Figure Drawing – Untutored Monthly Studio Sessions
2025-11-16 10:30 - 13:30, 2025-12-14 10:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Sydney)
Figure Drawing – Untutored Monthly Studio Sessions

Event

Join artist Seabastion Toast for a relaxed and inspiring monthly life drawing session

Event

Light up the South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic for World Maritime Day
When

26 Sep 20246:30 pm – 7:00 pm

AdmissionFree entry Plan your visit

Practice. Explore. Refine.

Join artist Seabastion Toast for a relaxed and inspiring monthly life drawing session at Yarrila Arts and Museum. Held one Sunday each month, these three-hour sessions offer artists of all experience levels a chance to slow down, focus deeply, and connect with the figure through longer, sustained poses with a clothed model.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to push your creative boundaries, this is a unique opportunity to:

Sharpen your observation skillsRefine your technique in your chosen mediumExplore more layered, detailed works over timeWork at your own pace in a calm, welcoming space. While there’s no formal instruction, Seabastion will be drawing and painting alongside participants – offering a behind-the-scenes look at her personal process and approach to figurative art.

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

Sessions are ticketed individually and run once a month. Each is a fresh opportunity to connect with your practice and the local arts community.

Duration: 3 hours (with regular short breaks)

Refreshments: Hot water and cups available. Participants are welcome to bring their own refreshments.

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 ToastEquipment: Easels, stool. Chair. clips and boards provided

Exhibition Opening CREATION and 'ESSSENSSSE'
2025-11-22 00:00 - 23:59
Exhibition Opening CREATION and ‘ESSSENSSSE’

Event

DJ Jemka spinning live beats from 5pm, light nibbles to enjoy, YAM Bar serving gin cocktails by Emerald Island Distillery. Free entry – not to be missed!

HOSSEI, ESSSENSSSE, 2023. Performer Lauren Booker. Photography by Jacquie Manning.

Event

Light up the South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic for World Maritime Day
When

26 Sep 20246:30 pm – 7:00 pm

AdmissionFree entry Plan your visit

Yarrila Arts and Museum invites you and your guests to the opening of CREATION and ‘ESSSENSSSE ‘

Saturday 22 November 5:00 – 7:00pm

Official proceedings from 5:30pmLive Music from DJ JemkaLight nibbles providedYAM Bar open with gin cocktails by Emerald Island DistilleryFree entry!

EXHIBITION DETAILS

Deborah Kelly I CREATION22 November 2025 – 15 March 2026CREATION is a multi-dimensional and cross-disciplinary artwork developed by contemporary artist Deborah Kelly. Born from collaborations with communities across Australia, the immersive installation featuring video, textiles, costumes and ceramics invites audiences to explore a queer, climate-conscious belief system that celebrates possibility, and collective dreaming.

CREATION is supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia.

HOSSEI I ESSSENSSSE22 November 2025 – 1 February 2026

ESSSENSSSE is a joyful work about healing and new beginnings by contemporary artist HOSSEI. Featuring otherworldly sea creatures in a playful and multi-sensory aquatic themed ecosystem, this immersive installation creates a dynamic space for all ages and abilities that invites audiences to celebrate their inner creative spirit and explore art through more than just sight.

ESSSENSSSE is a Verge Gallery exhibition curated by Tesha Mallot, touring in partnership with Museums & Galleries of NSW, supported by the University of Sydney and proudly funded by the NSW Government. Verge Gallery is supported by the University of Sydney Union.

Image credit: Deborah Kelly, from the CREATION collage suite, 2019-ongoing, image courtesy of the artist; HOSSEI, ESSSENSSSE, 2023. Performer Lauren Booker. Photography by Jacquie Manning.

ESSSENSSSE
2025-11-22 00:00 - 2026-02-01 23:59
Light up the South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic for World Maritime Day

Event

HOSSEI, ESSSENSSSE, 2023. Performer Lauren Booker. Photography by Jacquie Manning.

Event

Light up the South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic for World Maritime Day
When

26 Sep 20246:30 pm – 7:00 pm

AdmissionFree entry Plan your visit

ESSSENSSSE is a joyful work about healing and new beginnings by contemporary artist HOSSEI. Featuring otherworldly sea creatures in a playful and multi-sensory aquatic themed ecosystem, this immersive installation creates a dynamic space for all ages and abilities that invites audiences to celebrate their inner creative spirit and explore art through more than just sight.For blind and low vision audiences, the exhibition includes audio descriptions that vividly describe each costume’s character. Braille QR codes are available throughout the space to help one navigate and connect with the exhibition in their own way.ESSSENSSSE began when HOSSEI became fascinated by the sand dollar sea creatures— their shape, features, and how in mediaeval times it was truly believed that sand dollars were mermaid currency. When looking at the sand dollar, HOSSEI realised that if you were to remove the physical characteristics of a human body, you would be left with a mouth and an anus, just like the sand dollar. It is this idea that compelled HOSSEI to make the sand dollar an emblem of the show. An entry point and an exit, not just with food, but in the sense of discerning which energies come through and nourish the insides, and which are let out. ESSSENSSSE is about letting go and being one with the spirit and embracing its purity and vulnerability.HOSSEI is a multidisciplinary Australian artist with Persian, Turkish and Russian ancestry, exhibiting work across Western Sydney and beyond for more than twenty years. HOSSEI’s practice is influenced by his 7 years as Student Learning Service Officer (SLSO), supporting students with a range of abilities and backgrounds at Newtown Public School (NPS).ESSSENSSSE is a Verge Gallery exhibition curated by Tesha Mallot, touring in partnership with Museums & Galleries of NSW, supported by the University of Sydney and proudly funded by the NSW Government. Verge Gallery is supported by the University of Sydney Union.

Audio Descriptions

Audio descriptions for the blind and low-vision community have been developed for ESSSENSSSE by Sarah Empey and Anthia Balis, in collaboration with HOSSEI. These can be accessed via a QR code located at YAM reception and in the gallery archway. YAM encourages patrons to bring their own headphones.

ESSSENSSSE Audio Descriptions

CREATION
2025-11-22 00:00 - 2026-03-15 23:59
Light up the South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic for World Maritime Day

Event

Deborah Kelly, from the CREATION collage suite, 2019-ongoing, image courtesy of the artist.

Event

Light up the South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic for World Maritime Day
When

26 Sep 20246:30 pm – 7:00 pm

AdmissionFree entry Plan your visit

CREATION is a multi-dimensional and cross-disciplinary artwork developed by contemporary artist Deborah Kelly. Born from collaboration with communities across Australia, it invites you to explore a queer, climate-conscious belief system that celebrates possibility, and collective dreaming.Through video, animation, photography, music, paper collage, costume, textiles, ceramics and dance, CREATION moves fluidly across contemporary art, politics, and ritual to consider and critique contemporary issues of our time and inspire people to gather, commune, and imagine new ways of being in a more-than-human world.CREATION is not just an exhibition; it is a living, breathing mythology.

CREATION is supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia.

'ESSSENSSSE' Live Performance!
2025-11-22 12:00 - 12:30
‘ESSSENSSSE’ – Live performance

Event

HOSSEI, ESSSENSSSE, 2023. Performer Lauren Booker. Photography by Jacquie Manning.

Event

Light up the South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic for World Maritime Day
When

26 Sep 20246:30 pm – 7:00 pm

AdmissionFree entry Plan your visit

Step into the world of ESSSENSSSE and watch the vibrant celebration of movement, emotion and transformation. HOSSEI and his performers will bring the themes of the exhibition to life though an unforgettable mix of performance, sound and visual expression.Expect bold colour, playful energy, raw emotion and a whole lot of fun!

Date: Thursday 22 January

Time: 12:00 – 12:30pm

Location: Yarrila Arts and Museum

Ages: All ages

Cost: Free – Bookings encouraged

HOSSEI I ESSSENSSSE22 November 2025 – 1 February 2026

ESSSENSSSE is a joyful work about healing and new beginnings by contemporary artist HOSSEI. Featuring otherworldly sea creatures in a playful and multi-sensory aquatic themed ecosystem, this immersive installation creates a dynamic space for all ages and abilities that invites audiences to celebrate their inner creative spirit and explore art through more than just sight.

ESSSENSSSE is a Verge Gallery exhibition curated by Tesha Mallot, touring in partnership with Museums & Galleries of NSW, supported by the University of Sydney and proudly funded by the NSW Government. Verge Gallery is supported by the University of Sydney Union.

Image credit: Deborah Kelly, from the CREATION collage suite, 2019-ongoing, image courtesy of the artist; HOSSEI, ESSSENSSSE, 2023. Performer Lauren Booker. Photography by Jacquie Manning.

Self-Guided Tactile Tours
2025-12-03 00:00 - 2026-07-01 23:59
Self-Guided Tactile Tours

Event

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

Event

Light up the South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic for World Maritime Day
When

26 Sep 20246:30 pm – 7:00 pm

AdmissionFree entry Plan your visit

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 textile artworks. Self-Guided Tactile Tour kits are available for the current exhibition ESSSENSSSE.

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

Self-guided Holiday Art Making
2025-12-19 00:00 - 2026-02-02 23:59
Self-guided Holiday Art Making

Event

Get creative with art making activities inspired by YAM’s summer exhibitions, throughout the holidays at The Workshop.

Event

Light up the South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic for World Maritime Day
When

26 Sep 20246:30 pm – 7:00 pm

AdmissionFree entry Plan your visit

Get creative with art making activities inspired by YAM’s summer exhibitions, throughout the holidays at The Workshop. Activities range from creating fun wearables, constructing contemporary collages and drawing.

All materials are provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult and can drop in to The Workshop at YAM any time within gallery opening hours.

Kids Art Trail: Explore, Imagine, Create
2025-12-19 00:00 - 2026-02-02 23:59
Kids Art Trail: Explore, Imagine, Create

Event

Step into a world of colour, curiosity and creativity with the Kids Art Trail!

Photo courtesy of And the Trees Photography

Event

Light up the South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic for World Maritime Day
When

26 Sep 20246:30 pm – 7:00 pm

AdmissionFree entry Plan your visit

Step into a world of colour, curiosity and creativity with the Kids Art Trail! This interactive journey invites children to explore artworks, each sparking imagination and inspiring personal expression. As they move through the trail, kids are encouraged to respond with their own creativity. It’s a playful and engaging way to connect with art, discover new ideas, and celebrate the joy of making.

Head to YAM to collect the Kids Art Trail, clip board and pencil.

Under The Sea Painting - With Karlee Rawkins
2026-01-13 13:30 - 15:30
Under The Sea Painting – With Karlee Rawkins

Event

Dive beneath the waves and let your imagination swim wild in this colourful holiday workshop with artist Karlee Rawkins.

Image Credit: Karlee Rawkins, Rainbow trout, acrylic on canvas.

Event

Light up the South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic for World Maritime Day
When

26 Sep 20246:30 pm – 7:00 pm

AdmissionFree entry Plan your visit

Dive beneath the waves and let your imagination swim wild in this colourful holiday workshop with artist Karlee Rawkins. Young artists will get inspired by YAM’s current exhibition ESSSENSSSE by the artist HOSSEI and explore a magical underwater world. They will then bring their discoveries to life through expressive painting.

Guided by Karlee’s playful approach to colour and pattern, participants will experiment with brushwork, colours, and bold shapes to create their very own marine animal masterpiece. All materials supplied.

Contemporary Collage
2026-01-14 13:30 - 15:30
Contemporary Collage

Event

Join Coffs Coast artist Alykat for a fun and thought-provoking contemporary collage workshop inspired by Deborah Kelly’s exhibition CREATION.

Event

Light up the South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic for World Maritime Day
When

26 Sep 20246:30 pm – 7:00 pm

AdmissionFree entry Plan your visit

Join Coffs Coast artist Alykat for a fun and thought-provoking contemporary collage workshop inspired by Deborah Kelly’s exhibition CREATION.

In this interactive workshop, participants will delve into themes of identity and imagination through the art of collage. Working with striking imagery, vibrant patterns, and expressive text, they’ll layer elements to craft bold, contemporary artworks that tell a story.

All materials are supplied, just bring your curiosity and creative spark!

STEAM - Marine Art Adventure
2026-01-16 13:30 - 15:30
STEAM – Marine Art Adventure

Event

In this hands-on creative STEAM session, young scientists will explore the fascinating world of marine biology.

Image: Coral structure courtesy of Adrienne Gooden

Event

Light up the South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic for World Maritime Day
When

26 Sep 20246:30 pm – 7:00 pm

AdmissionFree entry Plan your visit

In this hands-on creative STEAM session, young scientists will explore the fascinating world of marine biology – from tiny plankton to swirling seaweed structures – and use microscopes to look closely at natural forms.

Inspired by YAM’s current exhibition ESSSENSSSE by the artist HOSSEI and their scientific discoveries, participants will then create vibrant artworks that capture the hidden beauty of the sea.

Create And Perform Your Own Wearable Art!
2026-01-22 10:00 - 11:30
Create And Perform Your Own Wearable Art!

Event

Join our hands-on workshop inspired by ESSSENSSSE, YAM’s bold exhibition by artist HOSSEI.

Photo courtesy of And the Trees Photography

Event

Light up the South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic for World Maritime Day
When

26 Sep 20246:30 pm – 7:00 pm

AdmissionFree entry Plan your visit

Join our hands-on workshop inspired by ESSSENSSSE, YAM’s bold exhibition by artist HOSSEI. Explore vibrant textures to craft your own wearable art to parade in the live performance that celebrates imagination, self-expression and connection.

All children must be accompanied by an adult and can drop in to The Workshop at YAM any time between 10 and 11:30am. This drop-in workshop will be followed by the Esssenssse live performance.

YAM Young Creatives
2026-02-02 12:00 - 2026-12-17 12:00
YAM Young Creatives 2026

Event

Event

Light up the South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic for World Maritime Day
When

26 Sep 20246:30 pm – 7:00 pm

AdmissionFree entry Plan your visit

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

Apply for YAM Young Creatives

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