Autumn School Holiday Workshops

Tuesday 7 April - Thursday 16 April

Esther Halliday Studio
 

Session 1: 10am - 11:20am
Session 2: 12pm - 2pm

Session 1: 10am - 11:20am, most suitable for infants & lower primary aged students - $25
Session 2: 12pm - 2pm, most suitable for upper primary & high school aged students - $30

Workshop suitable for kids aged 6 – 16 years of age.
Up to 15 participants per session.

Our school holiday workshops offer a range of creative expression.
Please see the full description of the holiday workshops below.

 

Stop Motion Animation with Tess Reading
Tuesday, 7th of April & Tuesday, 14th of April

 

Join Tess Reading, an experienced animator and filmmaker, for a fun and engaging introduction to stop motion animation, where kids can learn the fundamentals of storytelling and animation using items and tools found in the average home.

Students will learn how to develop their own characters and stories, whilst learning the fundamentals of stop motion animation.

Students are required to bring their own device, mobile phone or tablet, with the Stop Motion Studio App installed, and free memory space for 300+ images.

This workshop will be delivered on Tuesday 7^th April and Tuesday 14 April. Students can come on either day, or both!

Completed animations will be projected as part of Fitzroy St Plaza Projection Public Art Program in April 2026.

 

 

Fabulous Felt Making with Jo-Anne Barr
Wednesday, 8th of April

Join felt maker and textile artist Jo-Anne Barr for a hands‑on creative workshop these school holidays! Jo works with wool and natural fibres to create beautifully textured handmade felt using traditional felting techniques. Her love of colour, texture, and playful experimentation shines through in everything she makes.

In this fun, tactile workshop, kids will learn the magical process of transforming soft wool into felt - rolling, shaping, blending colours, and building their own unique creations. Guided by Jo’s encouraging teaching style, children will explore natural fibres, experiment with patterns and textures, and discover how felting can bring their imagination to life.

Perfect for young makers who love to get creative with their hands, this workshop offers a relaxed and expressive environment where every child can craft something totally their own. A great introduction to fibre art - creative, sensory, and full of fun!

 

 

Miniature Food Workshop with Emma Stilts

Thursday, 9th of April

 

Step into the delightful world of miniature food! Perfect for children looking to explore their creativity during the school holidays whilst being part of the Taste Tamworth Festival. Participants will learn how to craft tiny, realistic foods using safe and child-friendly materials, moulding clay into miniature masterpieces. This 
workshop offers a unique combination of art, play, and imagination, giving children the thrill of making their own tiny desserts, fruits, and meals.

Led by Emma Stilts, this is an easy and fun artform to explore, teaching a new set of skills and techniques.

 

 

Eco-Dye Workshop with Emma Stilts

Wednesday, 15th of April

Introduce your child to the botanical world of natural colours with our Eco-Dye Workshop! Designed as part of the Taste Tamworth Festival, this hands-on workshop combines creativity, exploration and connection with nature. Children will discover how leaves, flowers, and safe household items can be transformed into vibrant dyes, creating their own unique patterns on fabric and paper.

Through playful and guided activities, kids will explore a variety of techniques and experiment with eco-friendly pigments, whilst learning about the seasonal wonders of plants and flowers. No previous experience is required, with this workshop being a fun, safe environment for children of all ages!

 

 

Portraiture with Fonda Shae

Thursday, 16th of April

Step into the bold colours, expressive brushstrokes, and symbolic storytelling of two iconic artists - Frida Kahlo and Vincent van Gogh. In this hands‑on mixed‑media portrait workshop, children will create their own unique self‑portrait (or a portrait of someone they admire—human or animal!) guided by local artist Fonda Shae.

Young artists will explore:

- Mixed media techniques combining drawing, collage, and painting.
- Capturing expressive details, through looking closely at themselves using mirrors.
- Artistic styles inspired by Kahlo and Van Gogh, including pattern, texture, and vibrant colour.
- Creative symbolism and how to incorporate meaningful objects, animals, or motifs into a portrait.

Participants may bring:

• A photo or existing painting of themselves, or
• An image of someone they admire, including a favourite animal.

This workshop encourages imagination, confidence, and creative storytelling - perfect for budding artists.

 

Tickets can be purchased through the Gallery, feel free to visit the friendly staff at the Gallery Front Desk or alternatively you can contact us by:

Ph: (02) 6767 5247 | Email: gallery@tamworth.nsw.gov.au

 

The Gallery is fully accessible and offers free parking at the rear of the building.

If you have any questions, please contact the friendly gallery staff.
Phone: (02) 6767 5247 or email gallery@tamworth.nsw.gov.au