Lavender Art Studios

Lavender Art Studios is a Canberra art school and gallery-based creative venue in Woden, offering art education for children, teenagers and adults. Its website presents several pathways, including adult art classes, a school holiday program, Young Peoples Art and Little Lavenders Art. The studio’s approach combines technical foundations with individual encouragement, so students can work at an appropriate level whether they are beginning with the basics or preparing a portfolio for further study.

The studio also runs specialised weekend art workshops in its Canberra space. These are intended for adults already enrolled in the adult art classes who want to extend their skills in a focused setting. The workshops include morning and afternoon tea, high-level tuition and time dedicated to sustained artistic progress. The site notes that its broader Art Retreats are not currently being offered; when available, they are reserved for adults in the Studio Adult Art Class Program.

Lavender Art Studios was founded in 1999 by artist and educator Greg Devenny-Mackay and has since grown from a small teaching practice into a long-running Canberra art school. Greg remains involved as director, with his daughter Abbey joining as assistant director in 2019 after working in New York City. Together, they continue a family business built around the idea that art education should support confidence, curiosity, experimentation and an individual creative voice, not just drawing and painting technique.

The studio’s history includes thousands of students, some of whom have gone on to study art, work in creative careers, exhibit publicly or receive recognition in competitions. It is equally aimed at people who simply want to make art for enjoyment. With programs spanning early childhood, school-age students, teenagers and adults, Lavender Art Studios suits learners at different stages and interests. The venue holds a 4.9 Google rating from 16 reviews.