If you’re looking for something fun and creative to do as we rush headlong into the festive season, Dubbo’s own ArtClub is hosting its final workshops for 2025 this weekend.

On Saturday afternoon, December 6, there will be a Festive Paint and Create workshop from 4-6pm at the ArtClub Studio and Gallery at 13b Bultje St.

This will be followed at the studio on Sunday, December 7, with a Portraits and Personality workshop from 2-4pm led by rising central west artist Ruth Cant.

“Ruth’s event is a drawing workshop to create portraits,” ArtClub director and spokesperson Kerry Palmer said.

“She’s a graphic designer and illustrator and just held her first exhibition at the Warren Art Museum and Gallery,” Kerry added.

The Saturday Paint and Create workshop will allow participants to participate in a relaxed atmosphere, and has been specifically timed with the guests in mind, Kerry explained.

“ArtClub is within easy walking distance to Goldie’s, The Milestone, The Restobar and more, so people can be creative and then go off and continue celebrating elsewhere,” she said.

“Come and connect and create at ArtClub and then go on to celebrate.”

Kerry said that artistic ability is not a prerequisite to attend any events at ArtClub. Many people who attend the creative workshops through the year do so as part of friend, work or family groups, she explained.

“People want to stay together and create together,” she said.

“We had one family group with a great-grandma turning 90, and she sat in the corner so the rest could paint her.”

If you’re looking for last minute artful Christmas gifts, or indeed gifts for any special occasion, ArtClub has you covered.

The team will hold a Twilight Shopping Night on Thursday, December 11, at the studio, and then run a Christmas Pop Up Shop daily from December 12-24, with trading hours from 8am to 6pm.

“Give the gift of creativity with our gift cards, or enrol your family members or friends – or better still, yourself! – for a shared experience to remember and art to take home and enjoy,” Kerry said.

ArtClub is preparing for an exciting and creative 2026, and encourages the community to get on board and discover their inner artist through the club’s workshops and activities for all ages. For further information about this weekend’s events see the advertisement on the front page of today’s issue, or visit the group’s website www.artclubdub.com, or follow them on social media.

“Engage your senses and experience fresh approaches to art making,” Kerry concluded.