Artel Gallery started life as an artists co-operative in 2009. The founding artists were Ronda Thompson, Val Bartley, Susie Mills, Ruth Blair, and Jill Hemming; with Maude Heath joining in 2010. The co-op evolved over the years, with Maude turning it into a commercial gallery in 2014. She's now the Big Cheese, with accounting assistance from Ronda; and gallery management from Christina Wikaira.

The gallery represents approximately 90 artists and makers from the Kāpiti Coast, with additional works from artists around New Zealand.