Create your future.

Visual Arts, Handcrafts and Photography

Unleash your inner artist and creative genius with our Visual Arts, Handcrafts and Photography courses

Photography: Capture the perfect sunset, paint with your camera, and master both traditional and digital photography techniques with Byron Community College. If you have an eye for stunning images, you’ll discover the perfect course to frame your creativity and produce breathtaking photographs. Let your visual storytelling skills shine!

Visual Arts: Become a visual artist or designer, or simply explore your creativity through our engaging and fun courses in painting, drawing, screen printing, art history and Floristry

Handcrafts: Discover the beauty of crafting as you explore various mediums, from fabric to clay, metal to mosaic. Our hands-on courses include pottery, sculpture, knitting, crochet, basket weaving, sewing, jewellery making, welding and sooo many more.

At Byron Community College, we’re all about nurturing your creative spirit, no matter where you are on your artistic journey.

Our experienced tutors will guide you through key techniques that unlock your artistic potential. Plus, these some of these courses are nationally-recognised and fee-free and can be your stepping stone to further professional training in visual art.

Artistic Sculptural Metalwork

Sat & Sun, 8 & 9 February, 10am - 4pm, Mullum, $470

In this sculpture class you’ll explore different metalworking techniques in a safe and fun environment. These include, cutting, fixing (including welding) and forming metal, depending on the design you choose. This class is a logical choice if you are a previous welding student or existing hobbyist who wants to expand your artistic and practical skill base. Also, novices who want a safe “taste” of metalwork, are also encouraged to participate.

Basket Weaving with Ella Galea

3 x Fri, 14 - 28 March, 9:30am-2:30pm, Mullum Campus, $280

Learn how to create beautiful baskets using natural fibres from plants that grow around us. You will learn how to recognise, gather and prepare local plants for weaving then be shown basic weaving techniques. This is a great way for people to come together and share their creative ideas. It's fun and very relaxing, but be warned, it's addictive! Additional materials $20.

Botanical Drawing

6 x Fri, 28 February - 4 April, 9:30am-3:30pm, Mullum Campus $350

This 6-week course will extend your creative focus as we explore the work of significant artists while studying plants and natural forms through a variety of mediums and processes.

Experimenting with a range of drawing, painting and printmaking techniques. Investigating composition, mark-making and materiality, you will be guided through working on both small format to large scale compositions.
 

Butter Knife Carving

Sat,15 March
10am to 3pm, Mullum, $190
 
Discover the art of carving as you learn how to select and prepare greenwood timber for small woodwork projects. We will dive into a spectrum of traditional knife grip techniques, mastering the safe use of a sloyd knife to craft your unique wooden butter knife. Learn the secrets of applying food-safe finishes like oils, waxes, and paints, adding a personal touch to your creations. Elevate your carving skills in a journey that merges tradition with practicality.
Visual Arts Certificate III image

CUA31120 - Certificate III in Visual Arts

Visual Arts Certificate III image

Are you ready to unleash your artistic potential? Dive into the vibrant world of visual arts with our nationally-recognised qualification.

With a focus on developing a diverse range of visual art skills, you'll have the opportunity to take charge of your own creative journey while receiving expert guidance and support from industry professionals. From mastering drawing techniques to exploring the fascinating realms of art theory and history, you'll gain the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic arts industry.
 
Discover the joy of producing stunning paintings, sculptures, prints, and digital images while honing your creativity and expression. Our hands-on approach ensures that you not only learn the fundamentals of artistry but also cultivate your unique style and vision.
 
Join us and embark on a transformative learning experience where you'll contribute to the health and safety of yourself and others, document your creative progress, and unleash your boundless imagination. Enrol now and let your artistic journey begin!

Drawing Introduction

Sat & Sun, 22 - 23 Feb, 9am - 3pm, Mullum, ACE Funded*

This short course is designed for those who want to draw but aren’t sure where to start or perhaps you used to enjoy drawing but it’s been a while and you just need a refresher to get you started again.
Develop your drawing skills as we explore an array of drawing techniques and materials with a focus on line, texture, proportion and tone while immersed in a supportive and relaxed art studio environment. You will come away with greater confidence in your drawing abilities and some drawing exercises that can be repeated at home as you continue to hone your skills.
 

Exploring Printmaking

6 x Mon, 3 March - 7 April, 9:30am - 3:30pm, Mullum Campus $450

Dive into the foundational techniques of lino and etching, learning what makes these two printmaking methods so captivating. The linocut process of revealing an image as you carve deeper into the material, teaches you the beauty of simplicity and the power of negative space. 

Festive Florals with Leena Martens



Transform your home into a festive wonderland this December with our enchanting Festive Florals class. Craft two exquisite Christmas designs: a timeless wreath to adorn your front door or grace your home, and a complimentary table center-piece using an array of seasonal Christmas-themed flowers and embellishments. Elevate your holiday décor with hands-on creativity and make this December truly magical!

Floristry Intermediate

 3 x Fri, 28th Feb - 14th March 2025 9:30am - 2:30pm Mullum, ACE Funded $0*

Each week offers the opportunity to learn and create a different floral design ranging from professionally wired flower crowns to stunning modern bouquets and unique statement arrangements

Get Your Camera Off Auto!

4 x Tue, 25 February - 18 March, 9.30am - 12.30pm, Byron $240

Do you own an amazing DSLR and it's still on Auto? Let me teach you how to use your DSLR camera to its full potential. We will work with aperture and exposure going beyond auto or program mode. Based on weekly theory classes and fun assignments, you will learn how to capture better images, improve week by week, and end up with great shots that you are happy to share with others as you become more confident with your camera. This course is suited to introductory/intermediate DSLR users.

Handmade Paper Lights



In this workshop, you will learn to make beautiful handmade paper using recycled waste paper, flowers, raw cotton and natural textures.

You'll gain skills to be able to prepare your pulp, pull sheets of paper, add seeds for gift tags, and emboss the wet paper for an extra special effect.

Introduction to Floristry with Leena Martens

3 x Fri, 7th Feb - 21st Feb 2025 9:30am - 2:30pm Mullum, ACE Funded $0*
 
Interested in learning about floristry? This 3 week introduction course will step you through the process of creating a variety of floristry designs.

Oil Painting Basics

2 x Sat, 22 - 29 March, 9:30am - 4:30pm, Byron Campus, $330

A 2-session workshop where you'll learn to create a series of finished oil paintings . Discover how to use light and shade to make your subjects look three dimensional. You will be shown a simple way to accurately mix any colour that you need.

Oil Painting for Beginners

Sat & Sun 8 - 9 Feb, 10am - 4pm, Mullum, ACE Funded*

This course is designed for those who want to try oil painting but not sure where to begin or how it differs from other types of paint, or those who have tried it but uncertain how to get the most out of this medium.

Pattern Making for Beginners

6 x Wed, 5 March - 9 April, 6.00pm - 8.30pm, Byron, $295

This course is designed so that you will understand how to take measurements, apply them to a BODY BLOCK, then use this information for pattern alterations and to create better fitting clothes. We will also explore how to copy and make a pattern from an existing garment. This is a great course for those wanting to learn the basics.

Playful Painting

Sat, 1 March, 9.30am - 4.30pm, Mullum, $160

There will be dancing, splashing, spraying, scraping, dripping, laughing and a head-over-heels love affair with colour. Each of us will be painting on our own canvas, adding new layers, in a fun and encouraging environment. Rediscover your enthusiasm for creativity and uncover painting talents you never knew you had. Additional $30 for materials

Printmaking Introduction

Sat & Sun, 15 - 16 Feb, 9am - 4pm, Mullum, ACE Funded*
 
This course provides an introduction to printmaking with a focus on two popular techniques: monoprint and linocut. Students will explore the basic principles, tools, materials, and methods of these printmaking processes, developing their skills through hands-on practice and creative experimentation.
 
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist looking to expand your skills, this course offers a hands-on, immersive experience that will ignite your artistic passion.

Repair and Rewear

3 x Sat, 29 March - 12 April, 9am - 1pm, Mullum, ACE Funded*
Learning to Mend is a fun and creative way to reduce our impact on the Earth. Learn hand repairs including visible mending using sashiko (a traditional Japanese technique), patching, hems, buttons, how to repair torn seams, darning, minor alternations and a touch of embroidery. 

Sewing For Beginners

6 x Tue, 4 March - 8 April, 6.00pm - 8.30pm, Byron, $295

For the complete beginner to gain confidence and learn all the sewing basics e.g. patterns, cutting, machines and overlockers. Make a simple garment in a fun, stimulating and creative environment. You will need to phone the tutor on enrolment to discuss pattern and material choice.

Silver Jewellery - An Introduction

Sat & Sun, 15 & 16 March, 9am - 5pm, Mullum, $320
 
Learn the fundamentals of making silver jewellery with this weekend workshop. This introductory course covers the key skills you need for precious metal work; perfect for anyone keen to start the journey of jewellery design and making. You can expect to complete two or three pieces of finished jewellery. Additional materials fee $90.

Stone Setting for Jewellery

Sat & Sun, 29 & 30 March 2025, 9am-5pm, Mullum Campus $320

This course covers an introduction to stone setting for jewellery using cabochon stones. Perfect for anyone who has had some previous experience with metal work or jewellery design and would like to explore their interest in stone setting. You will make one or two pieces to wear home.

Sustainable Floristry with Leena Martens

4 x Fri 21st March - 11th April 2025 9:30am - 1:30pm Mullum, ACE Funded $0*
 
Join our class on creating beautiful floral arrangements with a focus on environmental sustainability. Emphasising seasonal Australian-grown flowers, you will learn to celebrate the beauty and imperfections that nature offers. Discover techniques for arranging flowers using alternative containers and mechanics that promote sustainability.

Welding & Metal Fabrication with Nyree Smith

Sat & Sun, 14 - 15 Dec,
9am - 4pm, Mullum, $470


Learn to build and repair tubular steel frames with a MIG welder! Experienced welders and novices alike have the opportunity to learn and practice welding tubular steel, both painted and galvanised. Also included is an introduction to techniques and tricks of the trade needed to construct in tubular steel, so you can start planning your own projects for furniture, gates, railings, or repairing the trailer etc.