Join us for a fascinating workshop exploring the intriguing world of the paper nautilus. Led by teacher and artist Pat McCarthy, known for his innovative Fish on Fish Skins technique, participants will delve into the biology of the argonaut, an octopus that creates its own egg incubator shell. After learning about this remarkable creature, kids will get hands-on creating their own paper nautilus using paper mache, unleashing their creativity in a sustainable and unique mixed-media art form.

All materials are provided. Participants should wear clothes suitable for crafting, and must wear closed in shoes. Recommended to send them with a labelled water bottle.

Age: 6+ years

$20 Cannery Member
$35 Non Member

Membership to the Cannery for children/youth is $30 for 12 months from the date you sign them up. Sign up here

Join us for the Wooly Wombats workshop, where you'll discover the art of crafting your own adorable plush toy from upcycled fabrics. Under the expert guidance of textile artist Rosalie Boland, you'll learn cutting techniques and sewing skills to bring your cuddly creature to life, complete with button eyes and a charmingly oversized nose. Walk away with a unique, eco-friendly companion and the satisfaction of creating something special with your own hands.

All materials are provided. Participants should wear clothes suitable for painting, and must wear closed in shoes. Recommended to send them with a labelled water bottle.

Age: 7+ years

$20 Cannery Member
$35 Non Member

Membership to the Cannery for children/youth is $30 for 12 months from the date you sign them up. Sign up here

In this vibrant workshop led by Katie White, a botanist turned artist and educator, participants will dive into the world of wildflowers as they craft their own unique flower collages. Using an array of colorful flower photos previously curated by the Esperance Wildflower Society, children will create a stunning mixed-media masterpiece. Katie, who gets great excitement and joy out of the many wonders of the natural world, is passionate about sharing and connecting. The workshop will begin with painting the background, followed by the playful arrangement of flower collage elements. Kids will take home their personalized flower collage paintings, adorned with their imaginative drawings, serving as a beautiful celebration of local wildflowers and creativity.

All materials are provided. Participants should wear clothes suitable for crafting, and must wear closed in shoes. Recommended to send them with a labelled water bottle.

Age: 5+ years

$20 Cannery Member
$35 Non Member

Membership to the Cannery for children/youth is $30 for 12 months from the date you sign them up. Sign up here

Join us for a captivating journey into the world of Banksias at the Kepa Kurl Workshop. Did you know that the Esperance sandplains are teeming with these fascinating plants? Delve into the mysteries of Banksia ecology as we explore their flowers, leaves, and the crucial role of pollinators. Under the guidance of Katie White, a botanist, scientist, and artist, participants will have the opportunity to create their own masterpiece—a vibrant painting showcasing Banksia elements. Using traced leaves as a backdrop and skillful brushwork to depict pollinators, children will take home a unique artwork that celebrates the beauty and importance of these remarkable plants. Join us for an enriching experience that fosters creativity, curiosity, and appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.

All materials are provided. Participants should wear clothes suitable for painting, and must wear closed in shoes. Recommended to send them with a labelled water bottle. Please be aware of hayfever and allergies from touching plants, please provide medical information where stated.

Age: 5+ years

$20 Cannery Member
$35 Non Member

Membership to the Cannery for children/youth is $30 for 12 months from the date you sign them up. Sign up here

Step into the world of the impressionist masters in our Mini Masters workshop, where we explore how these artists captured the essence of their surroundings and light. Led by our artist-in-residence, Rosalie Boland, participants will delve into the techniques of renowned impressionists, immersing themselves in the vibrant colours and luminous landscapes that define the movement. Using acrylic paint and paper, each student will create their own interpretation of a sun-drenched masterpiece, infusing their work with the spirit of the impressionists. Completed paintings will be left to dry overnight and available for collection the following day.

All materials are provided. Participants should wear clothes suitable for painting, and must wear closed in shoes. Recommended to send them with a labelled water bottle.

Age: 7+ years

$20 Cannery Member
$35 Non Member

Membership to the Cannery for children/youth is $30 for 12 months from the date you sign them up. Sign up here

Join us for a vibrant workshop where you'll unleash your creativity using coloured pencils and soft pastels to craft vivid portraits of your beloved animals and pets. Led by young emerging artist Hayley Fletcher, who specialises in animal portraits using a wide range of materials and is passionate about showing others the joy in making art. This session offers an exciting opportunity to explore the artistry of depicting animals with lively hues and imaginative flair. Participants will have the freedom to choose their subjects and will walk away with one or more stunning drawings, along with newfound inspiration and enthusiasm for the artistic process.

All materials are provided. We recommend sending your child with a labelled water bottle and dressed for messy fun, must wear closed-in shoes.

Age: 8-14 years

$20 Cannery Member
$35 Non Member

Membership to the Cannery for children/youth is $30 for 12 months from the date you sign them up. Sign up here

Join us for Clay and Play-Animals, a delightful workshop designed for children to explore their creativity through clay sculpting! Led by pottery enthusiasts and loving moms, Jess and Tara, children will have the opportunity to bring their favourite animals to life with clay.

All materials are provided, but we recommend sending your child with a labelled water bottle and dressed for messy fun, must wear closed-in shoes. After the workshop, pieces will be fired and glazed, ready for collection 2-3 weeks later.

Age: 6+ years

$20 Cannery Member
$35 Non Member

Membership to the Cannery for children/youth is $30 for 12 months from the date you sign them up. Sign up here

Rest assured, all our tutors have Working With Children Checks, allowing you to drop off your child with confidence. Feel free to stay if it makes your child more comfortable, and watch their imagination soar as they mould and squish their way through this hands-on experience!

The first class booked out overnight so an extra class has been made. Join us for Clay and Play-Animals, a delightful workshop designed for children to explore their creativity through clay sculpting! Led by pottery enthusiasts and loving moms, Jess and Tara, children will have the opportunity to bring their favourite animals to life with clay.

All materials are provided, but we recommend sending your child with a labelled water bottle and dressed for messy fun, must wear closed-in shoes. After the workshop, pieces will be fired and glazed, ready for collection 2-3 weeks later.

Age: 6+ years

$20 Cannery Member
$35 Non Member

Membership to the Cannery for children/youth is $30 for 12 months from the date you sign them up. Sign up here

Rest assured, all our tutors have Working With Children Checks, allowing you to drop off your child with confidence. Feel free to stay if it makes your child more comfortable, and watch their imagination soar as they mould and squish their way through this hands-on experience!

Immerse yourself in the world of tie-dye artistry at our Tie Dye Creations workshop led by textile artist Rosalie Boland. Design your unique patterns on a pillowcase and tote bag using the provided materials and expert guidance. Rosalie will oversee the dyeing process, ensuring vibrant results. Collect your personalized creations a few days later and infuse your style into everyday items with this fun and creative workshop experience.

All materials are provided. Participants should wear clothes suitable for crafting, and must wear closed in shoes. Recommended to send them with a labelled water bottle.

Age: 8+ years

$20 Cannery Member
$35 Non Member

Membership to the Cannery for children/youth is $30 for 12 months from the date you sign them up. Sign up here

Be inspired by BLOOM the exhibition of works from artists Naomi Stanitzki and Mylene van Heijster with this week’s drawing club where we immerse ourselves amongst their artworks. Remember going to the museum with a sketchbook and capturing the essence of other artists works to get inspired? That's exactly what we will do. Sit yourself down in front of one of the sculptures or capture the gallery and exhibition in a still life of the room or study the intricacies of a delicate button necklace. Endless options to inspire you, with support from Drawing Collective facilitator and artist Rani Fankha. 

Drawing Collection is our new drawing club, made for passionate individuals committed to regular artistic practice. Meeting fortnightly, the drawing collective is made for those who revel in the joy of creating art consistently, providing a supportive community for mutual inspiration and growth. Whether you're a seasoned artist looking to expand your repertoire or a beginner eager to explore the world of drawing, the drawing club offers a welcoming space for creativity to flourish. We will practice life drawing where we take turns modeling ourselves (if it is in your clothes, dressed up, or if you’re confident enough nude), or invite people to model for us. To break it up there will be still life drawing to explore and experiment with different art mediums.

Come every time, or when you can. Upcoming sessions are on Tuesdays 7pm-8.30pm on:
26 March

We break for the school holidays. Welcome to bring your own supplies, tablets welcome, basic materials provided. Some guidance provided for those who want.

Adults and older teens

$10 per person - participants are required to be members of the Cannery Arts Centre *please sign up to become a Cannery Arts Centre member

Join artist Rani Fankha in our new drawing club, made for passionate individuals committed to regular artistic practice. Meeting fortnightly, the drawing collective is made for those who revel in the joy of creating art consistently, providing a supportive community for mutual inspiration and growth. Whether you're a seasoned artist looking to expand your repertoire or a beginner eager to explore the world of drawing, the drawing club offers a welcoming space for creativity to flourish. We will practice life drawing where we take turns modeling ourselves (if it is in your clothes, dressed up, or if you’re confident enough nude), or invite people to model for us. To break it up there will be still life drawing to explore and experiment with different art mediums.

Come every time, or when you can. Upcoming sessions are on Tuesdays 7pm-8.30pm on:
27 February
12 March
26 March

Welcome to bring your own supplies, tablets welcome, basic materials provided. Some guidance provided for those who want.

Adults only *older teens if interested parents are advised to contact the Cannery as nude models are used occasionally but not every session.

$10 per person - participants are required to be members of the Cannery Arts Centre *please sign up to become a Cannery Arts Centre member

Join illustrator and artist in residence, Michelle Stevens, for a casual, fun portrait drawing session. Bring a friend and draw each other or meet someone new. The artist will be around to provide tips and pointers through a fun and creative portrait swap.

All skill levels welcome.

Materials provided.

Adults only.

BYO drinks and snacks.

$30 per person - participants are required to be members of the Cannery Arts Centre *please sign up to become a Cannery Arts Centre member

Welcome to the Drawing Collective, facilitated by artist Rani Fankha. This is the inaugural session of our new drawing club, for passionate individuals committed to regular artistic practice. Meeting fortnightly, the collective is made for those who revel in the joy of creating art consistently. To kick it off, we have guest artist, Michelle Stevens, artist in residence and illustrator from Boston, USA. Practice the basics of observational figure drawing techniques, build up from 30 second gesture impressions to a closing 30+ minute sketch session to better understand form and improve drawing skills. Whether you're a seasoned artist looking to expand your repertoire or a beginner eager to explore the world of drawing, the drawing club offers a welcoming space for creativity to flourish.

Materials will be provided, welcome to bring your own.

Adults and older teens for this workshop. Future drawing collective workshops, parents advised to contact Cannery as nude models used occasionally.

$10 per person - participants are required to be members of the Cannery Arts Centre *please sign up to become a Cannery Arts Centre member

Join artist in residence, illustrator Michelle Stevens from Boston, America. If you saw Michelle doing 15 minute portraits at the markets, you would have been impressed by her skills! In this workshop Michelle will get participants to practice the basics of observational animal drawing techniques. Participants will build up from 30 second gesture impressions to a closing 30+ minute sketch session to better understand form and improve drawing skills.

Materials will be provided, welcome to bring your own.

Adults and older teens for this workshop.

$30 per person - participants are required to be members of the Cannery Arts Centre *please sign up to become a Cannery Arts Centre member

Artist in residence, Michelle Stevens, a 2D illustrator and artist, from Boston, America, will lead participants through some local plein-air sketching, encouraging them to observe and capture their surroundings, then take these back to the Cannery to develop these observations into playful concepts. There will be experimental play with materials, typically seen as cheap and simple, that Michelle uses in her fine artwork, such as with Crayola crayons and scratchboards. This workshop is for avid drawers and creatives.

All materials are provided. Participants should wear clothes suitable for crafting, and must wear closed in shoes. Recommended to send them with a labelled water bottle.

Age: 10+ years

$20 Cannery Member
$35 Non Member

Membership to the Cannery for children/youth is $30 for 12 months from the date you sign them up. Sign up here

Explore the Cannery Arts Centre Forage garden on a little sensory tour, smelling and feeling different herbs and learning about their culinary and remedial uses, with Silke Apel from Leafy Greens Esperance. Silke loves everything gardening and loves to assist people and the community in growing their food and applying permaculture principles to everyday life. After wandering through the garden, participants will create their own herbal alchemy or garden potion and write a recipe to take home including a herbal or flower bouquet that can be dried or used in the kitchen.

All materials are provided. Participants should wear clothes suitable for crafting, and must wear closed in shoes. Recommended to send them with a labelled water bottle.

Age: 6+ years

$20 Cannery Member
$35 Non Member

Membership to the Cannery for children/youth is $30 for 12 months from the date you sign them up. Sign up here

Join the fun in creating a wild, windy day with watercolours. Guided by Bonnie Wilson, explore the idea of movement and how to show this in paintings. A primary school teacher by trade, Bonnie loves crafting. Watercolours are a fun medium to use, participants will be able to take home a couple of wonderful watercolour paintings.

All materials are provided. Participants should wear clothes suitable for crafting, and must wear closed in shoes. Recommended to send them with a labelled water bottle.

Age: 9+ years

$20 Cannery Member
$35 Non Member

Membership to the Cannery for children/youth is $30 for 12 months from the date you sign them up. Sign up here

Insect hotels offer a sanctuary to beneficial insects, especially pollinators. In this workshop, participants will create an Insect Hotel, using all natural materials they gather around the Cannery Arts Centre Forage garden to “furnish” their Insect Hotel. Guided by Silke Apel, from Leafy Greens Esperance, who has a passion for gardening and loves to assist people and the community in growing their own food and applying permaculture principles to everyday life. The main frame will be provided and kids have the option to leave it natural or decorate it with paint.

All materials are provided. Participants should wear clothes suitable for crafting, and must wear closed in shoes. Recommended to send them with a labelled water bottle.

Age: 8+ years

$20 Cannery Member
$35 Non Member

Membership to the Cannery for children/youth is $30 for 12 months from the date you sign them up. Sign up here

A session of wordplay, games and improv to create personal positive messages. Messages are written on mounted card and decorated to create fun, encouraging and inspiring affirmation cards for each participant. Each participant makes 2-4 affirmation cards, and decorates them, with messages that are important to them. SJ Eeles is an artist and creative producer based in regional WA. She is the author of two novels and worked on multi-media projects across the state with a focus on storytelling in many forms. As a workshop facilitator, SJ’s workshops have focused on creative development, sparking imagination, promoting resilience through arts and positive affirmations, and use a combination of writing, game play, Improv and fun.

All materials are provided. Participants should wear clothes suitable for crafting, and must wear closed in shoes. Recommended to send them with a labelled water bottle.

Age: 7+ years

$20 Cannery Member
$35 Non Member

Membership to the Cannery for children/youth is $30 for 12 months from the date you sign them up. Sign up here

Join artist Rani Fankha for session 7 of Life Drawing, an opportunity to draw the human body. The model holds their pose for between one and twenty minutes. All skill levels welcome, though limited teaching provided. Paper, charcoal, pencils and pastels provided, byo any other materials. Easels provided. No beverages or food allowed as this event is in the Main Gallery amongst the 9x5 Exhibition.

Places are limited and this is a strictly 18+ years event.

$30 per person

*please sign up to become a Cannery Arts Centre member - membership lasts 12 months

"Cut, Paste, Create-Mosaic CD Art" is an exciting workshop hosted by the craft extraordinaire, Mary Darling. Dive into a smorgasbord of craft goodies as you explore the world of mosaic art on CDs. Unleash your creativity by cutting and pasting paper to craft intricate mosaic patterns and adorable animals on these versatile canvases. Discover the joy of repurposing CDs into unique works of art that blend modern technology with timeless craftsmanship. Join us for a creative adventure that combines recycling, artistic expression, and fun!

All materials are provided. Participants should wear clothes suitable for crafting, and must wear closed in shoes. Recommended to send them with a labelled water bottle.

Age: 5+ years

$20 Cannery Member
$35 Non Member

Membership to the Cannery for children/youth is $30 for 12 months from the date you sign them up. Sign up here

Join Mary Darling, the craft extraordinaire, for a creative adventure in Canvas Collage Creations! Unleash your artistic spirit as you dive into a smorgasbord of craft goodies, ready to be cut, pasted, and transformed into a personalized canvas masterpiece. Mary will guide you through the process, providing tips and tricks to enhance your collage skills. Let your imagination run wild as you blend colors, textures, and images to craft a one-of-a-kind canvas collage. This workshop promises a fun and inspiring journey into the world of mixed media art.

All materials are provided. Participants should wear clothes suitable for crafting, and must wear closed in shoes. Recommended to send them with a labelled water bottle.

Age: 5+ years

$20 Cannery Member
$35 Non Member

Membership to the Cannery for children/youth is $30 for 12 months from the date you sign them up. Sign up here

Join artist Rani Fankha for session 6 of Life Drawing, an opportunity to draw the human body. The model holds their pose for between one and twenty minutes. Rani will direct participants through some simple warm up activities and then it is a self directed session.

Limited to 10 participants-strictly 18+years event.

BYO materials. Easels provided.
Skill level intermediate to advanced
As this is in the Main Gallery no beverages or food allowed

$30 Cannery member *please sign up to become a Cannery Arts Centre member

Using cardboard and paint, participants create portraits, of themselves, a friend or family member, in Picasso's unique style. Guided by artist and Year 12 ATAR student Brooke Elson, who is going to pursue a career as an art teacher, and has assisted with many workshops at the Cannery, and with help from her Mum, Kylie. This will be a fun workshop for children who loved to paint, cut, craft and create!

All other materials are provided. Participants should wear clothes suitable for crafting, and must wear closed in shoes. Recommended to send them with a labelled water bottle.

Age: 5+ years

$20 Cannery Member
$35 Non Member

Membership to the Cannery for children/youth is $30 for 12 months from the date you sign them up. Sign up here

Bookings went so crazy for the morning session we have opened up another workshop!

What happens in July, other than Kickarts at the Cannery? The whale migration across the South Coast! Learn about what type of whales, their behaviour and why they migrate. Inspired by this information, students will create a watercolour masterpiece of these glorious species with Katie White, botanist and scientist, turned artist and educator. Katie gets great excitement and joy out of the many wonders of the natural world, and is passionate about sharing and connecting.

All other materials are provided. Participants should wear clothes suitable for crafting, and must wear closed in shoes. Recommended to send them with a labelled water bottle.

Age: 6+ years

$20 Cannery Member
$35 Non Member

Membership to the Cannery for children/youth is $30 for 12 months from the date you sign them up. Sign up here

What happens in July, other than Kickarts at the Cannery? The whale migration across the South Coast! Learn about what type of whales, their behaviour and why they migrate. Inspired by this information, students will create a watercolour masterpiece of these glorious species with Katie White, botanist and scientist, turned artist and educator. Katie gets great excitement and joy out of the many wonders of the natural world, and is passionate about sharing and connecting.

All other materials are provided. Participants should wear clothes suitable for crafting, and must wear closed in shoes. Recommended to send them with a labelled water bottle.

Age: 6+ years

$20 Cannery Member
$35 Non Member

Membership to the Cannery for children/youth is $30 for 12 months from the date you sign them up. Sign up here

Using gouache we'll get up close and personal with found objects from the bush to create small still life studies with our Artist in Residence Yabini Kickett, an artist with ties to the Ballardong, Nyaki-Nyaki, Wadjuk people of the Bibulmun Nation. Her work focuses on portraiture, endemic plant and fungal species, and stories from her kin. Yabini has been assisting young people with development of artworks for the Cannery’s NAIDOC theme ‘For the Elders’ exhibition and we have asked her to share her skills. Yabini has worked with gouache for many years finding it more forgiving than watercolour and beginner friendly. Learn about layering, texture and colour all through gouache, creating A5 paintings. Bring in any natural found objects or choose from items Yabini has sourced locally (all items will be returned from where collected after the workshop).

This workshop is suitable for adults and teens 15 years and older.

Tea, coffee and morning tea provided.

$50 Cannery members *to become a member click here

In this two week course, artist and teacher Jason Wooldridge will teach the basic skills required for successful portraits. This will include lighting and photographing your subject, observation drawing techniques and gridding using pencil, charcoal and paint (time permitting).

Photo: Self portrait by Jason Wooldridge, painted ink on housebrick, entry in the 2022 Esperance Art Awards, receiving Highly Commended award. Photographer: Sarsby Martin

All materials supplied. Adults only.

Tuesday evenings 6pm-8pm 20 & 27 June 2023

Suitable for beginners.

$60 Cannery members - must be a member of the Cannery Arts Centre

*please sign up to become a Cannery Arts Centre member - membership lasts for 12 months

Join artist Sarsby Martin for session 5 of Life Drawing, an opportunity to draw the human body. The model holds their pose for between one and twenty minutes, the longer poses allow the experienced artists to create a masterpiece while giving beginners a chance to practice.

This is an incredible opportunity for everyone, artists or beginners just wanting to try something new. Materials (paper and charcoal) and easels provided. We encourage artists to bring their own if preferred.

Limited spaces and it sells out quickly so don't hesitate to grab a spot for yourself and a friend. BYO beverages and nibbles. Places are limited and this is a strictly 18+ years event. *please note the earlier start time for winter - the Art Room is heated.

$40 Cannery member

*please sign up to become a Cannery Arts Centre member - membership lasts 12 months