The Festive Forrest is in, don't miss a chance to see the trees!
and vote for your favourite.
MERRY MINIS IN MORRINSVILLE: A COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CREATION
Morrinsville Gallery has invited the community to get creative this Christmas with the launch of a brand-new event, Merry Minis in Morrinsville.
This event features a community-crafted exhibition of mini-Christmas trees displayed simultaneously with the award-winning Christmas Show by Helen and Brian Gibson.
We have a trophy for the People's Choice Winner,
Best tree by under 12.
Best use of recycled materials
Most Creative Tree
These prizes to be awarded at an award ceremony at the Gallery on
Saturday the 20th from 11.30am
Keep an eye out next year for the call up to enter. It is a lot of fun and is set to get better and bigger.
Community Connection and Creativity
This exciting new event celebrates the joy of handmade decorations, the art of recycling and the festive spirit of creativity. The Gallery hopes to fill its spaces with a “forest” of miniature trees made by local artists, families, schools, and community groups.
“Merry Minis is all about community connection and creativity,” says a Gallery spokesperson. “We want people to have fun making something and have another reason to come together — whether it’s an intricate tiny tree, a clever themed design, a whimsical family creation or something somewhat larger than mini. It’s about celebrating Christmas in a way that feels personal, local, and joyful.”
Entries are open to everyone, with prizes awarded in several categories including Under 12s, Family Groups, Local Businesses, and a People’s Choice Award. Judges will be looking for inventive, playful, and sustainable designs that capture the spirit of the season.
Workshops to inspire
The Gallery has hosted three workshops in November. The Mini Tree Makers Workshops were held on Monday 17 November (4–6 pm) and Wednesday 19 and 26th November (5–7 pm) in the Morrinsville Gallery Learning Hub. Materials will be provided, though participants are encouraged to bring ideas or works in progress. Registration is required through the Gallery’s website at morrinsvillegallery.org.nz
Completed mini trees are to be delivered to the Gallery between 1st and 5th of December, accompanied by the $10 entry fee and an entry form available online or from Gallery reception. The exhibition will be on display throughout December in the Awatea and Whakaaturanga galleries.
The launch of Merry Minis in Morrinsville coincides with the return of the popular Christmas Show. Winners in last year’s Harcourts Christmas Lights competition, Helen and Brian Gibson are returning with a revamped collection of miniature festive scenes and snow-covered villages. The pair’s passion for Christmas has delighted visitors for years and their ever-growing display remains a highlight of the local festive season.
Together, these two displays promise to make Morrinsville Gallery a must-visit destination this December — a place where creativity, community, and Christmas magic come together under one roof.
This event is proudly supported by the Matamata-Piako District Council.
Register BELOW for one of the tutored workshops.
Heartfelt thanks to the Matamata-Piako District Council for sponsoring this creatiive event in the community.
A creative and anonymous volunteer whipped this up overnight!
Linda Chapman's Susie Tree
'Minis in Morrinsville' will run in conjunction with the fabulous Miniature Christmas Show kindly presented our own Brian and Helen Gibson.