Workshops

Art workshop at the Rockingham Arts Centre

What's on  

To register for any of these workshops, please contact the Rockingham Arts Centre on 9527 0734 between 8am-4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

Full payment is required at the time of booking. Any cancellations received prior to the workshop registration closing date are eligible for a full refund.

Exhibitions for Artists with Sandra Murray - The Art of Exhibiting and Exhibitions – Elevate Your Career

  • Date: Saturday 23 March 2024  
  • Times: 1.30pm - 3pm
  • Location: Rockingham Arts Centre, 11 Kent Street, Rockingham
  • Cost: $30 per person 
  • Registrations close: Friday 22 March 2024. To book please call the Rockingham Arts Centre on 9527 0734 between 9am - 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

Sandra will be guiding artists on how to exhibit their work in galleries and to look outside the traditional white cube - there are other spaces. Join her discussion on developing exhibition proposals and concepts, different ways of exhibiting, how to accrue funds for exhibitions, and tips for approaching galleries. This workshop is ideal for emerging and mid-career artists.

About the facilitator

Sandra has a depth of experience in working with artists, collections and exhibitions, including directing and curating for art and museum institutions in WA and NSW. She has worked in the public, corporate, not-for-profit and private sectors. She is actively engaged in the art world and has on-the-ground experience and knowledge to share. She has curated the 2023 City of Rockingham Art Prize, the 2022 Perth Royal Art Prize for Landscape and is the curator for the 2024 City of Rockingham Art Prize.

Two-Needle Beading with Gretchen Stolte

Two-needle beading

  • Date: Sunday 24 March and 7 April 2024  
  • Times: 12pm - 3pm
  • Location: Rockingham Arts Centre, 11 Kent Street, Rockingham
  • Cost: $70 per person 
  • Registrations close: Friday 8 March 2024. To book please call the Rockingham Arts Centre on 9527 0734 between 9am - 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

In this two-session workshop, Gretchen will guide participants through the traditional process of two-needle beadwork with the goal of making a pendant while learning about Nez Perce beading traditions. Materials and templates will be available, but participants will also have the option of designing their own pendant with considerations of cultural protocols and copyright. Be prepared for detailed work as these workshops use very small beads and fine needles. 

About the facilitator

Dr Gretchen Stolte is a Nimi’ipuu (Nez Perce) Native American who has lived and worked as a material culture anthropologist in Australia for over 15 years. She is a practice-based artist exploring beads, textiles and fibres that celebrates her heritage while developing cross-cultural understandings of cultural art making. Dr Stolte currently teaches anthropology at the University of Western Australia, focusing on material culture and First Nations peoples.

Social Media for Creatives with Bo Wong

Bo Wong with a camera.

  • Date: Saturday 13 April 2024 ​
  • Times: 10am - 12pm
  • Location: Rockingham Arts Centre, 11 Kent Street, Rockingham
  • Cost: $30 per person 
  • Registrations close: Friday 5 April 2024. To book please call the Rockingham Arts Centre on 9527 0734 between 9am - 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

Content planning, strategy and community building online for artists and creatives.

Social media can be a powerful way to communicate directly with your community. In this fun deep dive session, participants will create their own unique content pillars to build a clear content strategy and create a content plan that they can use over and over again to share their work and process with their audience. This session is best paired with the Photography for Social Media workshop and is for anyone who needs a gentle guiding hand to shape the story of their practice, authentically and clearly. 

About the facilitator

Bo Wong has run her own business for nearly 20 years and has worked with other creatives on their businesses for the last eight years. She has studied Fine Art History, Aboriginal Studies, Photography and Communications. Bo facilitates workshops and professional development for artists and arts organisations. Her love of workshops has led her to run more in-depth, multiple-day retreat programs in the beautiful surrounds of NewFarm Denmark.

Photography for Social Media with Bo Wong

Bo Wong with a camera.

  • Date: Saturday 20 April 2024  
  • Times: 10am - 12pm
  • Location: Rockingham Arts Centre, 11 Kent Street, Rockingham
  • Cost: $30 per person 
  • Registrations close: Friday 12 April 2024. To book please call the Rockingham Arts Centre on 9527 0734 between 9am - 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

How to use strong visual narratives and storytelling techniques to engage your community and build connection online.

Making engaging images to tell the story of your creative practice can feel daunting but essential! In this step-by-step workshop, participants will be guided by Bo through some simple and powerful phone photography tips and tricks. They will leave with a renewed understanding of how to communicate with their audience on social media and inspired to create images that they want to share. This workshop is best paired with Social Media for Creatives and is for anyone struggling to take a decent photo and for those who want to up their photography game. 

About the facilitator

Bo Wong has run her own business for nearly 20 years and has worked with other creatives on their businesses for the last eight years. She has studied Fine Art History, Aboriginal Studies, Photography and Communications. Bo facilitates workshops and professional development for artists and arts organisations. Her love of workshops has led her to run more in-depth, multiple-day retreat programs in the beautiful surrounds of NewFarm Denmark.

Organic Bud Vase Building with Holly O'Meehan
  • Small flora-inspired ceramic sculptures on a bed of sand.Date: Sunday 21 April 2024  
  • Times: 1pm - 4pm
  • Location: Rockingham Arts Centre, 11 Kent Street, Rockingham
  • Cost: $30 per person 
  • Registrations close: Friday 19 April 2024. To book please call the Rockingham Arts Centre on 9527 0734 between 9am - 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

Join April exhibiting artist Holly O'Meehan in her three-hour workshop where participants will learn a variety of ceramic hand-building techniques to create a flora-inspired bud base. 

About the facilitator

Holly O'Meehan has developed her creative approach throughout the course of a double Bachelor in Fine Arts and Design at Curtin University (2014) and an intensive Ceramic Skill Set Post Graduate course at North Metropolitan TAFE (2020). She has exhibited both solo and as part of group exhibitions.

Animal Photography with Craig Duncan

Close up photograph of green frog.

  • Date: Saturday 27 April 2024  
  • Times: 12pm - 3pm
  • Location: Rockingham Environment Centre
  • Cost: $10 per person 
  • Registrations close: Friday 19 April 2024. To book please call the Rockingham Arts Centre on 9527 0734 between 9am - 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

Join April exhibiting artist Craig Duncan at the Rockingham Environment Centre, also known as Naragebup, for a wildlife photography workshop. Participants will learn techniques for photographing snakes, lizards and other wonderful Australian native animals. Participants will need to bring their own camera or mobile phone device with a camera. Suitable for all levels of photography.

About the facilitator

Craig Duncan has been photographing the wonderful animals of Naragebup for the Rockingham Environment Centre's yearly calendar for the past few years. He is passionate about his practise and is looking forward to sharing his knowledge.

Social History of Art with Elena Khakimullina

Collage of famous paintings through the ages.

  • Date: Thursday 2 May 2024  
  • Times: 6pm - 8pm
  • Location: Rockingham Arts Centre, 11 Kent Street, Rockingham
  • Cost: $10 per person 
  • Registrations close: Wednesday 1 May 2024. To book please call the Rockingham Arts Centre on 9527 0734 between 9am - 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

In this two-hour workshop, participants will travel through the ages to discover what it truly meant to pursue art in the past and how it compares to our contemporary idea of the artistic journey. Artistic styles and techniques have never been solely products of individual genius; instead, they have evolved in response to societal changes. Understanding the social context enables us to see beyond the surface. In an era where cancellation policies abound, it's crucial to grasp the circumstances before passing judgment. What feels normal now might have been a far cry from the past.

About the facilitator

Elena holds a degree in Teaching Art and Culture and has been a lifelong art enthusiast and collector. Passionate about art and dedicated to sharing knowledge, she joined the Art Gallery of WA as a gallery guide in 2020. Since 2023, she has also been serving as a visitor experience officer at the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery. Elena has presented numerous art talks in local libraries and for art societies and runs an art blog on Instagram with a dedicated following of more than 15,600 art lovers. 

Artist's Rights 101 with Louise Buckingham and Sarah Oldfield

Arts and Law text.

  • Date: Friday 10 May 2024  
  • Times: 12.30pm - 2.30pm (workshop)
  • Times: 2.30pm - 4.30pm (Q&A)
  • Location: Rockingham Arts Centre, 11 Kent Street, Rockingham
  • Cost: $30 per person 
  • Registrations close: Thursday 9 May 2024. To book please call the Rockingham Arts Centre on 9527 0734 between 9am - 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

Thinking about contracts, copyright and licensing can be intimidating. In this session you will be taken through the tricky legal issues that affect your practice so you can focus on making art. The session will cover topics such as owning and using your copyright, licensing and knowing your moral rights. You’ll also learn about what makes a contract, how to use them and what to think about before you sign. This session uses practical examples, case studies and hypotheticals to help make the law accessible and, dare we say, fun for creatives. A question and answer time will follow the workshop.

About the facilitators

Louise BuckinghamLouise Buckingham.

Louise Buckingham is the newly appointed CEO of the Arts Law Centre of Australia. She is a lawyer and academic who has specialised in intellectual property and human rights and worked in commercial and in-house roles across the corporate and not-for-profit sectors in Sydney, London and California (beginning at Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Sydney, and most recently in the award-winning Tech + IP and Innovation teams at Gilbert + Tobin). She is committed to the arts and creators' rights, and lectures in NSW IP and cultural heritage and 'art law' in law, arts and science faculties, and has a PhD from the Faculty of Law UNSW; an MSC from the London School of Economics, and an LLB and BA(Hons)/LLB(Hons) from the University of Sydney.

Sarah OldfieldSarah Oldfield.

Joining Arts Law following roles within the State Government and tertiary research, Sarah Oldfield brings a wealth of legal expertise with her. From advising on information and privacy, emerging technologies, and intellectual property, to advocating for law reform, Sarah is well prepared to help creatives navigate complex legal situations. Previously a coordinator for Lions Outback Vision, which works to treat preventable blindness in regional, remote, and Indigenous communities, Sarah will provide invaluable on-the-ground support for Arts Law in Western Australia.
Outside of work, Sarah is committed to building connections through regular involvement in events, community gardening, and by co-hosting a monthly spoken word poetry event. Like many of the Arts Law team, Sarah finds joy in ‘making’ all sorts of things – poetry, painting and mixed-media sculptures, short films, costumes, and seasonal art installations (particularly for Halloween). Sarah holds degrees in Arts, Law, and Commerce.

The Business of Being an Artist with Hannah Katarski

Hannah Katarski

  • Date: Thursday 18 May 2024  
  • Times: 10am - 1pm
  • Location: Rockingham Arts Centre, 11 Kent Street, Rockingham
  • Cost: $30 per person 
  • Registrations close: Wednesday 15 May 2024. To book please call the Rockingham Arts Centre on 9527 0734 between 9am - 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

Do you love making art while the business-side of your practice gets ignored? Not sure how to hook an exhibition? Not sure how to find opportunities? Want to submit better EOIs? Join Hannah Katarski in her professional development session for fine artists and other creatives who want to make more money from their art, start working smarter and gaining traction in your arts practice. Topics covered will be:

  • Generating opportunities for your arts practice
  • Aligning your visual brand to get more gigs
  • How to write slicker submissions and work with LGAs and other government bodies – what are they looking for?
  • Q&A session at the end with your burning questions. 

About the facilitator

Artist Hannah Katarski creates intricate watercolour artwork and unique surface patterns. She is inspired by coastal themes and beautiful colour combinations. She loves sharing her knowledge with others and has extensive experience in the Arts and holds a Graduated Diploma (Education) as well as a Bachelor Arts Degree. Read moreopens in a new window.

Your Signature Here with Hiroshi Kobayashi

Red letters brushed onto white canvase with red dots.

  • Date: Saturday 25 May 2024  
  • Times: 11am - 1pm
  • Location: Rockingham Arts Centre, 11 Kent Street, Rockingham
  • Cost: $60 per person 
  • Registrations close: Friday 17 May 2024. To book please call the Rockingham Arts Centre on 9527 0734 between 9am - 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

In this workshop, participants will be encouraged to create their own signatures using a brush on canvases that have been pre-primed by a machine set up by the artist. Recently, the artist incorporated a dry brush on the plotter head, introducing more accidental effects into the machinery's production. The workshop offers a reflective experience on the concept of duration embedded in the artist’s painting method. Participants will take home their finished works after they have dried, each piece representing a moment captured in the medium.

About the facilitator

Hiroshi Kobayashi has a B.F.A from Tokyo University of the Arts (Japan) and a M.F.A from Brooklyn College of The City University of New York (United States). Since completing his studies in 1995, Kobayashi has exhibited in Taipei, Seoul, New York, Tokyo, Washington D.C., and Beijing. Recent solo exhibitions include Paper Mountain (2018), Heathcote Museum and Gallery (2019) and Art Collective WA (2022). He has undertaken residencies in Canada, USA, France and the Netherlands. He has been a finalist in the 2018 Albany Art Prize, the Perth Royal Art Prize, the 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2023 Fremantle Arts Centre Print Award, and the 2020 Joondalup IAP. In 2015, Kobayashi migrated to Perth and worked at the Artsource’s OCH studios, Fremantle Arts Centre, PICA and TAFE residencies. He will participate in the inaugural Moores Building Art Space Studios Program by Fremantle Arts Centre starting from 1 May 2024.

Linocut Printing with Tich Dixon
  • Lino print of artwork of a dog.Date: Saturday 6, 13, 20, 27 July 2024  
  • Times: 1pm - 3pm
  • Location: Rockingham Arts Centre, 11 Kent Street, Rockingham
  • Cost: $80 per person 
  • Registrations close: Friday 28 June 2024. To book please call the Rockingham Arts Centre on 9527 0734 between 9am - 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

In this four-week workshop series, participants will learn about basic composition and simplifying their designs into line drawings.  The process of making a relief print consists of transferring the design on to the lino block and then carving the image into the surface of the lino. Once completed, the block is then printed with ink on to paper by using a baren.

About the facilitator

Currently based in Shoalwater, Perth, Tich works as a community artist exploring the use of various mediums within her practise.  

Best Friends Sculpture with Tich Dixon

Ceramic sculpture of a dog.

  • Date: Sunday 7, 14, 21, 28 July 2024  
  • Times: 1pm - 3pm
  • Location: Rockingham Arts Centre, 11 Kent Street, Rockingham
  • Cost: $60 per person 
  • Registrations close: Friday 28 June 2024. To book please call the Rockingham Arts Centre on 9527 0734 between 9am - 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

In this four-week series, participants will learn hand-building techniques to create ceramic sculptures to celebrate the wonderful connections with our furry, fluffy, feathered or scaley friends.

About the facilitator

Currently based in Shoalwater, Perth, Tich works as a community artist exploring the use of various mediums within her practise.  

The Study of WA Botanicals with Annette Pesek

Painting of eucalyptus tree branch with yellow flowers.

  • Date: Friday 19, 26 July, 2, 9, 16, 23 August 2024  
  • Times: 10am - 1pm
  • Location: Rockingham Arts Centre, 11 Kent Street, Rockingham
  • Cost: $110 per person 
  • Registrations close: Friday 5 July 2024. To book please call the Rockingham Arts Centre on 9527 0734 between 9am - 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

In this six-week workshop series, participants will study various WA native plants, noting their beautiful colours, form, structure and habit. Using some botanical illustration techniques, participants will draw and sketch the plants to produce pleasing compositions that will then be painted in watercolour and can be embellished with graphite pencil or black ink.

About the facilitator

Annette holds a Bachelor of Science Education and Diplomas in Applied Arts (Interior Design) and Holistic Integrated Creative Art Therapy (HICAT). Over many years her artworks have been displayed and sold at various exhibitions, including the Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens’ “by selection only” Botanical Illustration exhibitions and in its Botanical Illustrator’s Calendar. She also runs various Art/Craft/HICAT workshops for community groups and individuals.

A Study of Faces and Features by Vanessa Liebenberg

Page from artists diary showing planning for a portrait of a man's face.

  • Date: Wednesday 31 July, 7, 14, 21, 28 August, 4 September 2024  
  • Times: 9am - 12pm
  • Location: Rockingham Arts Centre, 11 Kent Street, Rockingham
  • Cost: $110 per person 
  • Registrations close: Wednesday 17 June 2024. To book please call the Rockingham Arts Centre on 9527 0734 between 9am - 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

In this six-week series, participants will be observing specific features of the face each week. This practise aids to increase your ability and confidence of painting the often daunting subject of portraiture. Participants will learn how to prepare paper for oil paint, mix colours to create the perfect skin tone and create work in a sketchbook.

Participants are required to bring an A4 or A3 sketchbook with paper 110gsm or thicker, plus close up photos of faces.

About the facilitator

Vanessa Liebenberg is an artist and illustrator. Her favourite mediums to use are oils and watercolour pencils. She is inspired by the observations of nature and people and her work has sentimental themes of nostalgia and family.

More information

Artist Insurance with Peter Grant

Artists chatting in a studio.

  • Date: Sunday 11 August 2024  
  • Times: 2pm - 4pm
  • Location: Rockingham Arts Centre, 11 Kent Street, Rockingham
  • Cost: $30 per person 
  • Registrations close: Friday 9 August 2024. To book please call the Rockingham Arts Centre on 9527 0734 between 9am - 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

Join Artsource Director and CEO Peter Grant for discussions on why insurance is important for practicing artists and how coverage works across different visual art practices. Artsource is a long standing artist membership organisation in Western Australia that provides a variety of services to its members including artist insurance through Local Community Insurance Services (LCIS).

Photo taken from Artsource’s 2021 Open Studios event. Image credit: Stirling Kane

Still Life in Oils by Vanessa Liebenberg

Still life painting of a pot plant.

  • Date: Saturday 17, 24, 31 August, 7, 14, 21 September 2024  
  • Times: 10am - 1pm
  • Location: Rockingham Arts Centre, 11 Kent Street, Rockingham
  • Cost: $100 per person 
  • Registrations close: Friday 2 August 2024. To book please call the Rockingham Arts Centre on 9527 0734 between 9am - 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

In this six-week workshop series, participants will learn how to set up their own still life using sentimental or favourite objects, plants or flowers of their choice. Learn composition options and the best way to illuminate with a light source. Painting from life is a wonderful way to sharpen observation skills in terms of tonal values, colour and form.

Participants are required to bring a light source such as a lamp, plus sentimental objects that they would like included in their still life.

About the facilitator

Vanessa Liebenberg is an artist and illustrator. Her favourite mediums to use are oils and watercolour pencils. She is inspired by the observations of nature and people and her work has sentimental themes of nostalgia and family.

More information

Textured Baskets with Gretchen Stolte

Three textured baskets with dried flowers.

  • Date: Sunday 8 and 22 September 2024  
  • Times: 12pm - 3pm
  • Location: Rockingham Arts Centre, 11 Kent Street, Rockingham
  • Cost: $60 per person 
  • Registrations close: Friday 23 August 2024. To book please call the Rockingham Arts Centre on 9527 0734 between 9am - 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

In this two-session workshop series, participants will explore adding textures and shapes to basket weaving. Cultural protocols around sourcing textures such as shells, seeds, nuts and natural materials will be discussed as well as traditions of coiled weaving. All materials and needles will be supplied but participants are welcome to bring fabric scraps, threads and any other materials they think they could incorporate into a basket. These workshops are designed for intermediate weavers but beginners are welcome as well. We will be using larger needles so this workshop is also good for all ages. 

About the facilitator

Dr Gretchen Stolte is a Nimi’ipuu (Nez Perce) Native American who has lived and worked as a material culture anthropologist in Australia for over 15 years. She is a practice-based artist exploring beads, textiles and fibres that celebrates her heritage while developing cross-cultural understandings of cultural art-making. Dr Stolte currently teaches anthropology at the University of Western Australia, focusing on material culture and First Nations peoples. 

Intro to Abstract Alcohol Inks with Anastasia Wright

Close up of artist's hand creating an abstract artwork with alcohol ink.

  • Date: Wednesday 25 September 2024  
  • Times: 6pm - 8pm
  • Location: Rockingham Arts Centre, 11 Kent Street, Rockingham
  • Cost: $30 per person 
  • Registrations close: Friday 23 August 2024. To book please call the Rockingham Arts Centre on 9527 0734 between 9am - 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

Step into the world of vibrant colours and fluid artistry in this workshop. Designed for both beginners and seasoned artists, this hands-on experience invites participants to explore the enchanting medium of alcohol inks. Learn various techniques to create a one-of a kind piece of art. 

Note: Alcohol inks contain isopropyl alcohol which need to be handled with care. Participants will be supplied with masks and gloves or are welcome to bring their own.

About the facilitator

Anastasia Wright creates artworks in fluid media including watercolours and alcohol inks. She is a member of the Rockingham Watercolour Society of WA plus local community art groups and has exhibited her works both locally and internationally.

Abstract Alcohol Inks with Anastasia Wright

Collection of alcohol ink artworks.

  • Date: Wednesday 2, 9, 16, 23 October 2024  
  • Times: 6pm - 8pm
  • Location: Rockingham Arts Centre, 11 Kent Street, Rockingham
  • Cost: $70 per person 
  • Registrations close: Friday 23 August 2024. To book please call the Rockingham Arts Centre on 9527 0734 between 9am - 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

Dive deeper into the mesmerizing world of alcohol inks in this four week series. This specialised program is crafted to offer an in-depth exploration of alcohol inks, covering their unique chemistry and various techniques for manipulation. Elevate your artistic practice and unlock the full potential of alcohol inks through this comprehensive course.

Note: Alcohol inks contain ispropyl alcohol which need to be handled with care. Participants will be supplied with masks and gloves or are welcome to bring their own.

About the facilitator

Anastasia Wright creates artworks in fluid media including watercolours and alcohol inks. She is a member of the Rockingham Watercolour Society of WA plus local community art groups and has exhibited her works both locally and internationally.

Beginners Guide to Procreate with Elli Moody

Artwork created with Procreate.

  • Date: Friday 4, 11, 18, 25 October 2024  
  • Times: 10am - 12pm
  • Location: Rockingham Arts Centre, 11 Kent Street, Rockingham
  • Cost: $40 per person 
  • Registrations close: Wednesday 2 October 2024. To book please call the Rockingham Arts Centre on 9527 0734 between 9am - 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

Procreate for Beginners is a series of workshops exploring the basics of the Procreate app. Participants will be taught skills to create their own set of finished print ready artworks. In this four-week series participants will learn how to create colour palettes, how to use layers and brushes, simple animation techniques and Procreate tricks and tips. Note: Participants will need to bring along a charged iPad with the Procreate app downloaded ($15 one-off fee from the App Store) plus a fully charged Apple Pencil or compatible stylus. No prior knowledge of Procreate is required.

About the facilitator

Elli is a Mandurah-based illustrator and artist. She started using Procreate to create artwork four years ago and is looking forward to sharing the program’s potential with you. Find out more about Eli.

Textile Landscapes with Carinne Meyerink

Collage of a farmhouse and paddock.

  • Date: Saturday 23 November 2024  
  • Times: 9am - 1pm
  • Location: Rockingham Arts Centre, 11 Kent Street, Rockingham
  • Cost: $40 per person 
  • Registrations close: Friday 8 November 2024. To book please call the Rockingham Arts Centre on 9527 0734 between 9am - 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

In this workshop, participants will explore their connection with place and the landscape around them by creating a textile landscape using fabric collage, mixed media and embroidery. Using images of landscapes with a personal connection as a stimulus, participants will explore colour, texture and shape as they collage a fabric landscape on a painted background. They will then embellish their artwork with machine stitching and hand embroidery. Participants are encouraged to bring a photograph of a landscape that has a personal meaning to them.

About the facilitator

Carinne Meyerink is an artist and teacher based in Baldivis, WA. She loves to create artworks using paint, fabric collage and stitching. Her work is inspired by the landscape around her, and a lot of her inspiration comes from over 10 years of living in Ireland. Carinne is also a keen birdwatcher and enjoys making fabric collages of birds and other fauna. Find out more.

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