From 27-30 August 2026, dive into the annual Arts Muster Festival of arts + crafts workshops and cultural events. Book now. True to its founding ethos—that creativity is a vital contributor to the wellbeing of both individuals and communities—this year’s festival offers a range of novel arts experiences: two-day intensive workshops; immersive sensory experiences; the celebrated Huskisson Artisans Market.
Arts Muster is dedicated to active participation over passive viewing, inviting everyone to live by the festival motto: Let’s Make Things Together. Founder of Arts Muster and Festival Co-convenor, Samantha Tannous, describes the Arts Muster ethos:
“Arts Muster is built on the belief that creativity is a powerful vehicle for wellbeing and human connection. We are creating spaces and events where people aren’t just looking at static art on a wall—they are rolling up their sleeves and making together. People are gathering, connecting, exploring, discovering, learning, being inspired together.”
“When you immerse yourself in live cultural experiences like these, in the supportive company of others, it does something wonderful for the soul. We want our ticket holders to dive in head first and feel the genuine joy of active participation.”
Arts + Crafts Workshops
At the heart of the festival are 12 meticulously curated, two-day practical workshops, 10am-4pm each day. These are not simply standard painting tutorials, these classes delve into unique concepts and methods. They are designed and taught by exhibiting and award-winning art practitioners who know the extraordinary capacity of collective creativity—making things together—to generate community connection.
To ensure an intimate, high-quality learning experience, each class is strictly capped at just 10 students, guaranteeing unparalleled individual attention from the tutors.
Choose and book now
Choose a two-day workshop that appeals to your sense of experimentation, discovery and wellbeing. See the whole workshop program here or use the links below to view detailed information about each workshop and book your spot.
Tutor Sophia Parker Drawing with all the senses
Tutor Greer Taylor Ephemeral Wonderings and Wanderings
Tutor Anita Johnson Feltmaking: Sculptural textures using resists
Tutor maiki-jane blakeney Finding the dollmaker within: Intuitive cloth doll making
Tutor Margo-Lynne Lee Freeform embroidery using traditional stitches
Tutor Esther Shelley Go with the flow: Iceland poppies intermediate watercolour course
Tutors Anandii and Marg McHugh Line, mark, colour: Your visual language
Tutor Fiona Hammond Make silk paper and create a silken treasure
Tutor Denise Stevens Miniature woven tapestry on a frame
Tutor Barbara Dawson Natural print and stitch: Creating a furoshiki
Tutor Jenny McIntosh Sketchbooking with pen and watercolour wash
Tutor Kelly Evans Slow stitch shibori and sashiko
By participating in Arts Muster Festival workshops—organised by artists for artists—you are contributing to the livelihoods of practising artists in our community.
Cultural Events
Arts Muster Festival co-convenors, Samantha Tannous (founder of Arts Muster) and Dr Natalie McDonagh (curator of Artfulmind Gallery/Shop and Huskisson Artisans Market), have intentionally designed the four-day festival as a holistic, thoughtfully balanced program to enage the senses, feed the mind, and nurture people’s creativity.
Dr Natalie McDonagh reflects on the high calibre of the festival content:
“Every element of Arts Muster Festival reflects the extraordinary creative talent of our regional arts scene, from the exceptional talent of the artists leading our original workshops to the calibre of makers showing and selling their wares at Huskisson Artisans Market.“
“This is a considered, curated program grounded in the neuro-science of how arts experiences boost the mind and body’s wellbeing. We have created Arts Muster experiences to nurture our guests from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave.”
In addition to the suite of two-day workshops the Arts Muster Festival program features a series of unique events. Tickets available to book now:
Thursday 27 August | 5.30-9pm | A Frolic At The Movies: Frocks, Film & Refreshments
A movie night fund-raiser with an Arts Muster twist. The event encourages a quirky dress code, presents a talk by two local artists—both formerly frock designers—who share some insiders’ insights into how clothes affect how we feel and who we are, followed by a screening of iconic Aussie film, The Dressmaker. Refreshments included. 100% of profits goes to scholarships for local high school students to participate in Arts Muster workshops and events. Book tickets.
Friday 28 August | 5.30-8pm | Mindscapes + Soundscapes
An avant-garde reimagining of the classic ‘paint and sip’ session. Using a vast array of art materials provided, participants create abstract art in response to live, experimental music. Book tickets.
Saturday 29 August | 3-4.30pm & 5-6.30pm | Artfulmind Aesthetic Adventure
Two small group sessions, guided by Dr. Natalie McDonagh. A playful, hands on exploration of Artfulmind Pop-up Gallery/Shop transformed into an art installation, designed to feed the mind and uplift the spirits. Book tickets Session 1 at 3pm. Book tickets Session 2 at 5pm.
Sunday 30 August | 10am-3pm | Huskisson Artisans Market
The established market organised by artisans for artisans—three times each year—to present arts, crafts and pantry produce created by 60+ makers, artists and providores plus Artfulmind Pop-up Gallery/Shop. Come along, no need to book.
Sunday 30 August | 6-8pm | Rhythm Reset
A breath-work and sound bathing session, designed to generate a restorative nervous system reset led by two of the region’s most respected wellness practitioners. Tickets available soon.
