Join artist and educator Jane Lander in the exploration and creative possibilities of mixed media and assemblage, combining drawing, painting, collage, and found materials in experimental and playful ways. Over the course of the sessions, participants will be guided through a range of hands-on exercises designed to loosen up creative thinking, challenge traditional approaches, and explore texture, layering, and spatial relationships.

Each week students will be given prompts to encourage spontaneity and intuitive making. Students will experiment with unexpected materials such as fabric, cardboard, wire, photographs, and natural elements, learning how to integrate them into dynamic compositions.

A key focus of the class is encouraging personal expression and play — giving you the tools and confidence to break rules, take risks, and follow your instincts. There will be opportunities for both guided exercises and self-directed projects, with individual feedback and group discussion to support creative development.

Whether you’re new to art-making or an experienced artist wanting to shake things up, this class provides an inspiring space to explore process-based creativity, develop new techniques, and discover the expressive potential of materials all around you.

Jane has an established practice with over 30 years experience. Her work is held in many collections including the Newcastle Art Gallery, Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, Maitland Art Gallery, Muswellbrook Art Gallery and Broken Hill Art Gallery. Lander is the 2022 winner of the Newcastle Club Foundation Art Prize and has been a finalist in many national prizes including The Dobell Drawing Prize, The Blake Travelling Art Prize, The NSW Parliament Plein Air Painting prize and The Kilgour Art Prize. Jane holds a Bachelor of Teaching (secondary, visual arts).