More than 70 local artists have sold and exhibited their work in No.42 with many going onto develop thriving businesses.

One such success story is artist Gillian Gamble, a successful illustrator who uses her doodles to create a fabulous range of clothing, homewares and books. .

Gillian will soon become one of the first creatives to speak at the brand new Pod Picnics, a networking event allowing all types of creatives to get together, share ideas and develop valuable contacts. The first of these monthly events will take place at No.42 in April, so please bring a picnic and take inspiration from Gillian and her co-speakers, Anna Harnden, Auckland Castle’s Senior Faith Curator, Lisa Davis from Changing Relations, ReFuse and Lindsay Parker of Stride PR.

This is a free event but booking is essential, email bookings@aucklandcastle.org

To enquire about hiring a studio contact kate.gorman@aucklandcastle.org.

Pic caption: Gillian Gamble, illustrator and speaker at Pod Picnics (left) with Kate Gorman, organiser of Pod Picnics (right) against a backdrop of Gillian’s work. Pic by Barry Pells, courtesy of Auckland Castle Trust