Wild Learning:
creative studio + school of the arts
“My son loves this place. He says it’s his favourite day of the week when he attends!”
BIG NEWS : CHANGE AHEAD
LOOKING BACK: Wild Learning launched in May 2016 with the single aim of creating more interesting things for locals to do in Cessnock. We began as a mobile business running classes and events from Cessnock, Wollombi, Branxton, and Kurri Kurri.
In February 2019 we opened The Wild Learning Studio at 111 Wollombi Road - in that time we’ve seen bushfires, that weird red smokey air in the valley, the pandemic years, floods and wild weather, changes in government, changes to creative kids vouchers, and the cost of living increase… and through all of that we have been making cool art, awesome craft and fabulous music. Thousands of local people have attended classes, workshops and celebrated birthdays and special occasions and made this space part of their world.
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NOW: As costs rise, road work looms and the needs of the community change - it’s time for us to move on from the building we have called our creative home - and our studio will close at the end of 2024.
Term classes and groups will finish at the end of November
The first week of December will be party week!
WHAT NEXT: The important part is that while the building is closing - but Wild Learning will continue.
The honest truth is that I am not completely sure what the next chapter will look like yet! We do have some big ideas in the works…
I will be taking long service leave over the summer, with a bit of a sabbatical to do some study and train up in new creative & community skills.
The plan is to begin exploring options for a new studio space/ collaborating with other creative businesses to run workshops in different venues/ bringing creative programs out into other community groups/ taking programs online / some other fun projects. We will be doing lots of community consultation to get a sense of how we can be the best creative service for the local community going forward.
Stay tuned to see how the adventure unfolds!
Emmie
ps. If you have an idea for a space, a program, want to collaborate or suggest something creative that is needed in our community please get in touch! hello@wildlearning.com.au
Wild Learning is an arts space in the heart of Cessnock all about opportunities for locals and visitors to get creative!
We run classes for children and adults
We teach art, craft, creative skills, sewing, choir, music and wellness.
We run regular weekly classes and weekend workshops.
We do amazing birthday parties, hen’s parties, team building activities and retreats.
Wild Learning is independent and locally owned which means we have the flexibility to deliver the programs our community wants and a deep passion for inclusion and creating positive opportunities for Cessnock.
We are all about arts + people + community
As a studio we welcome beginners, new starters, those seeking a friendly place to relax with a new hobby or connect with new friends - and we also love being a space of enrichment and growth for more experienced creatives.
We love to mix high quality materials and arts processes with recycled and reclaimed resources - this helps reduce our environmental footprint AND means our programs remain affordable. (We also don’t sell creative supplies in house - so you will never be pushed to purchase expensive materials in order to participate in classes)
When you step into our space, we want you to feel welcomed into an environment that feels inspiring and like a great big community living room where magic and art happen!
All our teaching artists are also practising artists with some pretty cool skills. We love collaboration, community projects, commissions and great big wild ideas! So if you need creative work in Cessnock - lets talk!
“Absolutely loving this class! Really appreciate all the help and support and encouragement from Emmie, Emmie has been so patient in teaching me. I went from knowing absolutely nothing to this term making my own play suit. Couldn’t recommend Wild Learning more.”
The Noisy Voices Choir
Wild Learning is home to the best community choir in Cessnock!
This beautiful short film about our group was made by film maker Amy Gill
Get in touch
Looking for a class for yourself or your child?
Want to learn a specific creative skill?
Have an idea for something we should run?
Want to book a kids party?
Want to chat about a team building activity or workplace retreat?
Have a question about classes or workshops?
Need more information about payment options?
Thinking about a hen’s party, birthday celebration, paint & sip booking ?
Keen to collaborate or want a quote for a creative project?
Compliments, complaints and other conversations?
“This is a great class. I’ve had so much fun learning different techniques. All the other students are so friendly and encouraging. I’ve met some really lovely people. It’s great seeing all the other students artworks as everyone has their own take on a lesson. Wild Learning is a beautiful space to relax and let your creativity flowand a fabulous teacher. Thanks Wild Learning.”
