Katie Hedgman Dalton had friends over to help christen her new Makeshift Pony studio and workspace last weekend.
The converted garage is her new place for creating her pen and ink, papier mache and mixed media art works.
"I'm going solo for Artists' Open Studios for the first time next year and I want to get used to the idea of having people in the space when I'm working," she said.
There are comfortable chairs including an "egg chair" where the artist likes to sit when she needs inspiration, a fridge and a kettle.
There are also several different "zones" in the the new space.
"I'm very tangental and like to have several projects on the go at once so I like to be able to leave things in place to come back to.
"I do suffer from anxiety and lack confidence sometimes and art is very therapeutic for me," says Katie.
"When I've participated in Artists' Open Studios before, I've always been one of a group so I do feel a bit anxious about doing it on my own."
Makeshift Pony has been set up to enable other artists to come and work in the space but it is fine if people just want to "hang out".
"I have to get used to people being around when I'm working and I can practise with people I know."
Katie said the new space will encourage her to be more disciplined with the time she devotes to her art.
"I aim to have 50 pieces completed for Artists' Open Studios and I want to have a good mix of the different mediums," she said.
Katie has until March 16 next year to prepare for the annual event which will run until March 25, 2018.
Visit http openstudios.co.nz to find out more.