Click on the images below for more info about each class.
Unleash your creativity with our diverse, affordable art classes and activities. We offer 11 weekly options for all ages and skill levels – from beginner drawing and painting to dance, creative writing, and art therapy. We also run free family classes and plenty of drop‑in options.
Most classes can be joined anytime, and you’re welcome to attend as often as you like. Spaces are limited, so please book ahead. You can reserve dates up to eight weeks in advance by clicking here.
Class fees range from free to $20 with most costing around $7.50. Concession cards reduce casual prices by up to half: a 6‑click card is $45/$39* and a 10‑click card is $75/$65*. Cards can be used to pay for any Centre‑run class and remain valid for one year. *Community Services Card discounts apply.
We also hire our spaces for arts activities and community events outside opening hours. Regular groups include Life Drawing (Tues evenings), African Drum and Dance (Wed evenings), a Writers’ Group (Sun mornings), plus monthly tango meetups and Queer Community Yoga (Friday evenings).
Please note: we cannot accommodate children under 6 years old. Some classes are suitable for ages 6–13, but they must attend with a participating caregiver (except free kids’ classes, which do not require a parent). Check individual class details before bringing children.
Book now: online here, email info@villageartscentre.org.nz, or phone 03 981 2881. Please include your cellphone number and email so we can send confirmations and reminders.
All our classes run weekly from February-December without stopping, with the exception of the after school kids classes and Mature Movement for 55+. Those two classes take a break for school holidays.
These classes are made possible with support from the Christchurch City Council’s Strengthening Communities fund.
Drawing & Portrait Classes
Sharpen your skills with our engaging Drawing Fundamentals with Maree Cole, which is for all levels, on Wednesdays 1-2.30pm and Draw & Paint Portraits with Adam Schaapveld, a graduate of the Florence Academy of Art, on Saturdays 10.30am-12noon.
Dance Classes
Find your rhythm in our invigorating dance classes. We have a specialty class for over 55s on Wednesdays 9.30-11am, taught by Fleur de Thier and designed to celebrate the maturing body and improve strength and flexibility. African Drum and Dance runs every Wednesday evening and is powerful, liberating, uplifting and is accompanied by live drumming. The Tango community meets up once per month on Friday evenings.
Painting Classes
Unleash your inner painter and discover the joy of creating with colour, texture and a wide variety of materials. We offer a Painting for Beginners taught by Maree Cole on Fridays 3.30-5pm, Open Art Painting, a more advanced artist development class taught by Rebecca Harris on Fridays 1-2.30pm, and Free Art Saturdays and Arts & Crafts for 55+ usually have painting options (see below).
Art for Wellbeing
Explore the therapeutic benefits of art in our art therapy class. Through guided creative expression, you can gain self-awareness, manage stress, and enhance your overall wellbeing. Taught by Winnie Whyte, a registered Arts Therapist, the class is open to individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Arts and Crafts for 55+
Watercolour has been so popular this year, Rebecca Smallridge and Jenny Lee have been taking classes in a supportive and friendly atmosphere. You can join in anytime and do as many classes as you like.
Free Art Saturdays
We offer free art classes every Saturday afternoon with topics that change every few weeks. It's an accessible opportunity for everyone to explore their creativity and particularly suits family groups.
Creative Writing Classes
Find your voice and express your thoughts and emotions through our creative writing classes. These classes provide a supportive environment to explore different writing genres, develop your writing skills, and connect with fellow writers.
Classes for Kids
Kids have loads of opportunities to explore and deepen their art skills. We run free after school classes for 6-9 year olds who live in the Inner City East (click image to see eligible suburbs), and kids love our Free Art Saturday classes, which are a great activity for the whole family. Kids can join many of our other classes (see T&Cs for each class you're interested in attending).
After Hours Groups follow...
More info and contact details are available when you click each image
Life Drawing
Dance to Drums
Queer Community Yoga
Tango
Sunday Writers
