Jeht Burgoyne’s new business is opening with a flourish in Lismore’s Southside.

Called Flourish Art Gallery, the new classroom, gallery and creative space is now ready to take people of all ages and abilities to new creative levels.

With a visual arts diploma and a Fine Arts degree under her belt, Jeht really knows about the creative arts and her vivacious personality inspires people to give art a go.

“A lot of people think they can’t – but there’s no can’t with making art,” she said. “Everyone is gifted, just open your package.

“It’s all about experimenting, giving it a go, and taking the first step – your art is just for you.”

Kids, adults and NDIS clients classes

She’s been teaching kids and adults’ art classes for a few years now – but opening a dedicated art classroom and gallery means she doesn’t have to lug equipment anymore to different venues for classes.

“Everything is set up here,” Jeht said. “There’s a place to clean your palette, a mini printing press, easels pallets, a fridge and art library - and enough room to sit 20 people comfortably.”

It’s also a space she welcomes the community to use and is calling for others who want to facilitate art classes or crafts there - such as macramé or calligraphy.

Kids classes

Now, her nine week program of school term classes for kids kicks off next week in the new space on week days - from 4pm to 5.30pm. Parents can come and wait with their kids if they want.

“I have students been with me in my art classes for three years now,” Jeht said.

“I’ve seen them grow from primary school to high school – and I see them come back and show me an artwork they have made with a new technique they have learned – or their proud mums show me.

“It’s a great way to get kids off their screens and get them to use hands and brains.”

Her regular school holidays programs will also be run in the space.

Dabble n Tipple

“I also hold the adults paint n sip class on Saturdays. It’s called ‘Dabble n Tipple’ and anyone can come and have fun once a month,” she said.

“You bring your own wine and be guided through different art projects - from painting to sculpting.

“It’s a fun creative space. It doesn’t matter if you’ve done art all your life, or it’s the first time – I welcome everyone to come and have arty fun.”

Master classes

Jeht also plans to run master classes for people who want to know more about techniques like print making, etching, lino blocking and soon will be looking for someone to facilitate a life drawing class in the new space.

NDIS clients

She also has plans to small group classes for NDIS clients on set days of the week and invites clients and providers to get involved.

“The classes will be work to the participants’ different skill levels and ability,” Jeht said. “The building is all on the lower floor, for wheelchair access.”

Artists wanted

“I’m also looking for practicing artists to hold exhibitions in the new gallery,” Jeht said.

“I’ll be holding a grand opening of the gallery on Friday February 25 with a solo exhibition of my own work. The exhibition will run for a month, then, the gallery space will be available to professional practicing artists.

“The good thing about this gallery is that artists only have to rent the space – there’s no commission on work sold.

“In other places, artists lose 50% of their sales to the gallery, but not here, this is a space for artists and facilitators.”

The gallery will be open Wednesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm - or by appointment.

To find out more about upcoming classes and exhibitions in the new space, you can visit the Facebook site https://www.facebook.com/flourishartworkshops

You can also use your NSW Discover vouchers for the classes there.