The works of popular Waikato artist and teacher Ida Carey 1891-1982 have received increased market attention over recent years. During the 1920s whilst based in Sydney, Ida studied with Italian artist Anthony Dattilo Rubbo 1870-1955.

Best known as a portrait painter, in the 1960s Carey commenced a series featuring Maori women with Moko. A competent painter capable of diverse subject matter, Carey was a founding member of the Waikato Society of Arts, becoming President in 1934. She succeeded fellow artist Ivy Copeland as a lecturer at Auckland College of Education and taught art in several Hamilton schools. Represented: Christchurch Art Gallery, Rotorua Museum, Waikato Museum. Her works are on permanent exhibition at Puke Ariki, New Plymouth.