History & Culture

The Tale of That Copyrighted Black and Gothic Upcycling with Maria

You might not have heard of “Vantablack”, but it’s a wild and curly tale of colour copyrights, light absorbing darkness, satellites and…home decor!?   Simply put, Vantablack is the darkest black pigment humans have created, originally as a form of military camouflage. It’s extremely matte, meaning it doesn’t reflect light, giving it its extra dark appearance.  …

  • 8th May, 2024
  • 6:15pm - 7:30pm (AEST)
  • 512 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Acrylic Painting for Beginners: Starry Flinders St with Fran

Ever wanted to paint this most iconic Melbourne landmark, but intimidated by where to start? Maybe you’ve always wanted to try painting with acrylics but haven’t felt confident enough with the materials to get going! In this class, you’ll be taken step by step through a guided painting tutorial of the famous Flinders Street station …

  • 22nd May, 2024
  • 6:15pm - 7:45pm (AEST)
  • Level 3 Rooms 14, 15/37 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

The Art and Exercise of Bellydance with Alia

Belly dancing doesn’t require a bare belly! So put that idea to the side! Belly dancing is a wonderful form of movement and dance that focuses on isometric exercises, where one muscle group works in the opposite direction to other muscle groups. It’s such an effective form of exercise as it doesn’t require going down …

  • 15th May, 2024
  • 6:15pm - 7:30pm (AEST)
  • Level 3 Rooms 14, 15/37 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

The Basics of Still Life Drawing with Caro

Think you can’t draw? Well, trust us! You absolutely can! For some people, drawing as an adult can be an intimidating skill to attempt. But so much of it has to do with simple observation skills, and leaving the rest up to our brains and hands. Once you find the joy in the basic techniques …

  • 22nd May, 2024
  • 7:45pm - 9:00pm (AEST)
  • 512 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Indian Mirror Work: Embroidery for Beginners with Manjari

What’s it all about? Learn the basics of Mirror (Sheesha) work embroidery from the Kutch region of India. Traditionally mirror work was used to ward off evil spirits and bad luck away from homes and the wearer! This embroidery is fun, playful and bright! In this class we will learn various stitches and techniques on …

  • 28th May, 2024
  • 6:15pm - 7:30pm (AEST)
  • L3, Room 14-15, 37 Swanston St, Melbourne, 3000 VIC

Chikankari: Indian ‘Shadow Work’ Embroidery for Beginners with Manjari

What’s it all about? Chikankari is a very old traditional embroidery technique also known as Shadow Work. This ancient art form was introduced to India during the Mugal era in 16th Century and is still practiced in the Northern India. Originally this work was done on white fabrics using white threads creating a surreal effect …

  • 3rd Jun, 2024
  • 6:15pm - 7:30pm (AEST)
  • L3, Room 14-15, 37 Swanston St, Melbourne, 3000 VIC

Life Line Cords: An Intro To Japanese Kumihimo Braiding with Vivian

Wherever the artist Vivian Qiu travels – sitting on the train, watching over a lake – she braids in the sound, smell and the essence of that place. In this way the Life Line Cord captures life’s moments, stories and body sensation. Join her and learn the technique of Japanese Kumihimo braiding. It’s a traditional Japanese …

  • 6th Jun, 2024
  • 6:15pm - 7:30pm (AEST)
  • L3 R14, 37 Swanston St (Nicholson Building) Melbourne, 3000 VIC
Past

Ohagi Dessert: Healthy Japanese Cooking with Naoko (online)

How delicious is fresh Japanese! Such attention to detail of flavour, texture, colour, and aroma. While requiring an attention to details, Japanese cooking doesn’t need to be too complicated to be both incredibly tasty and healthy. In this class you’ll be able to cook along with Naoko in Kanazawa, Japan, as she demonstrates how to …

Past

Explore A Japan Less Travelled with Andrew (online)

Dreaming of sushi, samurai, and sakura? Contemplating joining the many Australians who have made Japan the top tourist destination in 2023? Make your first trip as unique as the Land of the Rising Sun itself! There is more to Japan than Castles, Cat Cafes, and Cherry Blossoms – find out about everything from hiking, Japan’s …