Whanganui Artists Open Studios has been a blast so far

Brunswick Art Collective are thrilled with their converted garage gallery and the success of their first open studio experience.

Organisers and artists have been delighted with visitor numbers and feedback since Artists Open Studios began last week.

"The attendance has been great and last week's Appetite for Art event sold out so I'm hoping that we get great support for the auction on Saturday night as well," said event manager Kelly Scarrow.

The Artists Open Studio Fundraiser Auction at the Sarjeant Gallery tomorrownight promises opportunity for buyers to bid for unique pieces donated by Whanganui artists.

There is also another Appetite for Art experience on offer taking in The Blend, Frank Bar + Eatery and the Ceramic Lounge at The Big Orange.

Diners will see work by the Rivercity Artists group and visit working artists Pauline Allomes and Patsy Trail in their pop-up studio at 51 Victoria Ave.

First time Open Studios participants Brunswick Art Collective opened their converted garage to the public last weekend.

"For the first hour and a half or so on Saturday, no-one came, and we were getting a bit worried after all the time and effort we have put in," said Keeley Eastwood.

"We are rural and away from the main hub of studios in town, so we realise we took a bit of a risk in terms of being able to attract people away from the town centre.

"But, by the end of the weekend, we were all blown away as over 150 visitors came through.

"We've all sold art pieces, have a list of 'expressions of interest' and potential orders to work our way through, and people made such lovely comments about our location, the gallery set-up and our work."

Eva Busch and Heina Petzold of the Awa Art Hub welcomed around 300 visitors last weekend along with their guest artist John Freeman from Waiheke Island.

This weekend will see the first sound art open studio at the Royal Wanganui Opera House throughout the weekend and the ARTasSOUNDasART Showcase concert on Saturday night.