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Recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Art, Ballarat is the perfect place to switch off and choose your own analogue adventure. Our creative undercurrent is inspired by a rich history of entrepreneurship and traditional trades, with a new generation of creators drawing on near forgotten art forms.

Explore Ballarat’s thriving creative culture with the new series of Made of: Ballarat Experiences led by award-winning local makers and creators. From gold leafing in a bluestone cellar to capturing moody backstreets on film, these hands-on adventures will help you unlock your creative potential.

Other experiences include:

Paint a pot or vase with Bridget Veld from Ivy&Coco.

Wild Clay Adventure

Take an adventure off the beaten track with visual artists and ceramists Steph Wallace and Kirsten Ives at Lake Esmond, an idyllic spot that’s one of Ballarat’s best-kept local secrets.

Take a guided walk around the clay banks of Lake Esmond whilst learning about the social and geological history of the area and how to responsibly forage for clay in your own backyard.

After this, you’ll join Steph and Kirsten as they provide tools and equipment to help you make and decorate your own wild clay pottery piece.

Abstract Art And Ballarat Gin

Discover two of Ballarat’s hidden gems and unlock your creativity at this gin and botanical painting experience led by passionate painter, mixed media artist and art tutor Laura Day.

Draw inspiration from Mount Pleasant – Ballarat’s oldest residential suburb. Begin this experience with a flight of gin in the rustic warehouse of Kilderkin Distillery. Explore the various styles and botanicals used in their Larrikin Gin.

Continue the botanical theme by using Laura’s garden studio as the inspiration for your own negative abstract painting using natural elements as stencils for your creation.

From Wax To Wearable Jewellery

In this workshop, you’ll make your own unique piece of botanical silver jewellery under the guidance of Ballarat silversmith Claire McArdle.

In the eclectic surroundings of Windflower homewares and floristry store, learn about the process of lost wax casting to make personalised silver jewellery drawing inspiration from Windflower’s extensive range of botanicals.

Once you’ve created your models, Claire will expertly craft one into an ever-lasting silver ring, a pair of earrings or pendant.

Slow down and photograph Ballarat’s historical CBD buildings using an oldschool analogue camera with award-winning photographer Jacqueline Matisse.

Step back in time in a bluestone cellar to learn the art of embellishing vintage prints with pure gold leaf with art tutor and art therapist Linda Franklin.

Join local poet, performer and artist Megan J Riedl on a walking tour around Ballarat, where you’ll be inspired to compose your own poetic creation.

To explore the full series of creative and cultural experiences, visit madeofballarat.com