The works of popular Waikato artist and teacher Ida Carey (1891 - 1982) have received increased market attention over the past few 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 she began a series featuring Maori women with Moko. A versatile artist, Ida was also a competent painter of interiors, landscapes, still life and a series of ballet scenes.

She was a founding member of the Waikato Society of Arts, becoming President in 1934. She succeeded fellow artist Ivy Copeland (1895 - 1961) as a lecturer at Auckland College of Education and taught art in several Hamilton schools. Represented: Christchurch Art Gallery, Rotorua Museum, Waikato Museum. A collection of her paintings are on permanent exhibition at Puke Ariki, New Plymouth.