Yarrila Arts and Museum

Self-Guided Tactile Tours
2026-12-31 10:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Self-Guided Tactile Tours

Program, Workshop

Have you ever wanted to know what an artwork feels like?

Self-Guided Tactile Tour Kit components for the ESSSENSSSE exhibition at Yarrila Arts and Museum, 22 November 2025 – 1 February 2026

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

Visit the current exhibitions at YAM and borrow a free Self-Guided Tactile Tour kit from our front desk, then head to the galleries for a unique experience. Each kit will enable participants to experience the tactile and sensory qualities of the materials used in selected artworks. Self-Guided Tactile Tour kits are available for selected exhibitions. This free program is available for all ages and abilities including families, individuals, groups, and sensory impaired individuals.

No bookings required but reservations can be made for groups if requested via email: yamprograms@chcc.nsw.gov.au

Wellbeing Workshop Program for organisations, community groups, and schools
2026-12-31 10:00 - 16:00
Wellbeing Workshop Program for organisations, community groups, and schools

Program, Workshop

Where art meets wellbeing – A creative path to connection and healing

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

Join us at Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM) for a powerful and inspiring workshop designed to nurture mental wellbeing through creative expression. Available for organisations, community groups and schools.

Led by experienced YAM program facilitators, this two-hour workshop combines a guided tour of the current exhibitions with a hands-on artmaking workshop developed renowned artist Hiromi Tango. Hiromi’s artworks explore the healing potential of textile-based art through a meditative and collaborative process.

These workshops are offered in 2026 to schools, community groups, and organisations across the region, they are not open to individuals. Please register your interest to participate.

Why participate?

Connect: Strengthen community bonds through shared creative experiences.

Support wellbeing: Discover the calming, expressive, and restorative benefits of art.

Be part of something bigger: Contribute to Hiromi Tango’s evolving and ongoing Healing Garden project.

Whether you’re new to art or an experienced creator, this inclusive and uplifting experience is designed for all ages and abilities.

Self-Guided Artmaking
2026-12-31 10:00 - 16:00
Self-Guided Artmaking

Program, Workshop

Get creative at YAM with free self-guided artmaking activities available in The Workshop!

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

Get creative with art making activities inspired by YAM’s exhibitions at The Workshop. Activities range from designing and creating your own textiles, constructing contemporary collages and drawing. Activities are suitable for adults, children, and families so come in, relax, and enjoy making art.

YAM Young Creatives
2026-12-31 10:00 - 16:00
YAM Young Creatives 2026

Program, Workshop

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

As a YAM Young Creative, you will meet like-minded creative young people, learn from artists, participate in workshops, contribute to youth programs and gain both personal and professional insights into creative industries and working in a gallery or museum. YAM Young Creatives meet twice a month (once virtually and once in-person at YAM) from February until December 2026. Upon completion of the program, participants will be issued with a personalised certificate for their contribution to the program.

There is no cost involved to join this program, but participants will need to complete an enrolment form. If you need assistance with the enrolment form or have special needs, please contact Toni Southwell (details below). Enrolments will be open until all places are filled and participants can join throughout the year if places become available.

Applications are open until all places are filled.

The next meeting will be in February 2026.

For more information and to apply visit the website or contact:

Toni SouthwellPrograms Facilitator Gallery and Museum

culturaldevelopment@chcc.nsw.gov.au

02 6648 4700

YAM Young Creatives is a 12-month program, proudly supported by Museums and Galleries NSW – 2022 Audience Development Fund.

Image credit: And The Tree Photography

YAM Teeny Tours
2026-12-31 10:00 - 16:00
YAM Teeny Tours

Program, Workshop

Immerse your child in artful conversations, cultural exploration and creative play in Teeny Tours at Yarrila Arts and Museum

Photo courtesy of And the Trees Photography

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

Immerse your child in artful conversations, cultural exploration and creative play in Teeny Tours at Yarrila Arts and Museum. These sessions are fun, adventurous and engaging for both children and their carer’s. They include an exhibition tour, artmaking, story time and creative play, with a different exhibition explored each week. Teeny Tours are small group sessions and are accessible for all young children.

Held every Friday in 2026, 10am – 11am (during school term)

Weekly bookings are required. Numbers are limited.

Suggested for ages 3–6 years and their carers.

Strollers, snacks and drinks are welcome.

Meet in The Workshop, Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM), Ground floor Yarrila Place.

Enquires: culturaldevelopment@chcc.nsw.gov.au

Studio Kids @ YAM Term 3
2026-07-29 16:00 - 2026-09-16 17:00
Studio Kids @ YAM Term 3

Program, Workshop

This children’s art program offers a fun and engaging exploration of creativity through a range of hands-on activities.

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

Young artists will capture movement through line and colour, experiment with mixed media collage, explore ideas of place, play with shadows, develop expressive mark making, and create artworks inspired by land and sky. With time spent working both freely and on the easels, young artists will build confidence, develop skills and be encouraged to explore their own ideas in a supportive and imaginative environment.

Each week, students begin with a guided gallery visit with an artist educator, exploring artworks and ideas as inspiration. This is followed by studio-based artmaking activities ranging from painting and drawing to sculpture and mixed media, where participants experiment with materials, learn new techniques, and develop their own creative responses.

Location: Yarrila Arts and Museum Dates: 8-week intensive after school program during Term 3, 29 July – 16 September 2026Time: 4:00 – 5:00pmCost: $100 for the 8-week programAges: 8 – 12 year oldsAll materials provided, aprons available but old clothes recommended.

Creative Kids vouchers accepted. Vouchers can be redeemed during the Eventbrite booking process. Only valid vouchers will be accepted.

Email yamprograms@chcc.nsw.gov.au for all other enquiries.

Take a Moment in July
2026-07-29 12:00 - 13:30
Take a Moment in July

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July offers a creative pause in the middle of your busy week.

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

This well-being program invites you to slow down, recharge, and reconnect.

Enjoy a mix of guided tours and hands‑on creative sessions designed to inspire creativity and mindfulness.

Take a break. Explore your creativity. Recharge your mind.

This month participants can join a guided tour and take part in a guided artmaking session.At midday join YAM’s Senior Curator for a guided exhibition tour of Nikky Morgan-Smith: Index Act.Any time from 12:00 – 1:30pm take part in the guided artmaking session as a restorative experience exploring your creativity. Workshop facilitators will be available to guide participants. There will be drawing and mixed media art supplies available for a creative art making session.Participants can join at any time throughout the session and stay for little or as long as they like.Whether you’re looking for a moment of mindful creativity, a cultural escape, or a relaxed way to catch up with friends, Take a Moment in July offers a welcoming space to pause and resetBookings are recommended but not essential. Free tea and coffee are available, and participants can bring their lunch.

CREATIVE LAB: Experimental Art and Design Term 3
2026-07-28 16:00 - 2026-09-15 17:30
CREATIVE LAB: Experimental Art and Design Term 3

Program, Workshop

CREATIVE LAB: Experimental Art and Design is a hands‑on after‑school program for ages 9–13 that brings together science, technology, engineering and maths through experimental art processes and techniques (STEAM).

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

Through creative making, participants will experiment with simple materials and reimagined finds, exploring movement, light and energy to create exciting, contemporary artworks.

Classes will include:

– Glow and phosphorescence experiments layered with art, design and photography

– Designing drawing machines powered by motors, water and wind

– Experimenting with UV‑reactive ‘light drawing’

– Making moving artworks inspired by flight and air

– Transforming sound into unexpected drawings

– Bio-inspired object design based on nature

Participants will practice creative thinking and problem‑solving, while building confidence through making, testing, adapting and sharing their ideas in a fun and supportive studio environment.All materials provided. Old clothes recommended.

Cost: $100 for the 8-week program.

Creative Kids vouchers accepted. Vouchers can be redeemed during the Eventbrite booking process. Only valid vouchers will be accepted.

Places are limited – book early to secure your spot!

Email yamprograms@chcc.nsw.gov.au for all enquiries.

EXTRA Long Pose Portrait Session
2026-07-25 10:30 - 2026-07-26 13:30
EXTRA Long Pose Portrait SessionTwo-day special event

Program, Workshop

Observe, Develop, Perfect.

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

This special one-off extended session runs over two days, offering artists a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in an in-depth, uninterrupted creative experience. Perfect for all levels, it invites participants to slow down, focus deeply, and connect with the clothed figure through longer, sustained poses.

Whether you’re just beginning or looking to push your creative boundaries, this is your chance to:

– Sharpen your observation skills

– Refine your technique in your chosen medium

– Develop more layered, detailed works overtime

Work at your own pace in a calm, welcoming environment. While there’s no formal instruction, Seabastion will draw and paint alongside participants, providing a unique glimpse into her personal process and approach to figurative art.

This extended session is gently facilitated to ensure a supportive and respectful atmosphere, making it the ideal setting to experiment and grow over two consecutive days.

All mediums are welcome, including drawing, painting, and mixed media. Basic materials such as paper, charcoal, graphite, and a small selection of acrylic paints will be provided. If you’d like to work with other materials, feel free to bring your own – just ensure they’re low-irritant and easy to clean up.

Tea coffee and biscuits provided.

The Rubbish Renaissance: Jewellery, Jazz & Gin
2026-07-23 17:30 - 19:30
The Rubbish Renaissance Jewellery, Jazz & Gin

Program, Workshop

This evening jewellery‑making workshop invites you to transform everyday waste into wearables, set to a smooth jazz soundtrack and paired with Emerald Island Gin cocktails.

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

In this relaxed, social two-hour workshop, participants will experiment with found objects, aluminium cans and repurposed gems, transforming reclaimed materials into bold, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Celebrating sustainability, creativity and resourcefulness, this workshop encourages participants to see new possibilities in unexpected materials. Curiosity, reinvention and creative reuse are at the heart of the experience, demonstrating how items often destined for landfill can be reimagined as beautiful, one-of-a-kind creations.

Your ticket includes:

– All materials (rescued, repurposed and ready for reinvention)– Step‑by‑step creative guidance– A crafted Emerald Island Gin cocktail (or two!)No prior experience needed – just an open mind and a willingness to see old things differently.

RELICS Activities and Workshops
2026-07-19 10:00 - 16:00
RELICS Activities and Workshops

Program, Workshop

Extend your visit to RELICS: A New World Rises with YAM’s series of art making and STEAM programs that invite adults, children, families and young people to explore creativity through hands on making, imaginative play and collaborative problem solving.

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

Drawing on the exhibition’s themes of reinvention, sustainability and storytelling, the programs encourage participants to look closely at the world around them and to see everyday materials as sites of possibility, transformation and wonder.

Adult Workshops

Rethink waste, remix ideas – three hands-on workshops where discarded materials become bold new creations.

To coincide with RELICS: A New World Rises, this creative and sustainable workshop series invites participants to reimagine discarded materials as bold new creations. Across hands‑on sessions in jewellery making, printmaking and sculpture, artists guide participants to experiment with creative reuse, rethink waste and explore the unexpected potential of everyday materials. From an after‑hours art‑and‑cocktails experience to weekend workshops, the series encourages curiosity, creativity and new ways of imagining a more sustainable future – proving that some of the most exciting ideas begin with what’s left behind.

Old School Foundations: Contemporary Sculpture Workshop

In this hands‑on sculpture workshop, artist Nick Warfield invites participants to transform humble cereal‑box cardboard into bold, contemporary sculptural forms. Drawing on both classic construction methods and experimental approaches, the session explores form, structure and balance – turning everyday waste into dynamic three‑dimensional works.

Date: Saturday 30 MayTime: 10:30am – 1:30pmCost: $40 including all materialsAges: 18+

Stamp It: Upcycled T-Shirt Print Lab

Led by artist Marc Renshaw, this creative printmaking workshop invites participants to transform a plain or pre‑loved cotton T‑shirt or fabric bag into a one‑of‑a‑kind wearable artwork. Using blocks, lino stamps and experimental print textures, you’ll explore pattern, repetition and layout – turning familiar materials into something fresh, graphic and expressive.

Date: Saturday 20 JuneTime: 10.30am – 1.30pmCost: $40 (BYO t-shirt or cotton/canvas bag)Ages: Adults and teens 16+

The Rubbish Renaissance: Jewellery, Jazz & Gin

This evening jewellery‑making workshop invites you to transform everyday waste into wearable relics, set to a smooth jazz soundtrack and paired with Emerald Island Gin cocktails. In a relaxed, social two‑hour Thursday night session, participants will experiment with plastic bottles, aluminium cans and repurposed gems – turning discarded materials into bold, one‑of‑a‑kind pieces.

Date: Thursday 25 June Time: 5:30 – 7:30pmCost: $30 including all materials, drinks and refreshmentsAges: 18+

Children and Family Workshops

Blending art, science, technology, engineering and design, the program series creates accessible entry points into creative learning that are playful, future‑focused and grounded in curiosity. Participants are encouraged to experiment, test ideas, take creative risks and work together—whether they are building LEGO® worlds, reimagining discarded objects, exploring printmaking and painting, or discovering new ways of thinking through STEAM challenges. Each experience is designed to build confidence, spark imagination and support different learning styles through making and doing.From free drop‑in activities for families to facilitated workshops and youth‑led experiences, these programs extend the world of RELICS beyond the gallery walls. They transform the exhibition from something to be viewed into something to be activated—inviting audiences to become makers, thinkers and storytellers in their own right. Together, the programs create a welcoming, inclusive space where creativity is shared across generations and where art and STEAM intersect to inspire new ideas about the future at Yarrila Arts and Museum.

Drop‑in RELICS Play Space

Build, imagine and create in the RELICS Play Space, a free, drop‑in LEGO® building zone where you become part of the exhibition! Inspired by the worlds of RELICS, this hands‑on space invites children, families and curious minds of all ages to design, build and display their own creations. Whether you’re constructing a tiny civilisation or experimenting with bold ideas, the RELICS Play Space offers a relaxed, playful environment to explore creativity together.

Time: Gallery hoursCost: FREE – drop in, no bookings requiredAges: Families

Drop‑in RELICS Family Challenges

Looking for a creative activity the whole family can enjoy? Dive into the RELICS Family Challenges, a free drop‑in experience where imagination takes centre stage. Working together, kids and adults are invited to repurpose an everyday object into something entirely new for a LEGO® minifigure community. This self‑paced, hands‑on activity is perfect for tinkerers, dreamers and builders of all ages. Simply collect a challenge card and object, then let your ideas lead the way.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.Time: Gallery hoursCost: FREE – drop in, no bookings requiredAges: Families

Drop‑in RELICS Family Challenges
2026-07-19 10:00 - 16:00
Drop‑in fun at YAM! RELICS family challenges

Program, Workshop

Looking for a creative activity, the whole family can enjoy?

Image credit Auckland Museum

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

Dive into the RELICS Family Challenges, a free drop‑in experience where imagination takes centre stage.

Working together, kids and adults are invited to repurpose an everyday object into something entirely new for a LEGO® minifigure community. This self‑paced, hands‑on activity is perfect for tinkerers, dreamers and builders of all ages. Simply collect a challenge card and object, then let your ideas lead the way.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Drop-in RELICS Play Space
2026-07-19 10:00 - 16:00
Drop-in RELICS Play Space

Program, Workshop

Drop in and get creative in the RELICS Play Space!

Image Credit Auckland Museum

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

Build, imagine and create in the RELICS Play Space, a free, drop‑in LEGO® building zone where you become part of the exhibition!

This hands‑on space invites children, families and curious minds of all ages to design, build and display their own creations. Whether you’re constructing a tiny civilisation or experimenting with bold ideas, the RELICS Play Space offers a relaxed, playful environment to explore creativity together.

RELICS Adult Groups
2026-07-19 10:00 - 14:00
Vintage objects meet miniature LEGO® brick worlds in RELICS: A New World Rises, an extraordinary exhibition created by LEGO® Masters winners.

Take a Moment in July

Program, Workshop

Why adult groups love RELICS:

Whether your group is after an inspiring cultural outing or simply something fresh and delightful to experience together, RELICS offers:Nostalgia & Wonder – Adults connect instantly with the joy of LEGO®, rediscovering childhood creativity while enjoying the sophistication of the artworks.Art, Design & Craftsmanship – The skill, imagination, and meticulous craftsmanship behind each miniature world appeals to art lovers, makers, designers, and anyone who enjoys seeing the extraordinary in the everyday.Storytelling & Conversation – Every RELIC is a tiny universe filled with characters, clues, and humour. The scenes spark conversation, storytelling, and collective puzzle‑solving – great for social and community groups.Perfect for Social Outings – RELICS is accessible, uplifting, and appeals to all ages and interests. It’s an easy, welcoming outing for mixed‑interest groups and diverse communities.

What your group visit can include:

Your booking can be tailored depending on your group’s interests and needs:

A short introduction exploring the artists’ process and stories behind the scenes

Time for looking closely, photographing, and exploring the exhibition at your own pace. Please allow at least 60 minutes to experience RELICS

YOUNG AT HEART scavenger hunt specially designed for adult visitors

Optional hands‑on creative activities or LEGO® challenges (subject to availability)

Accessible gallery spaces suitable for all mobility levels

Seating, air‑conditioning, and staff support to make your visit relaxed and enjoyable

Multilevel carparking adjacent to YAM with accessible parking on the ground floor

Peach and Wolf café on site for refreshments

RELICS is ideal for:

Seniors and retirement groups

Adult community education

Workplace team outings

Social clubs and hobby groups

Disability and access groups

Book clubs and creative collectives

Tourism and visitor groups

Multigenerational groups

Cultural or language learning groups

Multicultural groups

Bookings:

Bookings are essential for all adult groups.Bookings for group of 10 or more will receive a 15% discountTo make a booking or discuss how we can tailor your visit, please contact:education@chcc.nsw.gov.au or phone (02) 6648 4700

We look forward to welcoming your group to experience the creativity, wonder, and playful brilliance of RELICS: A New World Rises at Yarrila Arts & Museum.

LEGO® is a trademark of The LEGO Group which does not sponsor, authorise or endorse this exhibition.

STEAM Challenge: Creative Makers Lab
2026-07-16 10:00 - 12:00
STEAM Challenge: Creative Makers Lab

Program, Workshop

Young creators aged 9–14 are invited to take part in a STEAM workshop exploring creative making, experimentation and problem-solving.

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

Inspired by Yarrila Arts and Museum’s current exhibition, RELICS: A New World Rises, this creative lab encourages participants to explore ideas through a combination of art, design and simple technologies, creating contemporary responses through discovery and making.

Participants will test and refine their ideas while building confidence, creativity and collaboration skills in a supportive studio environment.

This workshop offers an engaging introduction to STEAM, encouraging curiosity through practical exploration, where participants learn new techniques and create an exciting artwork to take home.

Upcycled Sewing Workshop with Amanda Fairbanks
2026-07-15 10:00 - 13:00
Upcycled Sewing Workshop with Amanda Fairbanks

Program, Workshop

Turn pre-loved fabrics into something fresh, functional and full of personality in this creative upcycling sewing workshop.

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

Using a selection of second-hand materials, participants will learn how to transform fabric remnants into a funky handmade item or bag.

Amanda will guide you through simple sewing techniques and creative design ideas to help you craft a unique piece while giving new life to discarded textiles. Beginners are warmly welcome, and all skill levels can enjoy experimenting with colour, pattern and texture.

This workshop is part of a sustainable practices and creative reuse program that is inspired by Yarrila Arts and Museum’s current exhibition RELICS: A New World Rises.

Come stitch, design and discover how yesterday’s materials can become tomorrow’s treasures!

Night at the Museum: RELICS Adventure
2026-07-10 17:00 - 19:00
Night at the Museum: RELICS Adventure

Program, Workshop

Yarrila Arts and Museum comes alive after dark for an epic night of discovery, creativity and family fun inspired by the ground-breaking exhibition RELICS: A New World Rises. At Night at the Museum: RELICS Adventure, families become explorers – taking on a series of quests and challenges throughout YAM.

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

Work as a team or solo to complete activities, solve challenges and collect stamps as you move through the museum. Each stop offers a new task – from scavenger hunts and creative builds to immersive play and hands-on making. Complete the full adventure and you’ll go in the draw to win a RELICS prize pack.

Along the way, uncover curious objects, explore the exhibitions after hours, and see if your team has what it takes to finish every challenge.

Your Adventure includes:

Quest Stations – collect a stamp at each activity to complete your adventure

Scavenger Hunts in RELICS and Yaamanga (around here)

RELICS Play Space – design, build and display your own creation

LEGO stop-motion animation and free-build challenges

Create & Wear – design your own futuristic wearable relic

Drawing station in Peach & Wolf

Photo booth and dress-up challenges (with prizes for best dressed!)

Guided RELICS tour with the Curator of Curiosities

Plus enjoy:

Exhibitions open late, including RELICS: A New World Rises, Nikky Morgan-Smith: Index Act and Yaamanga (around here)

Music to keep the energy high

YAM Bar and Peach & Wolf serving drinks, hot chocolate, soup, toasties and more

This free event invites families to explore the museum in a whole new way – completing challenges, unlocking activities and discovering RELICS after dark.

Night at the Museum is a free event. Tickets to RELICS, food and drinks purchased separately.

This is a family friendly event. Bookings recommended.

Bring your imagination, gather your crew, and take on the adventure. What will you discover – and can you complete every quest?

Image Credit: Jay Black

Winter Wonders: Expressive Painting with Kelly Joy
2026-07-08 10:30 - 12:00
Winter Wonders: Expressive Painting with Kelly Joy

Program, Workshop

Step into a world of cool colours, cosy creativity, and winter storytelling in this fun and expressive painting workshop.

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

Step into a world of cool colours, cosy creativity, and winter storytelling in this fun and expressive painting workshop with artist Kelly Joy. Designed especially for children aged 6 to 10 years, this hands-on session invites young artists to use their imagination and to bring visual stories to life through colour, texture, and playful exploration.

This workshop focuses on building confidence, creativity, and joy in artmaking. In a relaxed and supportive environment, kids can explore materials, mix colours, and express their ideas freely while developing their own artistic style.

All materials are provided, just bring your imagination and get ready to create your own winter inspired masterpiece!

Winter School Holidays
2026-07-06 12:00 - 2026-07-17 12:00
Winter School Holidays at YAM

Program, Workshop

These winter school holidays, Yarrila Arts and Museum invites children, families and young people to explore, create and imagine together.

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

From discovering local stories to hands‑on STEAM, expressive painting and upcycled sewing workshops, YAM’s Winter Holiday Program offers a rich mix of playful learning and creative exploration.

Step into the immersive world of RELICS: A New World Rises, a highlight of the program, alongside self-guided art making and facilitated workshops, designed to spark curiosity, build confidence and create meaningful shared experiences.

Perfect for families, budding artists and young innovators, YAM is your go‑to destination for inspiring, screen‑free school holiday adventures.

Winter Wonders: Expressive Painting with Kelly Joy

Step into a world of cool colours, cosy creativity, and winter inspired imagination in this fun and expressive painting workshop with artist Kelly Joy. Tthis hands-on session invites young artists to explore the beauty of winter through colour, texture, and playful experimentation.

When: Wednesday 8 July Cost: $30Ages: 6 – 10 year olds

Night at the Museum

Yarrila Arts and Museum comes alive after dark for an epic night of discovery, creativity and family fun inspired by the ground-breaking exhibition RELICS: A New World Rises. At Night at the Museum: RELICS Adventure, families become explorers – taking on a series of quests and challenges throughout YAM.

When: Friday 10 JulyCost: Free event with tickets to RELICS, food + drinks sold separately.Ages: All ages

Upcycled Sewing Workshop with Amanda Fairbanks

Turn pre-loved fabrics into something fresh, functional and full of personality in this creative upcycling sewing workshop with designer Amanda Fairbanks. Using a selection of second-hand materials, participants will learn how to transform fabric remnants into a funky handmade item or bag.

When: Wednesday 15 July Cost: $30Ages: 10 – 16 year olds

STEAM Challenge: Creative Makers Lab

Young creators aged 9–14 are invited to take part in a STEAM workshop exploring creative making, experimentation and problem-solving.

Inspired by RELICS: A New World Rises, this creative lab encourages participants to explore ideas through a combination of art, design and simple technologies, creating contemporary responses through discovery and making.

When: Thursday 16 July Cost: $10 Ages: 9 – 14 year olds

Drop‑in RELICS Play Space

Build, imagine and create in the RELICS Play Space, a free, drop‑in LEGO® building zone where you become part of the exhibition! Inspired by the worlds of RELICS, this hands‑on space invites children, families and curious minds of all ages to design, build and display their own creations. Whether you’re constructing a tiny civilisation or experimenting with bold ideas, the RELICS Play Space offers a relaxed, playful environment to explore creativity together.

Time: Gallery hoursCost: FREE – drop in, no bookings requiredAges: Families

Drop‑in RELICS Family Challenges

Looking for a creative holiday activity, the whole family can enjoy? Visit YAM these school holidays and take part in our drop‑in RELICS family Challenges! Inspired by RELICS: A New World Rises, kids can unleash their imaginations as they repurpose an everyday object into something totally new for a mini-figure community.When: All holidays in gallery hoursCost: FREE – drop in, no bookings requiredAges: Families

Nikky Morgan-Smith: Index Act Exhibition Opening
2026-07-02 17:30 - 19:00
Nikky Morgan-Smith: Index Act Exhibition Opening

Program, Workshop

Index Act considers drawing as an embodied practice connected to lived experience. Combining performance-based photography, mark-making and mixed media, Nikky Morgan-Smith presents a series of multi-layered compositions exploring linear time, memory, and physical existence.

Nikky Morgan-Smith, unmade bed, chiffon, digital print, acrylic paint, paper in recycled hardwood box, 2026 (detail), photo by Lisa Cross

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

Yarrila Arts and Museum invites you and your guests to the opening of Nikky Morgan-Smith I Index ActThursday 2 July, 5:30 – 7:00pm

Free entryLight refreshments provided. YAM Bar openYarrila Arts and Museum

Nikky Morgan-Smith: Index Act
2026-07-02 10:00 - 2026-08-02 16:00
Nikky Morgan-Smith: Index Act

Program, Workshop

Index Act considers drawing as an embodied practice connected to lived experience. Combining performance-based photography, mark-making and mixed media, Nikky Morgan-Smith presents a series of multi-layered compositions exploring linear time, memory, and physical existence.

Nikky Morgan-Smith, unmade bed, chiffon, digital print, acrylic paint, paper in recycled hardwood box, 2026 (detail), photo by Lisa Cross

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

Within each work, past and present intersect through photographic stills of the body in motion – capturing sensations and emotional states – and intuitive, gestural drawings that emerge in response. Together, they form a liminal third space, a threshold where image and mark, index and act, converge to reveal what is not immediately visible. In this in-between realm, the invisible histories of the body – its stored sensations, memories and energies – are made perceptible, emerging through the layering and interaction of forms.

Long Pose Portrait Session
2026-06-28 10:30 - 13:30
Long Pose Portrait Session

Program, Workshop

Join artist Seabastion Toast for a relaxed, inspiring long pose drawing experience at Yarrila Arts and Museum.

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

Observe. Develop, Perfect.

These untutored sessions, held one Sunday each month, offer three hours of uninterrupted creative time, perfect for artists of all levels to slow down, focus deeply, and connect with the clothed figure through longer, sustained poses.

Whether you’re just beginning or looking to push your creative boundaries, this is your chance to:

– Sharpen your observation skills

– Refine your technique in your chosen medium

– Develop more layered, detailed works overtime

Work at your own pace in a calm, welcoming environment. While there’s no formal instruction, Seabastion will draw and paint alongside participants, providing a unique glimpse into her personal process and approach to figurative art.

Each session is gently facilitated to ensure a supportive and respectful atmosphere, making it the ideal setting to experiment, grow, or simply enjoy a few uninterrupted hours of creative flow.

Sessions are ticketed individually and run monthly. Each one is a fresh opportunity to reconnect with your practice and other artists.

Duration: 3 hours (with regular short breaks – tea coffee and biscuits provided)

All mediums are welcome, including drawing, painting, and mixed media. Basic materials such as paper, charcoal, graphite, and a small selection of acrylic paints will be provided. If you’d like to work with other materials, feel free to bring your own – just ensure they’re low-irritant and easy to clean up.

Model: Clothed and seated in the same position throughout (with lighting)

Facilitator: Seabastion Toast

Equipment: Easels, stool, chair, clips and boards provided

The Rubbish Renaissance: Jewellery, Jazz & Gin
2026-06-25 17:30 - 19:30
The Rubbish RenaissanceJewellery, Jazz & Gin

Program, Workshop

This evening jewellery‑making workshop invites you to transform everyday waste into wearable relics, set to a smooth jazz soundtrack and paired with Emerald Island Gin cocktails.

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

Step into the after‑hours world of RELICS: A New World Rises, where forgotten materials are reimagined and nothing is quite what it was before.

This evening jewellery‑making workshop invites you to transform everyday waste into wearable relics, set to a smooth jazz soundtrack and paired with Emerald Island Gin cocktails. In a relaxed, social two‑hour Thursday night session, participants will experiment with plastic bottles, aluminium cans and repurposed gems – turning discarded materials into bold, one‑of‑a‑kind pieces.

Inspired by RELICS’ playful take on sustainability and creative reuse, this workshop celebrates curiosity, reinvention and the unexpected—because even the smallest off‑cuts can spark the most surprising transformations.

Your ticket includes:

– All materials (rescued, repurposed and ready for reinvention)– Step‑by‑step creative guidance– A crafted Emerald Island Gin cocktail (or two!)– A laid‑back, after‑hours making experience inspired by the world of RELICSNo prior experience needed – just an open mind and a willingness to see old things differently.

Take a Moment in June
2026-06-24 12:00 - 13:30
Take a Moment in June

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in June offers a creative pause in the middle of your busy week.

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

This well-being program invites you to slow down, recharge, and reconnect.

Enjoy a mix of guided tours and hands‑on creative sessions designed to inspire creativity and mindfulness.

Take a break. Explore your creativity. Recharge your mind.

This month participants can join a guided tour and take part in a guided artmaking session.At midday join YAM’s Senior Curator for a guided exhibition tour of Drew Hopper’s exhibition West of Somewhere East.Any time from 12:00 – 1:30pm take part in the guided artmaking session as a restorative experience exploring your creativity. Workshop facilitators will be available to guide participants. There will be drawing and mixed media art supplies available for a creative art making session.Participants can join at any time throughout the session and stay for little or as long as they like.Whether you’re looking for a moment of mindful creativity, a cultural escape, or a relaxed way to catch up with friends, Take a Moment in June offers a welcoming space to pause and resetBookings are recommended but not essential. Free tea and coffee are available, and participants can bring their lunch.

Stamp It: Upcycled T-Shirt Print Lab
2026-06-20 10:30 - 13:30
Stamp ItUpcycled T-Shirt Print Lab

Program, Workshop

Led by artist Marc Renshaw, this creative printmaking workshop invites participants to transform a plain or pre‑loved cotton T‑shirt or fabric bag into a one‑of‑a‑kind wearable artwork.

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

Step into the playful, hands‑on world of RELICS: A New World Rises, where everyday materials are reimagined and given bold new purpose.

Led by artist Marc Renshaw, this creative printmaking workshop invites participants to transform a plain or pre‑loved cotton T‑shirt or fabric bag into a one‑of‑a‑kind wearable artwork. Using blocks, lino stamps and experimental print textures, you’ll explore pattern, repetition and layout – turning familiar materials into something fresh, graphic and expressive.

Part upcycling, part experimentation, this session is all about creative reuse, curiosity and happy accidents. Bring something old, leave with something entirely new – and uniquely yours.

Participants are asked to bring a plain cotton T‑shirt or cotton/canvas bag for printing.

About the artistMarc Renshaw is a contemporary local artist whose practice champions accessibility, experimentation and sustainable creative processes. Working across drawing, printmaking, street art and painting, he is the founder of Big Fig Arts and The Bellinger Print Social, an open‑access printmaking studio.

Old School Foundations: Contemporary Sculpture Workshop
2026-05-30 10:30 - 13:30
Old School FoundationsContemporary Sculpture Workshop

Program, Workshop

In this hands‑on sculpture workshop, artist Nick Warfield invites participants to transform humble cereal‑box cardboard into bold, contemporary sculptural forms.

Image credit: Nick Warfield, Yellow Robin, metal sculpture. Image courtesy of the artist.

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

Step into the creative mindset of RELICS: A New World Rises, where familiar materials are reimagined and nothing is as ordinary as it first appears.

In this hands‑on sculpture workshop, artist Nick Warfield invites participants to transform humble cereal‑box cardboard into bold, contemporary sculptural forms. Drawing on both classic construction methods and experimental approaches, the session explores form, structure and balance – turning everyday waste into dynamic three‑dimensional works.

Designed for curious beginners and experienced makers alike, this workshop is all about testing ideas, solving problems and seeing overlooked materials in entirely new ways. Expect plenty of cutting, binding, shaping and building as you rethink what sculpture can be.

About the artistNick Warfield is a local sculptor whose background in engineering and building design informs his found‑object and assemblage practice. Working primarily with salvaged and recycled materials—including timber, steel and automotive parts sourced from commercial waste – Nick’s work reflects a deep interest in structure, material intelligence and sustainable making.

Teeny Tours: A RELICS Special Event
2026-05-29 10:00 - 11:00
Teeny Tours: A RELICS Special Event

Program, Workshop

Teeny Tours is taking over RELICS for a special week at Yarrila Arts and Museum.

RELICS on exhibition at YARRILA ARTS AND MUSEUM, Coffs Harbour NSW Australia

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

Teeny Tour children attend free when accompanied by a paying guardian, making it the perfect opportunity to explore together.

Teeny Tours invites young visitors and their carers to immerse themselves in artful conversations, cultural discovery and creative play. These lively, thoughtful sessions are designed to be engaging for both children and adults, and include an exhibition tour, artmaking, story time and hands‑on creative play. Teeny Tours are small‑group sessions and are accessible and welcoming for all young children.

Bookings for this session are essential, as adult tickets must be purchased in advance. This session replaces our regular Teeny Tour session.

Drew Hopper: West of Somewhere East Exhibition Opening
2026-05-28 17:30 - 19:00
Drew HopperWest of Somewhere EastExhibition Opening

Program, Workshop

Yarrila Arts and Museum invites you and your guests to the opening of Drew Hopper West of Somewhere East

Drew Hopper, Hills Hoist, 2020

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

Yarrila Arts and Museum invites you and your guests to the opening of Drew Hopper I West of Somewhere East Thursday 28 May, 5:30 – 7:00pmFree entryLight refreshments provided. YAM Bar openYarrila Arts and Museum

Drew Hopper: West of Somewhere East
2026-05-28 10:00 - 2026-06-28 16:00
Drew HopperWest of Somewhere East

Program, Workshop

West Of Somewhere East is a photographic series tracing a cinematic journey through the interior of New South Wales, shaped by long drives, fleeting encounters, and the reflective rhythm of return.

Drew Hopper, Hills Hoist, 2020

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

Grounded in Drew Hopper’s upbringing travelling across Australia, West Of Somewhere East reflects a way of seeing that is formed through movement, both observational and deeply personal.Situated within post-documentary practice, the series resists straightforward description. Rather than documenting the Australian interior, the photographs act as meditations on perception, memory, and atmosphere, where seeing is inseparable from feeling.Composed through quiet attention to light, texture, and form, the images gather fragments of the in-between: roadside geometries, weathered surfaces, and shifting spatial tensions. Together, they reveal a subdued Australia, shaped by suggestion rather than spectacle.Within the Great Southern Land, the landscape emerges as both vast and intimate – marked by distance, resilience, and quiet transformation. Human presence lingers only in traces, set against the enduring scale of the land.Balancing observation and interpretation, the series blurs the line between document and image. It becomes a space where place and memory converge.Ultimately, West Of Somewhere East is a study in attentiveness, a quiet meditation on movement, perception, and the enduring resonance of the Australian interior.

Take a Moment in May
2026-05-27 12:00 - 13:30
Take a Moment in May

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in May offers a creative pause in the middle of your busy week.

Program, Workshop

Take a Moment in July
When

29 Jul 202612:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Reserve your spot

This well-being program invites you to slow down, recharge, and reconnect.

Enjoy a mix of guided tours and hands‑on creative sessions designed to inspire creativity and mindfulness.

Take a break. Explore your creativity. Recharge your mind.

This month participants can join a guided tour and take part in a guided artmaking session.At midday join YAM’s Senior Curator for a guided exhibition tour of YAM.Any time from 12:00 – 1:30pm take part in the guided artmaking session as a restorative experience exploring your creativity. Workshop facilitators will be available to guide participants. There will be drawing and mixed media art supplies available for a creative art making session.Participants can join at any time throughout the session and stay for little or as long as they like.Whether you’re looking for a moment of mindful creativity, a cultural escape, or a relaxed way to catch up with friends, Take a Moment in May offers a welcoming space to pause and resetBookings are recommended but not essential. Free tea and coffee are available, and participants can bring their lunch.
