Premium, Age-Appropriate Art Classes Designed to Build Skill + Confidence
At Squiggler Academy, we nurture young talent through expert-led drawing and painting courses in a vibrant, gallery-quality setting, culminating in a celebratory exhibition that inspires creativity and confidence.
- Small class sizes with personalised teacher guidance
- Structured sessions that teach real techniques working with line, tone, and composition
- Programs designed for clear skill progression over time
- Teachers have lived art practice experience
Structured Drawing + Painting Programs That Teach Technique AND Creative Thinking
Squiggler Academy inspires children to explore their creativity through expert-led drawing and painting programs, fostering growth in a supportive, gallery-quality setting.
What Happens in a Squiggler Class?
Each session runs for 1.5 immersive studio hours, giving children the time and space to properly develop their ideas — not rush through quick craft activities. Classes are guided by three practicing artist teachers who demonstrate techniques, give individual feedback, and gently challenge each child at their level.
Every term is structured around skill-building and creative exploration. Students begin with foundational exercises — learning about line, proportion, tone, colour mixing and composition — before developing these skills into resolved artworks.
Example projects may include:
- Observational still life drawing to build proportion and shading skills
- Self-portrait studies exploring identity and expression
- Acrylic painting projects focused on colour layering and brush technique
- Mixed media works combining drawing, paint and collage
- Large-scale collaborative pieces preparing for exhibition
Children don’t just “make something fun” — they learn how to see, analyse and create with intention.
What Parents Can Expect to See
By the end of the term, students will have:
- Completed multiple resolved artworks
- Developed stronger drawing and painting technique
- Gained confidence presenting and speaking about their work
- Participated in a final exhibition and art auction
- Experienced the pride of seeing their work professionally displayed
Most importantly, children leave with a deeper belief in their own creative ability — and that confidence carries well beyond the studio.
Hands-On Art Experiences in a Real Gallery Setting in Redfern
Squiggler runs between the creative energy of Redfern and our partnership with Ngarala Public School — giving students the best of both worlds.
In Redfern, children create within a genuine artistic environment. Surrounded by working studios and exhibition spaces, they experience art as something real and valued — not just an after-school activity.
At Ngarala Public School, we bring that same studio standard into a familiar, supportive school setting, making high-quality art education accessible for local families.
Throughout each term, students work toward a public exhibition. Knowing their artwork will be professionally displayed encourages focus, care and pride in presentation.
When we say “gallery-quality setting,” we mean:
• Thoughtfully arranged studio space
• Professional lighting and display systems
• Framed, curated artworks
• A real exhibition event for family and community
Children don’t just make art — they see their work respected and celebrated. And that experience builds lasting confidence.
Creative Holiday Art Programs for Aspiring Kids
Choose the Right Program for Your Child’s Interests + Skill Level (Redfern Only)
Drawing Fundamentals
Building Strong Visual Foundations
In our Drawing Fundamentals sessions, students learn how to truly see before they create. Rather than copying step-by-step cartoons, children are guided through structured exercises that develop observation, proportion and confidence.
Students are taught:
• Line control and mark-making techniques
• Understanding shape, form and proportion
• Light, shadow and tonal shading
• Perspective basics
• Composition and spatial awareness
Projects may include still life studies, observational drawing, self-portraits and object studies. By strengthening these foundations, children gain the technical confidence to approach more complex artworks with independence and clarity.
Outcome:
Students finish the program with improved drawing accuracy, stronger visual awareness, and resolved works that demonstrate real skill progression.
Painting & Colour Workshops
Exploring Technique, Expression and Creative Confidence
Our painting sessions expand on drawing skills and introduce students to colour theory and material exploration. Children learn not just how to use paint — but how to control it intentionally.
Students explore:
• Colour mixing and understanding warm vs cool tones
• Brush techniques and paint application
• Layering and texture building
• Working on canvas and mixed surfaces
• Translating sketches into painted compositions
Projects may include expressive landscapes, abstract explorations, narrative works and mixed-media pieces.
Outcome:
Students develop confidence working with colour, complete multiple finished paintings, and begin to form their own creative voice.
Exhibition Showcase
Celebrating Growth Through Public Presentation
Each holiday program concludes with a curated exhibition where students display selected works created throughout the program. This is not a casual classroom display — it is a thoughtfully presented showcase designed to honour their effort and progress.
Students participate by:
• Selecting and refining their strongest artworks
• Preparing pieces for professional presentation
• Learning how artworks are displayed and curated
• Inviting family and community to attend
The exhibition gives children the rare opportunity to see their work framed, displayed and celebrated in a gallery-style environment.
Outcome:
Students experience pride, confidence and the powerful moment of seeing their creativity taken seriously by a real audience.
Drawing Classes
Our drawing sessions inspire children to develop their unique artistic style with expert guidance.
Painting Workshops
Engage your child in painting experiences that foster imagination and technique building.
Final Art Exhibition
Celebrate your child’s progress with a professional exhibition showcasing their creative achievements.
Expert-Led Drawing Classes
Guided by experienced instructors, children develop foundational drawing skills that boost confidence and artistic expression.
Dynamic Painting Workshops
Engage kids with vibrant painting experiences that encourage creativity and exploration of color and form.
Final Exhibition Showcase
Celebrate your child’s progress with a professional exhibition that highlights their unique creations and growth.