Spring School Holiday Program 2026

Tuesday 29 September - Thursday 8 October

Enjoy a range of art and craft activities with a bit of spooky theme. Activities suited for all ages with the option for parents or carers to join in with all materias provided.

Tuesday 29 September
Day of the Dead Masks with Sasha Jury Radford

Create a spooky ceramic Day of the Dead mask to celebrate Halloween this year. Day of the Dead masks (Dia de los Muertos masks) are brightly decorated masks typically featuring vivid colours, floral motifs and symbolic skulls commonly used in Mexican celebrations. Designs often include roses, marigolds, intricate linework, and traditional calavera patterns such as hearts, flames and ornate patterns.

Sasha Jury Radford is a local ceramicist, practicing artist and a highly qualified and experienced teacher. Led by Sasha participants will explore inspiration, plan and create their masks to be fired by Sasha. Fired artworks can be picked up following the workshop to paint final touches at home in time for Halloween!

Image: Sasha Jury Radford, Day of the Dead Mask, Photo: Courtesy of the Artist

Wednesday 30 September and 7 October
Halloween Papercraft Mask Making I & II

Prepare for trick-a-treating or dress up fun with this creative paper mask making workshop with Emma Stilts from the gallery team. Creative making is adjusted to suit any age as participants design and plan their masks, then jump into using paper techniques including modelling or paper mâché. Finishing up with painting to take home. For more elaborate paper mache masks we recommend participants book into a second workshop session to complete their design.

Thursday 1 October
Meaningful Woven Jewellery Making with Krystle Lamb

In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore the connection between making and meaning. Krystle will guide participants through creating their own handcrafted woven jewellery, while sharing how the things we make can hold knowledge, energy, intention and personal meaning.

Krystle Lamb is a proud Gamilaraay woman and mother from Quirindi, NSW. A passionate artist, language educator and community worker. Through art, storytelling and language revitalisation, Krystle creates opportunities for people of all ages to connect with culture, identity and Country. Her work brings together creativity, learning and community, inspiring meaningful conversations and deeper understanding through shared stories and cultural knowledge.

Images: Krystke Lamb, Earrings and background, Courtesy of the Artist

Portrait of Krystle Lamb Photo: Courtesy of the Artist

Tuesday 6 October 
Spooky Still Life Painting with Jessica Ashton

Learn how to create and paint your own spooky still life composition! Design, draw and paint the basics in this fun and spooky class adapted to all ages and skill levels. Students will learn the techniques of observation, layering, colour mixing and the principles of light and shadow. Still life objects will be supplied for inspiration or bring your own scary props! All materials supplied, take home your completed artwork on canvas. 

Jessica Ashton is a Sydney based artist whose practice spans portraiture, still life, and landscape painting. Working primarily from life, her paintings are distinguished by intuitive mark making, luminous colour, and a deep engagement with direct observation. A three time Archibald Prize finalist, Ashton has also been recognised in numerous prestigious awards, including the Portia Geach Memorial Award, the Mosman Art Prize, and the Parliament Plein Air Prize.

Alongside her studio practice, Ashton is an experienced educator who looks forward to teaching in Tamworth where she grew up! She teaches painting from her Manly studio, portrait drawing at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and life drawing at the University of Technology Sydney.

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Image: Jessica Ashton, Pears Photo: Courtesy of the Artist

Portrait of Jessica Ashton Photo: Courtesy of the Artist

Thursday 8 October
Lucky Charm Pouches

 
Create your own unique lucky charm pouch using colourful fabrics, simple stitching techniques and decorative embellishments. In this fun, hands-on workshop, students will design and make a small textile pouch inspired by symbols of luck, protection and personal meaning to keep bad juju away! Adapted to all ages and skill levels, participants will learn basic sewing techniques while exploring colour, pattern and texture. Fill your pouch with special treasures, keepsakes or handmade charms, then add the finishing touches to make it truly your own. With all materials supplied, students will create alongside Emma Stilts from the gallery team and take home their completed lucky charm pouch.

All workshops:

Group 1: 10am -11.30am

Group 2: 12.30 - 2.30pm

Age: 6-16 or consider bringing a family member or friend to create with.

Group 2 is a longer session, aimed at older children.

Cost: $30 per person per session with all materials provided.

Booking link to come.

The Tamworth Regional Gallery is fully accessible, and offers free and accessible parking - located behind the building, accessed via Peel or Hill St.