Hawke’s Bay Art Workshops

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

Weekly 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

Our 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.

GET CREATIVE

What you'll explore

No experience needed.

With the Pandora Project you can:

*Learn new artistic skills

Explore drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, mixed media and more.

*Try new materials and techniques

There is no pressure to produce a particular outcome — curiosity leads the way.

*Explore self-enquiry

Use creative practice as a gentle way to reflect on your experiences, choices, ideas and possibilities.

*Reconnect with your inner creativity

Rediscover the part of yourself that is curious, playful and open to possibility.

*Connect with others

Create alongside a supportive, empathetic community where everyone is welcome.

*Discover the possibilities of AI in art

Explore how new technologies can become creative tools and how we might thoughtfully incorporate them into our artistic practice.

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

JOIN PANDORA PROJECT

Join the Pandora Project

COMING UP

Term 4


19th October - 14th December

*No class Labour weekend

1.30 -4pm Mondays

Creative Arts Napier

$295 - many art materials supplied

Looking ahead

We have applied to Napier City Council for funding to continue this programme in 2027.

Testimonial

“Helen, I'm just wanting to let you know how much I've enjoyed the Pandora classes. The opportunity to try so many techniques, or to just continue with my own work, has been great. I love being able to see what everyone else has done - so many different ideas and results. Just being to ask about anything - where to buy different products, what technique would be suitable to get a particular result. It's been incredibly enjoyable, I've been very excited about the possible art projects to come. The photos of the work everyone has done each week, sent out on WhatsApp has been really useful, a chance to sit and absorb, not always possible during the class when you're concentrating on your own art. The space at CAN is great, plenty of room, it doesn't feel crowded. Altogether, I just feel very lucky to have the opportunity to attend Pandora, and I appreciate all your work, effort and enthusiasm. Thanks G”

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.

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: