What's so special about our "Unique Art Experience"?

For most adults, art can be mysterious and intimidating; the ideas and styles unfathomable, contradictory;and the romantic image of the artist far removed from the everyday.

Consequently,many visually attuned creative people go through life firmly convinced that they " ...can't draw", "..don't have any talent" or " ...love art but are definitely not artists". Steve James,artist and teacher.

Our workshops are designed to let you relax and rediscover the joy of art-making while developing individual skills and creativity.

Come to us or we can come to you. In response to numerous requests, Steve bringing his unique workshops to you in the Hunter or even in Sydney.You can book one of Steve's workshops at your home or other venue. And don't worry about a mess, we've got that covered( literally).

Workshops range from two to four-hour duration per session. It can be a private class for one person, a small group-booking for two to four or a "Circle of Friends" party group for up to ten.

The shorter sessions are have a more festive and social slant for birthdays etc,while the private individual or small groups are a more focused exploration of art-making but still good fun and relaxation for beginners or experienced artists.

The Arthouse has well equipped professional artist studio, pleasant patio and verandah areas with a backdrop of rural lands and the Mt Royal Ranges. The Inn's grounds occupy an acre and there is ample opportunity for outdoor as well as studio art-making.

We have facilities for digital photography and image manipulation as well as the more traditional artist's media.

As a stand alone experience, the single workshop is a rewarding and insightful art experience and for many a transforming one.

Art Retreats

But for someone interested in an even more in depth experience, I can provide a private individual or small group workshop comprising 2 to 4 four-hour sessions over consecutive days or over several weekends. See Art Retreats

Arty Parties

Our Arty Parties are ideal for fun special events.Come to The Arthouse or let us bring a special experience to you!

Significant birthday or milestone celebrations, hen's parties, rooster and hen joint parties or perfect highlight for great get-away break in our beautiful Wine Country! Book a group of up to ten friends and choose from "Circle of Friends"" Girls Day Out" or "Life Drawing with Damien" workshops.

Larger groups can be catered for subject to availability of suitable venue. More Info

Cost:
Four hour private one-on-one session:$260-00.
Four hour private workshop for2 or 3 persons: $165-00 per person
Four hour private session for 4 persons: $135-00 per person.
A "Girls Day Out" or "Circle of Friends": two hour workshop for up to ten people $425-00 per person. Additional persons $30 each.

There is a 25% to 30% discount on prices for more than one session.

We provide quality coffee,teas and infusions along with an excellent country-style morning or afternoon tea for refreshments.

Please don't hesitate to call or email if you require more information or would like to make a booking. To contact us click here

Whether you are a local or visiting the Hunter Valley on holidays, come along and see what a working artist's studio looks like. A range of paintings are on display, or talk to Steve James about taking the opportunity to make a unique art experience part your holiday.

Where to stay when you come to the valley fo your art workshop or retreat.

We are only ten minutes from the heart of Pokolbin and a short pleasant vineyard drive from all the accomodation offered around wine country.

Excellent boutique accomodation is available only a minutes stroll away at the Branxton Hotel B&B'( not to be confused with our own 'Branxton Inn')

Other wonderful places to stay include:

• The Tuscany Wine Estate
• Hunter Homestead
• Lillies Cottage (luxury retreat for two couples)