Mary-Jane Art & Design

09/10/2026

This is a huge one for me!

My piece 'Lady Kowhai' received an Award of Merit in the IAPS 49th Open Division 2026 Fall Online Exhibition - eek! This is a big achievement as this is IAPS the International Association of Pastel Societies, where extremely gifted artists from all around the world enter and just over 100 get selected for the exhibition. It is big to be selected for this exhibition - so honoured and stunned!

Thanks to the jury, judges and IAPS for this wonderful exhibition.

Congrats to my fellow kiwis Lynn Fuller in the 49th Open and Julie and Michael Freeman in the 17th Master Circle.

You have to checkout the exhibition, the level of talent is beyond stunning: https://showsubmit.com/gallery/iaps-49th-open-division
And the Master Circle exhibition: https://showsubmit.com/gallery/iaps-17th-master-circle-divison

website: Maryjaneart.co.nz
- Mary-Jane Art & Design (MJ Steffens Limited)- All Rights Reserved.

27/09/2026

Eek! 'Silent Resonance' won the Art Focus Medium Award (Pastel)

The 2026 Tasman National Art Awards exhibition is now on! Last night was the opening and awards night, where I got a really nice surprise that my piece 'Silent Resonance' received the Art Focus Medium Award (Pastels). The judges must have had a really tough time judging this award as my piece was amongst alot of absolutely stunning pieces.

There are over a 130 pieces from talented artists throughout Aotearoa - all artwork is for sale.

Exhibition finishes up on the 10th October.
Open everyday 9.30am-4.30pm
Mapua Community Hall

A big thanks to the judges and the TNAA team. And thanks to the sponsors of my award - TNAA, Olive Estate and Impressions.

24/09/2026

The 2026 Tasman National Art Awards is happening!

Opening night is this Saturday - doors open 7pm! Come along and check out over 100 stunning pieces from talented artists all around Aotearoa. I am lucky enough to have one of my pieces selected for this National exhibition.

27 September - 10 October
10.30am - 4.30pm everyday
Mapua Community Hall
72 Aranui Road, Mapua


maryjaneart.co.nz

09/09/2026

This is the last week of the NSAS Paint, Pastel & Panache Exhibition.

At the Nelson Suter Art Society, in the McKee Gallery.
Located within the Suter Art Gallery, 208 Bridge Street, Nelson

Last day to see this spectacular exhibition is Saturday the 12th September.


Maryjaneart.co.nz

23/08/2026

16/08/2026

SO GOOD!!

I am absolutely stoked, grateful and honoured to have won the Bella Award (first prize) in the People category of the PSA Annual Awards 2026.

Thanks so much to judge Janet Hayes and to the Diefenbach Family who donate the Bella Award.

Side note: A big thanks to Merla, Vanessa and Tricia at Pastel Society of Australia, for their amazing help in finally getting my work through customs and arriving just in time!

11-23 August
Matthew Flinders Gallery
191 Sunderland Drive
Banksia Beach, Bribie Island, QLD



Maryjaneart.co.nz

Copyright 2025- Mary-Jane Art & Design (MJ Steffens Limited)- All rights reserved.

11/08/2026

3 Days Left!!

This amazing exhibition, celebrates the female figure through the eyes of three very different artists - myself, a pastel artist, mixed media artist Sarah Lewis and fine art photographer Victoria Vincent.

This is truely an unforgettable exhibition and not to be missed.

Until this Friday, 14 August 2026
Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm, Sat 10am-1pm
The Gallery
42A Halifax Street, Nelson

Nelson City Framers & The Gallery

Maryjaneart.co.nz

07/08/2026

Heading to Australia!

Two of my pieces are on their way to be part of the PSA 2026 Annual Awards Exhibition. This will be the first time that my artwork will physically be part of a Pastel Society of Australia exhibition for sale, previously I have only been part of their great online exhibitions. Super excited!!

11 - 23 August 2026
Matthew Flinders Gallery
191 Sunderland Drive,
Banksia Beach, Bribie Island, QLD

Awards night is 15 August - Will keep you posted!

Maryjaneart.co.nz