery.

Ocean adventures and creatures feature in some of her work, such as a piece reflecting a family trip to the Coromandel: “I am from Europe and in Europe everything feels much more sterile.

“If you want to see a ray, they are in an aquarium. It was such an adventure to walk into the ocean and see a stingray.”

Also exhibiting is Brenda Ludwig, whose diverse practice includes landscapes, photography, abstract work and three-dimensional pieces.

Working primarily in acrylic on canvas, Ludwig has been painting for several years.

“I do a bit of everything, really,” she said.

One of her standout creations is a whimsical lighthouse made from stacked, painted terracotta pots, complete with a light that glows at night.

“They look amazing in the garden,” she said.