Things are back in full swing in our home state – and as we come out of our winter hibernation, the possibilities of going out are endless.

In between busy weekends socialising and your growing weekly commitments, you may find your definition of downtime challenged yet again. For many, this means more opportunities to get out and about after cooping ourselves up indoors for months.
Thus, if you’re looking for a creative learning experience or simply a fun activity to do with a friend, let these workshops be your starting point.

WHERE | Bull Creek Library & Community Centre

WHEN | Saturday, 6 & 13 August (7:00pm – 9:00pm)

The best things in life are often unexpected – and improvisation is no different! Unleash your creativity and self-expression through some seriously comedic situations in this two-part improv workshop. Through a series of prompts, games and scenes, these impro sessions will help you gain the confidence to put yourself out there while creating unscripted magic. If laughter is the best medicine, this is a great way to spend your Saturday evenings.

Theatre Games Workshop

WHERE | Samson Recreation Centre

WHEN | Saturday, 8 August (12:00pm – 3:00pm)

Storytelling is healing, and theatre is none other than a powerful way of practising this. In this 3-hour theatre workshop, you’ll be invited to turn your personal stories into a full-bodied, artful experience – using tools such as collaboration, shapes, gestures and movement. In connecting with others, this workshop is an enlightening and engaging way to come together as a community while exploring new ways of self-expression. Non-actors and actors are welcome!

Merino Wool Scarf Workshop

WHERE | The Art Space Collective, Scarborough

WHEN | Saturday, 8 August (1:00pm – 4:00pm)

You’ve heard of knitting… but how about giant knitting? Whether you’re an expert of beginner, this creative workshop is suitable for all levels of – especially for those wanting to get into knitting. Learn the basic stitches of knit and purl to hand-knit your own merino wool scarf with giant needles. Incredible as a gift or to take home, these chunky scarves are full of texture and can be worn long or snugly as a snood. We promise, knitting is also much easier to learn on a larger scale!

Acrylic Dirty Pour Workshop

WHERE | Collective Obsessions, Bassendean

WHEN | Sunday, 9 August (10:00am – 12:00pm)

Hosted by Collective Obsessions, this acrylic pouring workshop will have you learning the art of ‘dirty pouring’ in no time! Spend 2 structured (yet extremely fun) hours in the private studio, guided by resident artist Will. Get creating within the first 30 minutes and learn the secrets to other techniques such as ‘lacing’ and making cells to result in striking works of art. Everything is supplied, so all you need to bring is your imagination and a willingness to learn.

Evenings of Life Drawing

WHERE | Corner Gallery, Subiaco

WHEN | Wednesday, 12 August (6:30pm – 8:30pm)

Get your mid-week dose of inspiration at the Corner Gallery with an evening of life drawing! Offering cosy, relaxed vibes and a challenge for all levels of artists, this is a great way to practise your drawing skills with live models. With doors opening at 6:30pm, you can either get in early to find a comfy spot or beverage at the bar. The entry fee includes all art materials (paper, drawing board, charcoals etc) and a complimentary wine, beer or soft drink to get that creativity flowing.

Evolve Fine-Line Botanical Drawing Workshop

WHERE | Quest South Perth Foreshore

WHEN | Saturday, 15 August (11:00am – 1:00pm)

Presented by the City of South Perth and Open Hands Creative, this fine-line drawing workshop will teach you the techniques to create intricate yet wonderfully simple pieces of art. Morgan, the instructor, has been practising the art of fine-line drawing for many years and will guide you as you express your inner creativity. By the end, you will have created your own little masterpiece and learnt the basic skills to draw botanical flowers. Plus, all Open Hands Creative workshops are eco-friendly and waste-free!

Flora’s Salon (Writing Workshop)

WHERE | Subiaco Library

WHEN | Wednesday, 19 August (5:00pm – 6:30pm)

With COVID-19 having delayed their launch, Flora’s Salon is excited to finally be having their first monthly gathering! Whether you’re an emerging prose writer or poetry fanatic, come and share your writing with other writers on the third Wednesday of every month at ‘The Nook’ in Subiaco Library. Enjoy thoughtful discussions with fellow writers and get much-needed constructive feedback in order to hone your craft. Writers of all genres and backgrounds are welcome!

Wheelwork Workshop: Morning Mindfulness

WHERE | Heathcote Cultural Precinct

WHEN | Thursday, 20 August (10:00am – 11:30am)

Not Yet Perfect’s pottery classes are here to teach you about pottery wheelwork skills while giving you a truly therapeutic experience. Be guided through a mindful morning pottery ritual that focuses on being present, breathing, and creativity. Not only do you get to learn about the art form and enjoy a cup of tea and some great company, but you also get to keep one of your favourite creations – which will then be fired, glazed and ready to pick up within six weeks of the class.

Spring Into Milky Way Photography Workshop

WHERE | Perth Observatory, Bickley

WHEN | Monday, 24 August & Tuesday, 25 August (7:00pm – 9:30pm)

As the months of September, October and November roll around, the Milky Way will be setting in the west – and with our state’s strategic position near the Indian Ocean, we’re blessed with incredible views of it especially from the Perth Observatory! In timely fashion, Perth Observatory will be running one of their Milky Way Photography workshops to get you capturing the spectacular night sky. The first night will cover the ins and outs of this style of photography – while the second will have you photographing the Milky Way after a laser sky-tour and quick recap of the previous night.

Macro Photography Workshop

WHERE | Brixton Street Wetlands, Kenwick

WHEN | Saturday, 29 August (10:00am – 11:30am)

Combining the best of the bush and macro photography, this fun walkabout tour is ideal for beginners, those who have just bought a DSLR camera and/or those wanting to shoot using manual settings. From wildflowers and other greenery to birdlife and insects, there are infinite subjects to shoot and practise with. Expertise will be provided by professional portrait and landscape photographer, Cyrus from Lighthouse Photography – who’ll cover topics like capturing daytime landscapes, creating bokeh, and working with challenging lighting conditions.