Hands-On Art Classes In Central Australia

If you are visiting Central Australia there are many activities for you to do. One of them is understanding and experimenting with the local art. There are many places which offer art classes and workshops for visitors. If you are a tourist to the Red Centre and are interested in learning about the local art, here are some excellent options for you. 

Ayeye Atyenhe Art Workshop, Alice Springs

One of the most interesting activities for visitors to Alice Springs to experience is the Aboriginal Art Experience with Ayeye Atyenhe Art. The 90 minute experience allows the recognised Aboriginal Artists Marie Ryder and Kevin Bird, share their stories and knowledge of art and culture with travellers. Then you will enjoy a painting workshop where you can learn the symbols and techniques used throughout history to tell stories passed on between generations. Create your own piece of art to take home as a momento of this wonderful experience. This session is held every Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00pm - 2:30pm.

If you can't make it to the workshop they also offer an opportunity to have your own story painted by these artists, a first for both artists and art lovers alike. We all have a lot of life experiences; a collection of success stories; a group of stories of disappointment; love stories and heartbreak tales. Marie Ryder says, "Tell me your story, and let me sketch and paint it." The stunning works are tailored to the client's desired size and colour palette using a mix of traditional and contemporary techniques. To get your story painted click here.

Curtin Springs Paper Making, Lasseter Hwy

Curtin Springs Station's native grasses are used to make handmade paper, and if you are an Uluru tourist you cannot afford to miss it. Each piece is a unique and beautiful reminder of Central Australia's desert landscape, showcasing its diversity. This paper making workshop at the Old Abattoir building, is of 1 hour duration and comes with exclusive access to the full range of Curtin Springs paper products.

At the session, visitors will be able to see and touch various stages of the paper-making process in action. During the presentation, participants will see first-hand how paper is made. Each participant will get a chance to try their hand at "pulling" a piece of paper. Afterwards, you'll be able to review the shop's offerings. Jewellery made with Curtin Springs Paper is genuinely one-of-a-kind. You can take them as presents for those who couldn't join you on your trip, or a reminder of the blue sky and red sand of Central Australia.

Art Tours of Australia, Alice Springs

For a guided introduction to the region's art scene, join Art Tours Australia, run by Alice Springs-based artist and tour guide Anna Dakin. Their tours are designed for both art lovers and first-time buyers, taking small groups to art centres and galleries around Mparntwe/Alice Springs, including some of the lesser-known spots that visitors might otherwise miss.

On the Alice Springs Art Centres Tour, you'll visit four to eight art centres over three hours, with expert insight into Aboriginal art, culture and country along the way. Art Tours Australia works closely with the art centres to ensure visits happen at appropriate times, and never takes a commission on art sales, so you can buy with confidence knowing your purchase supports the artists directly.

For those who want to make their own art outdoors, Art Tours Australia also runs the Simpsons Gap Sunset Watercolour Painting Class, a beginner-friendly session in a quiet riverbed as the light changes over the gorge, and a 5 Day Art & Culture Trip taking in Uluru, Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges, combining art centre visits with camping under the stars.