Establishing connection and collaboration across all areas of tourism is something I love to achieve. Introducing a new business to other businesses and a new audience to assist with growth and opportunity is an awesome element of SCx. South Coast Chats gives a lovely insight into each business member of ours and todays offers so much creativity as it connects artists who teach their craft under the hub that is Kiama Art Workshops.
Heres a chat we had with new owner and caretaker of this collection, Liv Deans.
Where is your south coast business based?
Kiama Art Workshops is based in Kiama New South Wales. Many of our workshops run at the Kiama Scout Hall overlooking the Harbour, and other workshops are at some of our Artist’s Studios.
Tell us about it and why people love it so much?
Our art workshops are so diverse. We don’t just offer the usual paint and sip style events. We have a range of professional artists teach workshops to all abilities. Some of the workshops we have or have had are: Drawing, mixed media, collage, lino and collagraph printing, watercolour, oil painting, weaving and more. Kiama locals love not having to travel so far to learn an art style from a professional, and visitors love the creative weekend away. Participants are also so supportive of each other. From beginners to intermediate artists in the same room it fosters an environment of collaboration leading to friendships and confidence.
Give us some examples of what makes your business unique?
Our business is unique as we are always trying to listen to our participants. If someone wants a certain type of workshop, I will try and find an artist who can offer it. We also like to make sure that our workshops are a supportive place for all abilities as we know starting out can be intimidating. We are also looking into regular toolbox sessions for introductions into certain styles and retreats.
You have so many great reviews whats your secret?
As a business owner sometimes it is easy to feel disconnected from the people who support you. I try really hard to make sure that I am at every workshop either participating with the class or at least saying hello. I feel like doing things like this and connecting with artists that do the same create a more community feel to what we are doing.
Why do you love being part of South Coast Experiences?
South Coast Experiences is a great platform for sharing what’s on in the local and surrounding areas and is supportive in helping me grow and connect to other business owners. I’m really excited to see what opportunities Kiama Art Workshops can have in sharing creativity with the South Coast.
Any plans or announcements you would like to share?
It has now been one year since Liv has been running Kiama Art Workshops! She has been so grateful for Rhonda Murray’s support in getting to know the ins and out of KAW, and the belief and support of the community.
At the moment we are in the planning stages of a group exhibition for anyone who has been involved in a Kiama Art Workshops in the last 10 years. The vision is for it to be an explosion of mixed style art and a representation of the diverse skills and ideas that the community brings.
Subscribe to our email list and receive updates about two retreats that are in the works for next year. Kiama Art Workshops has never had a retreat before and we are looking for create the ultimate creative, relaxing, and hollistic experience for you.
To find out more about Kiama Art Workshops click here
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