Sparking Inspiration

Smiling Sun Workshops is a space where art is an engaging, joyful act of making.

Each class presents children with suggested themes, materials and techniques as a framework to get their imagination firing! With gentle, individualised guidance, they are encouraged to express their ideas visually.

Enjoy the Process!

Process-first lessons are child led, encouraging children to engage in trial and error, experimentation and emotional expression. They are not always given a specific example to copy, or step by step instructions, which can lead to a frustrating urge for perfection.

This freedom fosters innovation, confidence, autonomy, decision making and problem solving skills - allowing creativity to flourish.

These types of art activities look more like playing, which is of course, how children learn. Without this willingness to experiment, it is difficult to ever become what we call an "artist".

This approach is balanced with a mix of more instructed projects so they can experience the satisfaction of learning something specific, and taking home more traditional pieces of art. This becomes more important for primary school aged children.

Our Happy Place

A Smiling Sun Workshop is a safe, supportive social environment which nurtures creative learning and expression. Best of all, it's really, really fun!