Spend your summer in a fun and creative way at the Gallery with a collection of 2024’s most popular kids and family activities.

Join us to explore different materials and techniques as we spark your child’s creativity at Bendigo Art Gallery.

Pop Art Portraits

Get ready to explore line and colour in a new way while creating a continuous line drawing and Pop Art inspired self-portrait. 

Participants will snap a selfie, print it, and then trace it to create their own bold, vibrant design, combining pen, pencil, and collage materials.

Think bright, graphic, and full of personality – just like the iconic works of Warhol and Lichtenstein!

Tuesday, 7 January 2025

10 - 14 years old, 10 am - 11:30 am. Admission: Free. Book here.

15 - 18 years old, 1 pm - 2:30 pm. Admission: Free. Book here.

Note: This program is funded by the Department of Education and available to students from Government schools only.
Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series - FREE Learning Programs for high ability students supported by the Department of Education and Training.
Bendigo Art Gallery is a proud partner of the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series which provides opportunities for high-ability Victorian Government school students to participate in the innovative Emerging Art Leaders series.

Open Range Art

Open Range Art provides a creative haven within our Gallery space, inviting children to immerse themselves in a world of inspirational possibilities. We have a table set up with a beautiful array of art materials that kids can delve into for exploring and experimenting. From pastels to textas, beads to fabric, recycled treasures to sparkling new, each medium sparks imagination and fosters expression. With guidance from passionate mentors, the children can craft their unique masterpieces.

This half-hour session is free and perfect for Primary School aged children. Bookings are required and adults are requested to stay and supervise children aged 8 and under.

Wednesday, 8, 15 and 22 January 2025

30 minutes per session.

10.30 am - 11 am
11 am - 11.30 am
11.30 am - 12 pm
12 pm - 12.30 pm
12.30 pm - 1 pm

Collage Creations with Rob McHaffie

Step into the vibrant world of We are family with artist Rob McHaffie in this special 1-hour collage workshop at Bendigo Art Gallery! Inspired by Rob’s playful and imaginative works, you'll learn collage techniques to create your own layered, personal masterpiece. All materials are provided, so bring your creativity and get ready to explore the art of storytelling through collage!

Thursday, 9 January 2025

7 -12 years old, 10:30 am - 11:30 am. Admission: Free. Book here.

13 - 18 years old, 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm. Admission: Free. Book here.

For adult and open-age sessions, book here.

Note: This program is funded by the Department of Education and available to students from Government schools only.
Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series - FREE Learning Programs for high ability students supported by the Department of Education and Training.
Bendigo Art Gallery is a proud partner of the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series which provides opportunities for high-ability Victorian Government school students to participate in the innovative Emerging Art Leaders series.

Creating Characters 

EVENT CANCELLED

Join one of Bendigo Art Gallery’s newest Learning team members, Liz Duthie for a workshop with a difference! When she’s not delivering tours and workshops, Liz is a busy and talented book illustrator.  In this workshop, Liz will share some of her tips and tricks for creating characters and participants will work towards creating a character of their own.

Friday, 10 January 2025

Note: This program is funded by the Department of Education and available to students from Government schools only.
Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series - FREE Learning Programs for high ability students supported by the Department of Education and Training.
Bendigo Art Gallery is a proud partner of the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series which provides opportunities for high-ability Victorian Government school students to participate in the innovative Emerging Art Leaders series.

Stories & Scribbles: Get That Fly author reading

Join us for a special session of creativity and fun for children and their grown-ups! Enjoy a live reading of Get That Fly by author Laura Giuffrida, followed by games inspired by the story. Kids can also unleash their creativity using art supplies to make their own Get That Fly artwork!

This lively book was illustrated by Rob McHaffie, whose popular We are family exhibition has delighted visitors of all ages. Don’t miss this exciting event in the final weeks of the exhibition.

Tuesday, 14 January 2025

3 - 6 years old, Admission: Free.

10 am - 10.30 am. Book here.

11 am - 11.30 am. Book here.

Learn more about the book here.

Weaving Wonders

Join us for a hands-on open-age session at the gallery, where you can explore the art of raffia sculpture. Guided by members of the Bendigo Art Gallery Learn team, you'll learn weaving techniques to create your own unique piece of art, inspired by natural forms and traditional methods.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced maker, this session is open to all ages and skill levels.

Thursday, 16 January and Wednesday, 29 January 2025

Click the schedule to book the session:

Stories & Scribbles: Perfect Square

Bring your little ones for a special session of creativity and fun!

We’ll be sharing Perfect Square, the story of a humble square that turns adversity into art through imagination and play. And once inspired by the book, children will then join us for an immersive art-making experience.

It’s a joyful exploration of resilience and creativity—don’t miss out!

Tuesday, 21 January 2025

3 - 6 years old, Admission: Free.

10 am - 10.30 am. Book here.

11 am - 11.30 am. Book here.

Create, Cut & Paste

In this hands-on workshop, we’ll dive into the world of style remixing through the fun art of collage and drawing.

Whether you're cutting out bold magazine images, using coloured printed papers or sketching your vision, this session is all about empowering you to design your artwork and embellish it with upbeat energy.

Thursday, 23 January 2025

7 -12 years old, 10 am - 11 am. Admission: $12. Book here.

13 - 18 years old, 12 pm - 1 pm. Admission: $12. Book here.

For adult and open-age sessions, book here.

Watercolour Wonderland

Explore the wonder of abstract play with watercolours inspired by the Watercolour Dreaming exhibition.

In this session, participants will wander through both exhibitions and engage with the techniques and stories of First Nations artists.  They will then play and experiment with watercolour to create their artwork to take home.

Friday, 24 January 2025

7 -12 years old, 10 am - 11 am. Admission: $12. Book here.

13 - 18 years old, 12 pm - 1 pm. Admission: $12. Book here.

For adult and open-age sessions, book here.