Yarrila Arts and Museum

Autumn School Holidays
2026-04-04 10:00 - 2026-04-19 10:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Autumn School Holidays at YAM

Program, Workshop

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

Program, Workshop

Portrait Drawing with Sebastion Toast – 5 week course
When

11 Aug 202411:30 am – 1:30 pm

Book your tickets here

From discovering local stories and hands‑on making to STEAM workshops and youth‑led experiences, YAM’s holiday program is packed with playful learning and creative fun.

Whether you’re dropping in for a self‑guided trail, joining a workshop, or stepping inside the immersive world of RELICS: A New World Rises, there are plenty of opportunities to spark curiosity, build confidence and enjoy meaningful creative time together.

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

Children and Family Trail

Discover Coffs Harbour’s history these school holidays with our free, self‑guided trail for YAM’s interactive social history exhibition Yaamanga (around here). Families can explore local stories, objects and hidden treasures throughout the exhibition at their own pace. Drop in anytime, no bookings required.When: All school holidays during gallery hoursCost: FreeAges: Families, 6-10 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

STEAM Challenge: Future Makers Lab

Young innovators are invited to roll up their sleeves and imagine a greener tomorrow in this hands‑on STEAM sustainability challenge!

In this dynamic workshop, kids will explore real‑world environmental problems and dream-up creative solutions using science, technology, engineering, art and maths. When: Wednesday 8 AprilCost: $10 Ages: 8 – 14 year olds

Expressive Painting With Kelly JoyJoin artist Kelly Joy for a fun and inspiring painting class designed to spark creativity and build confidence. Young artists will explore colour, layers, and playful techniques while creating their own unique artworks in a supportive, hands-on environment. When: Thursday 9 AprilCost: $20Ages: 8 – 12 year olds

Print Your Own LEGO® Minifigure Tote Bag!

Get ready for a hands‑on creative adventure! In this playful printmaking workshop, led by artist Marc Renshaw, young makers will design their very own LEGO® minifigure character – from superheroes to funky fashionistas. When: Thursday 16 AprilCost: $30Ages: 10 – 16 year olds

Youth Week Special Event! Youth Run Tour Of RELICS: A New World Rises

To celebrate Youth Week, the YAM Young Creatives will be leading special Youth Tours designed by young people, for young people through RELICS: A New World Rises. Get behind‑the‑scenes insights hear what inspired the RELICS creators and take part in a scavenger hunt. When: Friday 17 April Cost: FREEAges: 12 – 25 year olds

Drop-in RELICS Play Space
2026-04-04 10:00 - 2026-07-19 10:00
Drop-in RELICS Play Space

Program, Workshop

Drop in and get creative in the RELICS Play Space!

Image Credit Auckland Museum

Program, Workshop

Portrait Drawing with Sebastion Toast – 5 week course
When

11 Aug 202411:30 am – 1:30 pm

Book your tickets here

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.

STEAM Challenge: Future Makers Lab
2026-04-08 10:00 - 12:00
STEAM Challenge: Future Makers Lab

Program, Workshop

Young innovators are invited to roll up their sleeves and imagine a greener tomorrow in this hands‑on STEAM sustainability challenge!

Young inventor working in his laboratory

Program, Workshop

Portrait Drawing with Sebastion Toast – 5 week course
When

11 Aug 202411:30 am – 1:30 pm

Book your tickets here

In this dynamic workshop, kids will explore real‑world environmental problems and dream-up creative solutions using science, technology, engineering, art and maths.

Inspired by RELICS: A New World Rises participants will be given an unused item and challenged to reinvent it for a better future. The session is packed with brainstorming, building, testing and plenty of creative chaos!

Along the way, kids will discover how a fresh perspective can spark cleaner, smarter planet-friendly ideas.

A fun, empowering experience that ignites curiosity, teamwork and environmental awareness.

Expressive Painting With Kelly Joy
2026-04-09 10:00 - 12:00
Expressive painting with Kelly Joy

Program, Workshop

Join artist Kelly Joy for a fun and inspiring painting class designed to spark creativity and build confidence.

Program, Workshop

Portrait Drawing with Sebastion Toast – 5 week course
When

11 Aug 202411:30 am – 1:30 pm

Book your tickets here

Young artists will explore colour, layers, and playful techniques while creating their own unique artworks in a supportive, hands-on environment.

Perfect for all skill levels, this class encourages self-expression, curiosity and the joy of making art. Come ready to paint, play and discover.

Lego Minifigure Tote Bag
2026-04-16 13:30 - 15:30
Print your own LEGO® minifigure tote bag!

Program, Workshop

Get ready for a hands‑on creative adventure!

Program, Workshop

Portrait Drawing with Sebastion Toast – 5 week course
When

11 Aug 202411:30 am – 1:30 pm

Book your tickets here

In this playful printmaking workshop, led by artist Marc Renshaw, young makers will design their very own LEGO® minifigure character – from superheroes to funky fashionistas.

Once their unique character is planned, they’ll print it onto a stylish tote bag to take home and show off!

This workshop is all about imagination, experimentation, and fun. Whether your child is new to printmaking or already loves art, they’ll enjoy exploring bold shapes, bright ideas and the magic of ink and rollers. A playful, confidence boosting art experience they’ll love!

RELICS Youth Week Special Event
2026-04-17 14:00 - 16:00
Youth Week Special Event! Youth run tour of RELICS: A New World Rises

Program, Workshop

To celebrate Youth Week, the YAM Young Creatives will be leading special Youth Tours designed by young people, for young people through RELICS: A New World Rises.

Image credit Sia Duff

Program, Workshop

Portrait Drawing with Sebastion Toast – 5 week course
When

11 Aug 202411:30 am – 1:30 pm

Book your tickets here

Get behind‑the‑scenes insights hear what inspired the RELICS creators and take part in a scavenger hunt.

After your guided tour, you are welcome to stay and explore the exhibition at your own pace or get creative in the RELICS Play Space.

Please note: Adults attending with young people or younger siblings will need to purchase their own exhibition ticket separately.

Bookings are essential, as spots are limited, so be sure to book!

Block 1 – 2:00pm – 2:15pm Youth Tour – participants can then view the exhibition on their own until 4pm

Block 2 – 2:20pm – 2:35pm Youth Tour – participants can then view the exhibition on their own until 4pm

Block 3 2:45pm – 3:00pm Youth Tour – participants can then view the exhibition on their own until 4pm

Long Pose Portrait Sessions
2026-04-19 10:30 - 13:30
Long Pose Portrait Sessions

Program, Workshop

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

Program, Workshop

Portrait Drawing with Sebastion Toast – 5 week course
When

11 Aug 202411:30 am – 1:30 pm

Book your tickets here

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

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

Portrait Drawing with Sebastion Toast – 5 week course
When

11 Aug 202411:30 am – 1:30 pm

Book your tickets here

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.
