If you are looking for a creative outlet for your kids these holidays, we have compiled a list of incredible activities to get involved in.  

All of these programs are free and instructed by artists. Numbers are limited, so make sure you book quickly so you don’t miss out!

We have included one regular after-school activity at the end of the list, also (not free). It is for those who want to really pursue and develop their creative side…

Hand Building with Tim Fry

Tim guides his participants in making a pinch pot, cylindrical vase from clay, painting or glazing and decorating it using stencils and cutting patterns into the surface of the clay. Tim will fire the clay so the kids can have a completed ceramic vase for their efforts.

Tim Fry is a local artist and teacher whose works have been displayed in Lismore, Byron Bay, Sydney and Brisbane. Tim is looking forward to an exhibition of his works at the Art Gallery coming up at the beginning of next year. You can see his works on Instagram.

“I like to let people bring their own flair or their own interests into it. I give them some basic building blocks around like making stuff and technique and see what they come up with.”

This program is supported by the Lismore Library.

Who: Ages 12 to 18

When: Friday 19th July, 1-3pm

Where: Lismore Library Meeting Room at Lismore Central Shopping Centre

Book: HERE or at the Lismore Library - 02 6621 2464

Speak Up Through Slam - Poetry Workshop with Sarah Temporal

Sarah says, “It's an opportunity for young people aged 12 to 18 to come along and try their hand at slam poetry. So we do a bit of writing and we basically get them to write about something that's really important to them and to share that story out loud.”

A little about Sarah, “So I'm a poet. I've been performing poetry live for about 20 years. I'm really passionate about spoken word because I feel it's just such an immediate way to make a connection with people, and you never know who your words are going to speak to and who's going to resonate with your work.”

One of Sarah’s prior students, Inde Henderson, 17, Runner-up 2021 Poets Out Loud Youth Slam says, “It’s really powerful, and I’d encourage anyone to do it. All the nerves go away as soon as you’re up there. Just feeling other people connect with the poem was so special.”

This program is supported by the Lismore Library.

Who: Ages 12 to 18

When: Friday 12th July, 1-4pm (1-3pm workshop and 3-4pm performance)

Where: Lismore Library Meeting Room at the Lismore Central Shopping Centre,

Book: HERE 

Lino cut printing on T-shirts and Tote Bags with Estefania Minniti

Estefania will take you through the basics of lino printing. Participants will be able to bring a design or pattern to the workshop but will also have the option to use templates (mainly nature-related imagery such as plants or animals). Once you've chosen an image, we’ll transfer the pattern to the linoleum and start carving. Everyone will be able to finish this process with enough time to roll some ink on top of the carved image and press it onto either paper or fabric. Tote bags and paper will be provided; participants can bring their own t-shirt to print on. 

About Estefania

Argentinian-born Estefania Minniti is a multidisciplinary visual artist based in Byron Bay, Australia. Raised in the cultural hotbed of Buenos Aires, she is deeply inspired by the transience of life and of human expression, and the vast, colourful stories and experiences we live and gather as our own. You can find Estefania's work @atriptofania 

This experience is supported by the Lismore Art Gallery.

Who: Ages 16 to 24

When: Thursday 18th July, 10-1pm 

Where: Koori Mail, 11 Molesworth St, Lismore

Book: HERE 

Painting with Wool with Courtney Heffernan

In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore the fascinating art of wet felting, a traditional technique that transforms wool fibres into beautiful works of art. The process uses water, wool, and soap to create textual felted scenes. Whether your interest lies in abstract compositions or detailed, realistic landscapes, this workshop provides the tools and techniques to bring your artistic vision to life. By the end of the session, each participant will have created their own unique wool painting to take home and proudly display. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your imagination and a willingness to explore a new medium. All materials will be provided.

About Courtney

Courtney Heffernan is a fibre artist from Northern NSW, known for her unique interpretation of the ancient art of felting. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in fibres and textiles from Newcastle University, Courtney's passion for textiles and sculptural materials led her to establish her own business, “Pan’s Ancestral Craft.” She explores the intersection of wearable items and sculptural forms, drawing inspiration from the organic shapes found in nature. Committed to sustainability, Courtney creates distinctive felted clothing and wearable art pieces that reflect her dedication to both artistry and environmental consciousness.

This experience is supported by the Lismore Art Gallery.

Who: Ages 12 to 17

When: Thursday 18th July, 10-12 noon

Where: Koori Mail, 11 Molesworth St, Lismore

Book: HERE

Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award

Entries now open!

https://lismoregallery.org/koori-mail-indigenous-art-award

The Koori Mail Indigenous Art Award 2024 is a new art prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, first launched at Lismore Regional Gallery in 2021. Established, mid-career, emerging, and youth Indigenous artists working in any medium are encouraged to enter the prize.

This is a non-acquisitive award that is free to enter. Shortlisted artworks will be included in the exhibition at Lismore Regional Gallery from 30 November 2024 to 2 February 2025.

This experience is supported by the Lismore Art Gallery.

Solve a crime in a mystery adventure

Using real forensic tools, you can dust for fingerprints, swab for DNA, run interviews, sort through rubbish, examine trace elements and video footage, pick a safe, collect evidence and put together a series of your own questions and actions that form the basis for a unique one-off narrative.

Who: Ages 12 to 18

When: Monday 15th July, 9-12 noon or 1-4pm 

Where: Goonellabah Library 

Book: HERE or at the Library - 02 6621 2464

After School Art Class with Rosie Gordon

This is an opportunity for creatives to develop and hone their artistic talents.

Make new friends and learn new skills! The cost is $20 with all materials provided.

Rosie Gordon was born and raised in Byron Bay and spent her youth making photorealistic drawings from her family home in Ewingsdale - also the home of heavy metal band Parkway Drive. The meticulous detail gave her a sense of control in a chaotic, boisterous household and her drawing practice helped her to feel grounded and calm.

Rosie has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Southern Cross Uni and has won numerous awards for her drawings, including four People's Choice Awards and a Best Emerging Artist Award judged by Michael Zavros. In recent years and with the influence of her daughter (12) she has learned the value of play and having a more free-form kind of expression as a way to unwind and process the world around her. 

This experience is supported by the Lismore Art Gallery.

Who: All school ages

When: Every Wednesday 4pm - 5.30pm 

Where: Lismore Library Meeting Room at the Lismore Central Shopping Centre 

Cost: $20 per class. All materials provided.

Book: HERE

For any further enquiries, please email linsey.gosper@lismore.nsw.gov.au