Escape the cold and get creative with a range of hands-on art-making activities. Kids and families will be encouraged to express themselves and use their ideas to create unique pieces that tell their own stories. These workshops are all about imagination, self-expression, and having fun with art. It’s the perfect way to stay inspired and creative this season!

Headpiece Making with Tlatoani

Tuesday, 8 July 2025 at 10 am (Ages 4 - 7) and 11:30 am (Ages 8 - 12)
One-hour workshop
Admission: Free*

Immerse yourself in vibrant colours and Mexican Flair! Join Tlatoani’s hands-on workshops where culture, creativity and community come alive.

In this one-hour workshop, participants will create their headpiece while exploring their rich history and the significance of the placement of its adornments.

For open-age sessions (13+), book here.

Memories & Dreams: Creating Your Own Memento

Wednesday, 9 July 2025 at 10 am (Ages 4 - 7, with help from an adult) and 12 pm (Ages 8 - 12)
One-hour workshop
Admission: $12 (parents/carers free)

Mexico is a land of incredible traditional handicrafts and folk arts used to create beautiful objects, express hopes and dreams for the future, give thanks for blessings, and celebrate freedom.

Through cutting and pressing tin and painting air dry clay shapes, in this one-hour workshop we will craft a hanging keepsake using well-loved motifs of Australian animals and universal symbols of celestial shapes and hearts.  Using the mixed media along with a written dream or thought, participants will create a meaningful memento to display in their personal space or gift to a friend.

For open-age sessions (13+), book here.

Foil Embossing

Thursday, 10 July 2025 at 10 am (Ages 8 - 12) and 12 pm (Ages 13 - 18)
One-hour workshop
Admission: $12

Mexico is renowned for its vibrant folk-art traditions—rich with colour, symbolism, and heartfelt expression. One of the most striking forms is repujado, or foil embossing, where soft metals are pressed and engraved to create intricate, shimmering designs.

In this hands-on one-hour workshop, participants will explore the art of Mexican-inspired foil embossing to create their own luminous repujado. Drawing on traditional motifs such as hearts, suns, stars, animals and birds, each person will emboss their design into metal foil and embellish it with layers of colour, texture, and personal meaning. Whether inspired by hopes, blessings, or memories, each artwork becomes a small but powerful talisman—ready to hang in a special place or offer as a heartfelt gift.

For open-age sessions (18+), book here.

Open Range Art

Tuesday, 15 July 2025 at 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
30-minute workshop
Admission: Free, but booking is required

Free workshop designed for primary school kids to let their imagination soar! In this 30-minute session, your child’s creativity will come to life using a mix of recycled and new materials.

Open Range Art is suitable for children aged 4 and over. Children under 10 will require supervision.

Creative Wellbeing: All Abilities Art Workshop

Wednesday, 16 July 2025 at 10 am (Ages 7 - 12) and 12 pm (Ages 13 - 18)
One-hour workshop
Admission: Free, but booking is required

Explore creativity in a relaxed and inclusive space in this special one-hour workshop, inspired by the emotion and power of music. Designed for participants of all abilities, including those with disabilities and their carers, this session invites you to settle in at a table or on a rug and respond to music through artmaking.

Guided by Art Therapist Sarah Sivaraman, each session is tailored to different age groups and encourages personal expression, relaxation, and playful exploration of colour, form, and texture. Music will be featured throughout - to create a soothing and imaginative atmosphere in Bendigo Art Gallery’s historic Drury Court

For open-age sessions (18+), book here.

 * Note: These programs are 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.