All Ages Creative Workshops
Art Across Ages is about people of all ages coming together to create, connect and share. These free, hands-on workshops are open to everyone including kids, teens, parents, grandparents and neighbours.
Each workshop focuses on a different kind of art and is led by local and visiting artists. You might learn a new skill, try something you have never done before, or simply enjoy making art with others in a friendly space.
It is not only about art. It is about sharing stories, learning from each other and building connections between generations. Come along on your own or with family and friends and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming space where creativity and conversation flow.
All workshops are free, materials are provided, and no experience is needed – just bring yourself and a willingness to have a go.
FREE – registrations required.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
January Workshops
- Sumi and Sound
- Family Collage & Memory Maps
- Rag Rugging
- Intergenerational Portraits
See below for further information.
Register Now
Family Collage & Memory Maps
Wednesday, 21 January 2026
10am – 2pm (including break)
Macquarie Room, George Town Memorial Hall Complex
Presented by Julie McDonald
Join us for a creative community workshop where people of all ages come together to explore shared stories, family histories, and local identity through collage and simple stitching. Using personal items and shared materials, we'll create layered artworks that reflect memory, heritage, and place while strengthening community connections. Together, we'll build a visual map of our memories — a collage that tells the story of who we are, where we come from, and what connects us.
What to bring: Lunch, a drink bottle and any meaningful items you would like to include e.g. photos (preferably photocopied) letters, poetry, tickets, fabric strips, pages from a book and the like.
Julie McDonald is an artist and teacher based at Quamby Estate in Hagley, Tasmania. She runs friendly, welcoming art classes for people of all ages and abilities, encouraging creativity, confidence and connection through painting and drawing. Julie has also been involved in many local community art projects in NSW, helping people come together to create both community and shared artworks that celebrate their stories and surroundings.
FREE – registrations required
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Catering not provided – BYO lunch
Sumi and Sound
Monday, 12 January 2026
Saturday, 31 January 2026
10am – 3pm (including break)
Macquarie Room, George Town Memorial Hall Complex
Presented by Emma Magusson-Reid
Discover Sumi and Sound: a full day workshop where ink meets water in the ancient Japanese art of Suminagashi paper marbling. Guided through flowing, hands-on marbling techniques, you’ll create unique patterned papers, layer poetic words and drawing, and collaborate on large-scale prints immersed in natural soundscapes and the meditative rhythms of making.
This five-hour creative experience flows through stages of learning, making, and reflection. Beginning with a short introduction to the history and process of Suminagashi, participants move into hands-on marbling using traditional inks, followed by collaborative large-scale prints. The session concludes with guided and gentle reflection, layering words and images to create a calm, meditative space for creativity.
What to bring: Lunch, a drink bottle, and comfortable clothing suitable for inky hands-on making.
Emma Magnusson-Reid is a Tasmanian visual artist and educator who teaches drawing and printmaking at the University of Tasmania, Inveresk. With extensive experience leading creative workshops throughout the state, Emma guides participants to explore flow, materiality, and mindful connection through process-based artmaking. She lives and works from her studio in Beechford, where her practice is closely connected to the area’s diverse natural surroundings.
FREE – registrations required
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Catering not provided – BYO lunch
Rag Rugging
Thursday, 15 January 2026 | 1pm – 4pm
Beechford Hub
Thursday, 29 January 2026 | 10am – 1pm
Macquarie Room, George Town Memorial Hall Complex
Presented by Jak
Turn your old fabrics into something beautiful and practical. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the traditional art of rag rugging and create your own circular rug or trivet to take home. Working with recycled cotton sheets and fabric strips, you’ll explore simple hooking and braiding techniques to transform everyday textiles into colourful woven forms.
This is a relaxed, creative session suitable for ages 8 and up. Beginners are warmly supported, and experienced crocheters can help guide others. Some experience in crochet is beneficial but not essential. Each participant receives their own 15 mm crochet hook to keep.
What to bring: old cotton sheets, doona covers, or sarongs (pure cotton works best), and a pair of sharp scissors. Polyester blends, clothing, T-shirts, and stretch fabrics are not suitable. Spare material will be available for those unable to source their own.
FREE – registrations required
Ages 8+. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Catering not provided – BYO snacks
Intergenerational Portraits
Friday, 30 January 2026
1pm – 4pm
Macquarie Room, George Town Memorial Hall Complex
Presented by Julie McDonald
Families and friends of all ages are invited to draw or paint each other in this playful portrait workshop. We’ll begin with fun warm-up sketches and mark-making, then move into more detailed portraits that celebrate connection, character, and creativity.
No experience needed – just bring your curiosity and willingness to have a go. This is a relaxed way to spend time together and create something special.
Julie McDonald is an artist and teacher based at Quamby Estate in Hagley, Tasmania. She runs friendly, welcoming art classes for people of all ages and abilities, encouraging creativity, confidence and connection through painting and drawing. Julie has also been involved in many local community art projects in NSW, helping people come together to create both community and shared artworks that celebrate their stories and surroundings.
FREE – registrations required
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Catering not provided – BYO snacks
