Celebrate Spring with Floriade-Inspired Painting Workshops
Spring is in full bloom, and I’m so excited to be part of Floriade About Town with a special series of Floriade-inspired painting workshops this September!
Across two beautiful locations in Canberra — Lyneham and Gungahlin — I’ll be guiding participants through the process of creating vibrant, flower-themed artworks, perfect for celebrating the joy of spring. You’ll be learning how to mix in paint-mediums, use texture, pallette knives and patters to create your own original artwork!
Lyneham – Make Art, Eat Cake
In Lyneham, workshops will be held as part of my popular Make Art, Eat Cake series. These sessions combine painting, delicious gourmet cake, and expertly made barista coffee — the perfect recipe for a creative afternoon! Together, we’ll explore colour, brush techniques, and floral themes, inspired by Floriade’s iconic blossoms.
Find out more & book your spot here →
Gungahlin – Painting Workshops
At Gungahlin, participants can enjoy complimentary tea and coffee as we create beautiful flower-themed pieces in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned painter, you’ll leave with a joyful, spring-inspired artwork to treasure.
Come and celebrate spring with me, paint the colours of Floriade, and enjoy connecting with fellow creatives. Places are limited — so secure your spot today!
Workshops have concluded for 2025. Sign up to the wait list to be notified for workshops in 2026!
2-hour visual art workshop
New dates coming soon
Includes coffee, cake & art materials
The Front Gallery & Cafe (Two Before Ten), Lyneham
1/84 Wattle St, Lyneham ACT 2602
🏷️ Description:
In this workshop, you truly can have your cake and eat it too!
Join award-winning artist and qualified visual art teacher Marianne Mettes for a fun and relaxing morning exploring texture, colour and creativity — all while enjoying coffee and cake in one of Canberra’s most beloved creative spaces.
You'll learn easy, effective techniques to build depth and detail — and walk away with your own finished artwork, ready to display with pride! Themes, topics and art mediums change every few weeks.
Whether you're an absolute beginner or a budding artist looking to try something new, this workshop is designed to be fun, social and inspiring.
Proudly supported by The Front Gallery and Cafe.
👉 This workshop is designed for adults, but young creatives aged 16+ are very welcome to join!
📖 Learn more about events:
🍰 What's Included:
2 hours of professional, friendly tuition
All art materials
Delicious cake and coffee from The Front Café
A relaxed and supportive creative atmosphere
✨ New dates coming soon: join the waitlist to stay up to date!
💸 Price:
$70 per person
$120 for two people (limited tickets: select option ‘two tickets’)
(Includes all materials, gourmet coffee and cake and tuition)
🎨 What to Bring:
Just bring yourself!
All materials are provided
We recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting creative in
💬 Feedback from attendees:
“I would actually hang this art in my house!”
“Make Art Eat Cake is a blissful experience. Marianne provided supportive instructions while encouraging exploration and creative whims. My whole family (ages 16 to 79 with very different levels of artistic confidence) had a great time. The whole workshop was thoughtfully put together from the recycled materials to well timed cake and coffee break. And the coffee is excellent!” - Gillian
“Such a fun afternoon of crafting! Delicious cake & coffee, great venue. Just what the soul needed.” - Nat
“The workshop is gentle, encouraging and interactive. It was lovely to work on something together, delicious cake and exceptional coffee! Such a great atmosphere for an introvert.” - Dunja
“'Make art, eat cake' was exactly that! The art-making was very fun and everyone could put their own touch on their piece while following Marianne's instructions in different techniques. It didn't feel too difficult even for a beginner. And the cake made just for our group was next-level delicious!” - Zoe
🔄 Cancellation & Refund Policy:
Please choose your session carefully before booking. We understand that life can be unpredictable, however as a small business with limited capacity (just 10 spots per session), even one booking change can affect how we run the event.
Unfortunately, all sales are final and tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled or rescheduled by us. You are welcome to gift them to a friend or family member, just let us know the name via email.
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any art experience?
Nope! This class is beginner-friendly and open to all skill levels.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes! Just be sure to book a spot for each person.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes — The Front Gallery and Cafe is wheelchair accessible. Let us know if you have any additional accessibility needs.
How do I get there?
The Front Gallery and Cafe is located at Shop 1, 84 Wattle Street Lyneham Shops, ACT 2602. Street parking is available out the front and more parking at the back of Lyneham Shops.
There are bus services and light rail stops near by, visit https://www.transport.act.gov.au/tickets-and-myway for more information.
What if I have food allergies?
Please let us know when you book and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
What’s included in the price?
Everything — art materials, expert guidance and refreshments!
✨ Spots are strictly limited — book now and treat yourself to a morning of creativity, community, and cake.
Please read the terms and conditions before signing up, click here for the terms and conditions.
Payments are in AUD and sessions are in Canberra/Sydney (AEST) timezone.
2-hour visual art workshop
Led by Marianne Mettes
Tuesday 21 July, 6-8pm
Gungahlin Community Centre
47 Ernest Cavanagh St, Gungahlin ACT 2912
🎨 Description:
Join award-winning artist and qualified visual art teacher Marianne Mettes for a fun and relaxing evening exploring composition, colour and creativity.
In this 2-hour hands-on workshop, you'll use a variety of materials to create a finished artwork. You'll learn easy, effective techniques to build an engaging composition — and walk away with your own artwork, ready to hang with pride!
Whether you're an absolute beginner or a budding artist looking to try something new, this workshop is designed to be fun, social and inspiring.
👉 This workshop is designed for adults, but young creatives aged 16+ are very welcome to join!
🎨 Sessions:
Upcoming events:
Tuesday 21 April, 6-8pm
Tuesday 21 July, 6-8pm
📖 Blog articles - learn more about Paint and Chat:
🖌️ What's Included:
2 hours of professional, friendly tuition
All art materials (paints, pencils, paper, etc.)
Complimentary tea or coffee
A relaxed and supportive creative atmosphere
💸 Price:
$65 per person
$110 for two tickets (limited tickets)
✅ What to Bring:
Just bring yourself!
All materials are provided
We recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting creative in.
💬 Feedback from attendees:
“I would actually hang this art in my house!”
“The instructor creates an incredible atmosphere which allowed me to create a unique piece of art in a safe space” - Emily
“I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. Marianne is a great teacher who provides support while taking you through the process. It was fun and relaxing.” - Leanne
“A small gathering where different techniques met canvas, delicious cakes satisfied appetites, and gentle guidance sparked creativity amongst friends.” - Rachel
🔄 Cancellation & Refund Policy:
Unfortunately, all sales are final and tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled or rescheduled. You are welcome to gift them to a friend or family member, just let us know the name via email.
If the workshop is cancelled by us, you’ll receive a full refund
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any art experience?
Nope! This class is beginner-friendly and open to all skill levels.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes! Just be sure to book a spot for each person.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes — The Gungahlin Community Centre is wheelchair accessible. Let us know if you have any additional accessibility needs.
How do I get there?
Gungahlin Community Centre is located in the heart of Gungahlin Town Centre. The building opposite the chicken restaurant El Jannah. There is unlimited car parking available at ‘Boon Lane Parking’.
Light rail stop and bus interchange are on the next block of the venue. Visit https://www.transport.act.gov.au/tickets-and-myway for more information.
What’s included in the price?
Everything — art materials, expert guidance, and refreshments!
✨ Spots are strictly limited — book now and treat yourself to an evening of creativity, community, and fun.
Please read the terms and conditions before signing up, click here for the terms and conditions.
Payments are in AUD and sessions are in Canberra/Sydney (AEST) timezone.