A place to learn, make, and find your creative voice.

Weekly art workshops in Napier — open to everyone, regardless of experience or background. A space to make something, connect with others, and rediscover the quiet joy of creativity.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

How it works

The Pandora Programme is hands-on from day one.

Each term moves through a sequence of workshops — painting, printmaking, collage, mixed media — with space to experiment, reflect, and develop at your own pace.

The emphasis is on process, not product. Exploration, not perfection. You're encouraged to try things, make mistakes, and find out what resonates. Small groups mean you get real attention. Group learning means you're not doing it alone.

GET CREATIVE
Colorful abstract painting featuring blue, green, orange, and white shapes, including large blue polka-dotted circles, floral patterns, and swirled brush strokes.

What you'll explore

Painting and colour. Gelli plate printing. Monoprinting. Collage and collagraphs. Mixed media. Layering, mark-making, and working with chance.

Guest tutors join each term to bring fresh techniques and perspectives — watercolour, printmaking, and more.

No experience needed. And if you've made art before, expect to be pushed outside what you already know.

JOIN PANDORA PROJECT

Join the Pandora Project

TERM TWO
20 April — 22 June

Only two spots remaining · $35 per remaining session. No class on Anzac Day or King's Birthday.

COMING UP

Term 3 · 8 weeks ·
Starts 27 July

Term 4 · 8 weeks ·
Starts 19 October

Returning participants — $245 per term
New participants — $295 per term

Two people working on art projects at long tables inside an art studio. The tables are covered with large rolls of black paper, sketches, paint, and art supplies. The studio has paintings hanging on the walls and a large window and glass door in the background.

Who is this programme for?

The Pandora Programme is for:

  • beginners wanting guided entry into creative practice

  • experienced artists feeling stuck or disconnected

  • people returning to creativity after interruption or change

  • anyone wanting to explore art as an ongoing practice, not a one-off experience

It is not outcome-driven and does not aim to produce exhibition-ready work.

LET'S CHAT

What participants take away

By the end of the programme, participants typically leave with:

  • increased confidence in their creative decisions

  • exposure to a wide range of techniques

  • a clearer sense of how they work creatively

  • a repeatable process they can continue independently

  • connection with a supportive creative community

ENQUIRE NOW

  • Helen I’ve been trying to get an opportunity to say thank you for your support and inspiration this year. I was really hesitant to come to an art class at the start of the year. My high school art teacher and also an art teacher in Auckland put me off art classes but you were fantastic. You are fantastic at taking anybody with no judgement about where they are in their art journey and being supportive and gently pushing them that little further along. Always in a lovely way of celebrating what they have achieved but suggesting a stretch for them. I don’t think my art this year would have come along so much if it wasn’t for that supportive start you provided. So a big thank you 😘

  • My need was a new form of expression and release - something light and free and less physical than my normal routine. You have indeed shone your light in that direction for me. 5 weeks has gone so fast, too fast, enough for a taster, a tease, a tempter.

  • Helen you have taught me to not discount any work in progress. Rather see what part I like or don't and build on that. Develop my horizons and not be goverened with what already is my creation but make a new creation from it. Make what makes me smile. Great fun thank you!

  • This short course and another art course have helped me get a bit of my mojo back. It has inspired me to start using the many art products I have accumulated over the years and get creative again. Thank you Helen for the past 5 weeks.

  • Thank you Helen. I've so enjoyed devoting 2+ hours every Monday afternoon in May to art with your wonderful, passionate tuition and guidance. Being able to focus on this, away from the real world has been bliss. The introduction to gelli plate printing was a bonus with sometimes magical results!

  • Thank you Helen for sharing your incredible wealth of mixed media art techniques during the Pandora Project at Creative Arts Napier. I love that your sessions are for small groups, rather that big "one size fits all" type classes. Your ability to find the artist in everyone created a fun, encouraging environment and I enjoyed having the opportunity to try out many different materials without having to outlay a huge expense. I'd recommend the Pandora Project to anyone who is wanting to explore different art mediums as In Helen's sessions there no mistakes, just pieces of art in evolution.

An older woman with short gray hair, wearing a floral blouse, smiling and holding a glass of rosé wine indoors with houseplants in the background.

About the Programme

The Pandora Project was developed after several years of personal and professional change, including the loss of my studio space at Waiōhiki Arts Village and a period of focused reflection through a 100-day art journey and international study.

This programme brings together everything I’ve learned about process, resilience, and creative practice — and makes it accessible, practical, and supportive for others. My goal is to make meaningful art education accessible to as many people as possible.

ABOUT ME

Ready to get started?

If you’re ready to commit to your creative practice and explore what’s possible with the right structure and support: