Hello! I'm Diane Zaharis, one of the full-time artists in the 'Two Trees Talking' exhibition. I invite you to join me for a workshop of playful creative activities that will help you discover the unique properties of pastels and charcoal in your own way.

This workshop aims to feel more like a series of games and fun challenges, rather than boring and restrictive technical routines.
There is a time and place for meticulous colour wheels and tonal variations, but I have never fallen in love with any material that way.

Being able to PLAY with something new, enjoying it's unique magic, and without judging myself is how I have fallen in love with pastels and charcoal lately. They have given me the freedom to create expressively and quickly. I'm excited to share that with you through a mix of guided activities, extension suggestions, and by giving you some time for self-guided experiments with the materials you connect with the most.

You will take home a personalised sample book of your unique discoveries of the materials and techniques you've used on the day. This will be a great reference for future creative works and will inspire you to keep experimenting creatively in the future.

All materials will be provided for you, including:

oil pastels,
soft pastels,
wax pastels,
black charcoal pencils in soft, medium and hard
white charcoal pencils
a variety of different papers and cardboard
adult-sized gloves
wet wipes
brushes, sponges and other blending tools
paper towels
an abundance of support and encouragement
masking tape
erasers
graphite pencils

This workshop is best suited for

People ages 8 to 98 who are young at heart.
People who have limited experience with pastels and/or charcoal or who want to rediscover it's potential.

There are no wrong answers in this workshop, so parents are encouraged to let their children express themselves freely. Those under 16 are encouraged to book a ticket for someone older, who can also join in the fun.

The venue is Project Contemporary Artspace, 255 Keira Street, Wollongong.
It is located behind Wollongong Youth Centre on the edge of McCabe Park. It can be reached by short walk from Wollongong bus and railway stations. Limited on site parking is available. Street parking also available.

The gallery is a level ground-floor entrance with no stairs and has an accessible bathroom on site.

Please contact me if you have any questions or access requirements including reservation of disability parking spaces. Carers and support workers do not require their own tickets. Official and trained support animals welcome. Contact: diane.zaharis@gmail.com

Numbers are limited to ensure I can attend to the needs of all attendees. Please contact me if this event is sold out or if this date and time doesn't work for you. I am taking interest for similar future workshops. Contact: diane.zaharis@gmail.com

About your host:
Diane Zaharis has a Bachelor Creative Arts (Visual Arts), with Distinction, from the University of Wollongong. She has taught creative workshops for adults and children at Clay Wollongong and led children's art workshops at Go Create Art, Thirroul. Diane was a resident artist at the Burnt Dirt in June 2024, receiving a Create NSW Grant for a community art installation at Wollongong Art Gallery in August 2024, as part of the Emergence Exhibition with the Illawarra Art Collective.