Classes & Workshops

Taking a class or being part of a workshop at Montsalvat is a great way to get involved with the artists. Montsalvat is an inspirational and creatively stimulating environment for artists of all stages and all ages. Most classes are open to beginners and advanced students.

Children’ art classes
These are held during school holidays, as well as after school on Mondays with qualified art teacher and art therapist Sue Begg encouraging children to explore various artistic techniques using a range of materials including paints, pastels, pencils and found and recycled objects. Click here for more information.

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Adult classes & workshops

Angela Abbott
Angela holds oil painting classes from 9.30am to 12 noon on Wednesdays at Montsalvat. Angela provides individual tuition in a group setting and beginners to more experienced students are welcome. Still life, figure and landscape are covered.

For more information, call Angela on (03) 9509 0358
Click here to see Angela’s biography

Richard Granville-Smith
Richard teaches Contemporary Approaches in Fine Art and Contemporary approaches in Drawing (including monoprint and mixed media) at Montsalvat. Richard’s classes are aimed at practicing artists and he offers both daytime and evening classes running for 6 or 8 weeks. His classes are kept to a maximum of 8 students and they will recommence in Feb 09.

For more information, click here to email Richard.
Click here to see Richard’s biography

Don James
Don has been teaching oil painting for more than twenty years and bases his methods on the tonal realist school centered around Max Meldrum. He teaches the discipline of painting from seeing to the final application of paint as well as the use and care of equipment and materials. Still life and landscape are covered, with beginners to advanced students welcome. Nine week terms run concurrent with school terms. Occasional portrait workshops are available.

For more information, call Don on (03) 9459 4586 or 0427 300 675
Click here to see Don’s biography

Jenni Mitchell
Jenni offers classes and a variety of workshops at Montsalvat. The focus is on exploring different techniques through a variety of mediums. Classes and workshops include studio practice through still-life and exercises, portraiture, landscape (plein air) and expeditions into the surrounding Eltham bush. Private tuition is also available.

For more information, call Jenni on (03) 9439 3458 
Click here to see Jenni’s biography or click here to download a pdf of Jenni's August 9th art workshop.


David Moore
David teaches oil painting classes at Montsalvat in the morning, afternoon and evening. Advanced students and beginners are welcome. Tuition is on a one-to-one basis, from still life, the landscape and the figure. David’s teaching concentrates on giving students a thorough training in oil painting and studio practices.

For more information, call David on 03 9434 1402
Click here to see David’s biography

Chris Wynne
Build your own guitar at Montsalvat with Chris Wynne. The workshops are hands on – you start with raw timber and are guided through the steps to custom-build your own instrument. All courses are limited to a maximum of 3 students so you receive lots of one-on-one training. There are no pre-requisites for woodworking or machine handling and classes are open to everyone, from non-players to professionals who want to create a masterpiece.  Options include taking a 10 week course (1 day a week at Montsalvat) or an intensive course (Mon-Fri at Montsalvat for 2 weeks).

For more information, contact Chris on (03) 9431 2490 or 0403 910 880
Click here to see Chris’s biography