Texan Art Schools

I have been a solid supporter of TAS for, wow, how long have they been open in Newmarket? Years. Years!
Came across the Ponsonby location on a recent visit to Auckland, and was delighted by the same fresh, creative and beautiful selection of local art, jewelry and gifts. I love that the owner knows and shares the stories behind the people who make these items. I was really touched by the genuine attitude and vibe. So many places in Auckland have become Kiwi-​Hipster with plastic cut-​out approaches and attitudes, yet when I came to TAS I felt surrounded by a real Kiwi spirit.
If there is one place I would recommend to anyone visiting, it would be TAS. Definitely. And I am more than delighted to have a beautiful contemporary Maori carving at home with me in New York now.
Thanks for being so committed to the cause for so long guys.

Hmmm Unilocal,not really sure if this place should fall under the «Education» category… although, I do agree, the name is rather misleading.
To be honest, I thought I was rocking up to an American-​inspired art supply store upon entering «Texan Art Schools.» Not the case, my friends. This place is in fact, a gift shop (and an awesome one at that).
They emphasize local, handmade items — many kiwiana-​themed (but I’m not talking the made in China Aotearoa tshirts), but rather authentic jewelry, ceramics, artwork, greeting cards… the list goes on.
It’s truly the perfect place to stop in to get into the spirit of gift-​giving. Whether you’re a native kiwi or you’re looking for that perfect gift to ship to family across the sea, I have no doubt, you’ll find something special here.
Service is also stellar — ideas/​advice provided upon request but left to browse at your leisure if you so desire (plus they will gift-​wrap beautifully at no extra charge).
WINNING.

This is my go-​to shop if I want a nice gift with a Kiwiana theme. Far from the tacky souvenir shops you find on Queen St, the items you’ll find in Texan Art Schools are actually things you’d want to have in your own home.
The Ponsonby branch is small but rammed with stuff — honestly you could spend quite a while picking your way through all of the items for sale.
They have some great ceramics (most recently I purchased a swan vase and a set of three little dishes that had been imprinted with a leaf — beautiful) and lots of Kiwi carvings and canvases.

Texan Art School is a business that revolves around the notion that New Zealand is a unique, beautiful country filled with talented artists, and their mission is to get that artwork out into the world.
This focus of Texan Art School means every product they stock is beautifully crafted, related to New Zealand and made with tender loving care. Texan Art School is the perfect place to find gifts, with everything from jewellery, candles, prints, paintings and frames to sculptures, homewear and small furnishings available in store and online.
I’ve been eying up one item in particular — a clock with a blackboard background that would go down a treat in my boyfriend’s flat! Being able to write little messages to other flat mates that would be relevant to certain times of day would be a lot of fun, and it’s only about $ 80! Not too shabby.
Every time I go in to Texan Art School I feel inspired. Inspired to not only create something but also just inspired to be a Kiwi. It really is somewhere local New Zealanders can be proud to shop at and support, as it in turn supports us locals!

Is this an Art School? I’m not sure. What I know it has is a great New Zealand gift and NZ made souvenir shop. If you want good quality New Zealand gifts then this is the place to come.
They do loads of stuff, including Jewellery, paintings, signs, korus, ceramics, wood carvings, sculptures, you name it. Many of the items they sell are also one offs so very unique bits which are wonderful for special gifts whether it be for someone living in NZ or family and friends overseas. Also while some things are expensive, I think they have something for everyone’s budget.
I have been to the Newmarket and Ponsonby stores and have found staff at both to be very helpful with advice for gifts.