About Fold
Fold has been founded by artist and designer Mel Eaton in response to a growing need for creative workspaces in North Canterbury. After co-founding Nest Arts Collective - a shared studio and creative hub in Amberley - it has aways been clear how powerful these spaces are for connection, collaboration, and creative momentum.
Nestled in Rangiora’s historic Johnston’s building, Fold Studio & Gallery is a shared creative space that brings artistic practice into public view, where work is made, shown, and discovered. While Mel has initiated this venture, Fold is sustained through the collaboration of three long-term residents: Mel Eaton, Laura Hewetson, and Julie Hassall.
Each of us brings our own practice, energy, and purpose to the space. Our work spans painting, design, illustration, textiles, sculpture and visual storytelling and while we create independently, we value the richness that comes from sharing space.
Fold is built on mutual respect, creative ambition, and the belief that art belongs at the heart of every community.
Get in touch if you would like to learn more about our artist residencies!
Long-term Residents
Mel Eaton | Mel Eaton Design
Artist, designer, and community builder. Mel founded Fold as a space to hold creative process in public view, bridging brand, art, and collaboration.
Laura Hewetson | Apple Tree Studio
Meet the founder of Apple Tree Studio, a whimsically colourful mixed‑media artist, former props and costume maker, and dedicated workshop leader.
Julie Hassall | Fabric Fusion
Julie is an inspirational textile artist and sewing mentor bringing intricate fabric work, textile art and community-led creativity into the studio.
Visiting residents
ANNA HEASLEY | Photography
Anna is a photographer and artist based at Waikuku Beach, North Canterbury. She started with a film camera 25 years ago and has been learning ever since. Anna loves teaching and helping others learn photography.
In the gallery
Megan Predegast | Painter
Megan is a self taught artist based in Christchurch. She hand paints highly detailed, one of a kind pieces, drawing inspiration from childhood memories in the garden and her love of New Zealand's beautiful and unique surroundings.
Genavieve Aymes | Painter
Genavieve lives in Canterbury, and is forever inspired by her local landscape and the offerings of Papatuanuku, mother earth. She is an avid observer of the seasons, florals and botanicals, in her own garden in Kaiapoi and wild in the land.
Anniece Rickard | Pastels & Paint
Anniece adores soft pastels for the immediacy and vibrancy this medium offers. She can achieve a high degree of detail and employ a wide range of techniques with this beautiful medium.
Victoria Dowall | Painter
Victoria Dowall is a mixed media artist working with a range of mediums including acrylic, spray paint & resin. She follows her artistic passions and inspiration often painting flowers, landscapes, portraits, abstracts and graffiti pieces.