Visual Arts, Handcrafts and Photography
Unleash your inner artist and creative genius with our Visual Arts, Handcrafts and Photography courses
Photography: Capture the perfect sunset, paint with your camera, and master both traditional and digital photography techniques with Byron Community College. If you have an eye for stunning images, you’ll discover the perfect course to frame your creativity and produce breathtaking photographs. Let your visual storytelling skills shine!
Visual Arts: Become a visual artist or designer, or simply explore your creativity through our engaging and fun courses in painting, drawing, screen printing, art history and Floristry
Handcrafts: Discover the beauty of crafting as you explore various mediums, from fabric to clay, metal to mosaic. Our hands-on courses include pottery, sculpture, knitting, crochet, basket weaving, sewing, jewellery making, welding and sooo many more.
At Byron Community College, we’re all about nurturing your creative spirit, no matter where you are on your artistic journey.
Our experienced tutors will guide you through key techniques that unlock your artistic potential. Plus, these some of these courses are nationally-recognised and fee-free and can be your stepping stone to further professional training in visual art.
Advanced Floristry
30 May - 20 June 2024, 4 x Thursdays
9.30am to 2.30pm, Mullum, ACE Funded $0*
Each week offers the opportunity to learn and create a different floral design ranging from professionally wired flower crowns to stunning modern bouquets and unique statement arrangements‚ all of which are yours to take home and enjoy for the remainder of the week.
Art of Paper & Print
9.30am to 3.30pm, Mullum, ACE Funded $0*
Art of Paper & Print is an introductory course into several ways to make Prints. This 8 week practical course will explore drawing and the creative possibilities of transposing drawings into mono-prints and relief-prints.
Basket Weaving with Ella Galea
9.30am to 2.30pm, Mullum, $280
Learn how to create beautiful baskets using natural fibres from plants that grow around us. You will learn how to recognise, gather and prepare local plants for weaving then be shown basic weaving techniques. This is a great way for people to come together and share their creative ideas. It's fun and very relaxing, but be warned, it's addictive! Additional materials $20.
Book Binding with Susan Wright
9am - 1pm, Mullum, $145
Immerse yourself in the art of bookbinding in our comprehensive workshop as you learn to make a hard cover journal using coptic stitch. Discover the intricacies of different techniques for binding, stitching signatures, and selecting materials like handmade paper for covers and high-quality paper for pages. You'll also stitch a small notebook, leaving with two beautifully handcrafted books and newfound bookbinding skills.
Botanical Blueprints with Katie Alleva
12.30pm to 4.30pm, Mullum, $240
Embark on a creative journey with our Cyanotype Imagery course, a photographic art form dating back to the 19th century, originally used for documenting botanical specimens. Join local artist Katie as she imparts her expertise in crafting stunning botanical blueprints on paper using this ancient technique. Be inspired by the groundbreaking work of 19th-century botanist Anna Atkins and weave your own artistic narrative through the lens of cyanotype magic. Unleash your creativity in this unique exploration of photographic history.
Butter Knife Carving with Kim Winton
Crochet For Beginners with Stefanie Kwiatkista
Crochet is meditative, relaxing and lots of fun. Use basic crochet stitches and different textured yarns to create a beautiful scarf and another simple garment to take home. When you get hooked you can't stop.
Crochet Level 2 with Stephanie Kwiatkista
10am to 2pm, Mullum, $170
Make and finish a garment of your choice! If you already have some basic crochet knowledge under your belt, come and join me in learning to read and follow patterns all the way through to completing a new item for your wardrobe. We look forward to getting you hooked.
CUA31120 - Certificate III in Visual Arts
Are you ready to unleash your artistic potential? Dive into the vibrant world of visual arts, craft, and design with our nationally recognised qualification.
With a focus on developing a diverse range of visual art skills, you'll have the opportunity to take charge of your own creative journey while receiving expert guidance and support from industry professionals. From mastering drawing techniques to exploring the fascinating realms of art theory and history, you'll gain the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic arts industry.
Discover the joy of producing stunning paintings, sculptures, prints, and digital images while honing your creativity and expression. Our hands-on approach ensures that you not only learn the fundamentals of artistry but also cultivate your unique style and vision.
Join us and embark on a transformative learning experience where you'll contribute to the health and safety of yourself and others, document your creative progress, and unleash your boundless imagination. Enrol now and let your artistic journey begin!
Dreaming in Colour 2
9.30am to 3.30pm, Mullum, ACE Funded $0*
Floristry Intermediate
3 - 24 May 2024, 4 x Fridays
9.30am to 2.30pm, Mullum, ACE Funded $0*
Get your camera off auto with Nelly Le Comte
9.30am - 12.30pm, Byron $240
Do you own an amazing DSLR and it's still on Auto? Let me teach you how to use your DSLR camera to its full potential. We will work with aperture and exposure going beyond auto or program mode. Based on weekly theory classes and fun assignments, you will learn how to capture better images, improve week by week, and end up with great shots that you are happy to share with others as you become more confident with your camera. This course is suited to introductory/intermediate DSLR users.
Hand Building Ceramics Introduction with Lauren Siemonsma
Ochre's Hand Building workshop is a beautiful 'entree' into the world of clay. Come and sip tea and coffee while being guided through all the basics of hand building in our beautiful light-filled studio. You will learn how to make a pinch pot, coil, slab build, attach handles, legs, etc...even how to glaze and decorate your beautiful pieces.
Indigo Dye and Shibori with Anne Leon
10am - 4pm, Mullum, $295
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Indigo and Shibori in this exciting workshop! Discover the traditional Shibori techniques of Arashi, Bomaki (pole wrapping), Itajime (clamping), as well as stitching, binding, and wrapping to craft stunning patterns. Plus, master the art of creating an Indigo vat quickly, without the usual weeks-long wait for maturation. Unlock the secrets of Indigo and Shibori with us! Additional materials $50
Introduction to Floristry
9.30am to 2.30pm, Mullum, ACE Funded $0*
Knitting For Beginners
Learn knitting the European way! An efficient and faster way of knitting, in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Over the 3 sessions you will learn basic knitting techniques including how to cast on and off, knit and pearl stitches as well as how to decrease and increase stitches whilst creating a simple piece like a scarf, wrap of baby blanket.
Life Drawing Sessions with Katie Alleva
6pm to 8pm, Mullum, $200
A life drawing session with a twist. Our life model won't be entirely nude. A hands-on experience with drawing and honing observation skills of the figure drawn from life. Teacher facilitated warm up session, drawing "timed" warmups, leading to longer timed drawing sessions of the figure.
Lino Block Printing with Potts
10am to 4pm, Mullum, $160
Many printmaking processes require some serious expertise and equipment. But lino block printing is amongst the easiest method out there and can be done from home using a few basic tools. This course is perfect for you if you want to try printmaking for the first time, no drawing experience needed. Join us in a supportive and empowering environment to explore a new skill. Additional materials $35.
Natural Plant Dye and Shibori with Anne Leon
10am - 4pm, Mullum, $295
Embark on a fascinating journey into the world of natural dyeing and Shibori techniques in this hands-on workshop. Explore the magic of extracting vibrant colours and intricate imprints from plants such as leaves, flowers, and roots. Learn various Shibori methods, including stitching, clamping, folding, twisting, and compressing, to create mesmerizing patterns on fabric. Unleash your creativity and discover the artistry of botanical dyeing with us! Additional materials $50.
Plant Life Drawing 2
9.30am to 3.30pm, Mullum, ACE Funded $0*
Plant Life Drawing 2 will extend your creative focus as we explore the work of significant artists while studying plants and natural forms through a variety of mediums and processes.
Playful Painting Weekend
9.30am to 3.30pm, Mullum, $240pp
There will be dancing, splashing, spraying, scraping, dripping, laughing and a head-over-heels love affair with colour. Each of us will be painting on a large canvas, adding new layers, in a fun and encouraging environment. Rediscover your enthusiasm for life and uncover painting talents you never knew you had.
Portrait Painting with Ash Darq
9am - 5pm, Mullum, $215
Are you keen to start painting portraits? Do you already paint people but would like to improve on your realism?
From the subtle curve of a smile to the piercing gaze of the eyes, portrait painting has long been revered as a timeless art form, transcending generations and cultures.
Sculptural Metalwork with Nyree Smith
10am - 4pm, Mullum, $470
In this sculpture class you’ll explore different metalworking techniques in a safe and fun environment. These include, cutting, fixing (including welding) and forming metal, depending on the design you choose. This class is a logical choice if you are a previous welding student or existing hobbyist who wants to expand your artistic and practical skill base. Also, novices who want a safe “taste” of metalwork, are also encouraged to participate.
Sewing For Beginners with Annie Martin
6pm to 8.30pm, Byron Bay, $295
For the complete beginner to gain confidence and learn all the sewing basics e.g. patterns, cutting, machines and overlockers. Make a simple garment in a fun, stimulating and creative environment. You will need to phone the tutor on enrolment to discuss pattern and material choice.
Silver Jewellery - An Introduction with Michelle Walker
or Sat & Sun, 15 & 16 June
9am to 5pm, Mullum, $320
Learn the fundamentals of making silver jewellery with this weekend workshop. This introductory course covers the key skills you need for precious metal work; perfect for anyone keen to start the journey of jewellery design and making. You can expect to complete two or three pieces of finished jewellery. Additional materials fee $90.
Tufting Rug Making Workshop for Beginners with Kelly Hunt
Create your very own unique rug in this tufting rug making course. We will show you the basics of operating a tufting gun and within minutes, you'll be creating your very own designer rug. We will use new and recycled yarns, creating one off pieces! Come have some fun!
Watercolour: Light, Bright, Fresh with Harry Westera
9.30am - 4.30pm, Byron, $310
Light, Bright and Fresh are natural qualities of the translucent, flowing medium of watercolour painting. But sometimes our tones and colours can look muddy and overworked, washed out or too dark. Over two Saturdays, we will look at the processes, techniques, colours and mindset which help to better express the vitality and beauty of this versatile medium. Suitable for all levels of experience. All materials supplied.
Welding & Metal Fabrication with Nyree Smith
9am to 4pm, Mullum, $470
Learn to build and repair tubular steel frames with a MIG welder! Experienced welders and novices alike have the opportunity to learn and practice welding tubular steel, both painted and galvanised. Also included is an introduction to techniques and tricks of the trade needed to construct in tubular steel, so you can start planning your own projects for furniture, gates, railings, or repairing the trailer etc.
Welding Introduction with Nyree Smith
9am to 5pm, Mullum, $470
If you’ve always wanted to learn electric welding but have never had the opportunity, or you may simply want to hone your welding skills, then here’s your chance. Let metal artisan / fabricator, Nyree, take you on a journey to greater independence and practical, creative empowerment through the amazing world of metalwork!