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About
Us

It all started with one private student

In the late 1990’s Dena Lester was working as a Fine Arts Tutor at RMIT. Approached by a friend to mentor her son, she caught on to the psychological value of art education as a way for certain kinds of people to process deep personal issues in a visual way. Over time however, it became clearly apparent that one requires the foundation of strong art tools such as observational drawing and painting to express themselves effectively.

The journey has resulted in a dynamic educational center that both teaches traditional art techniques as well as guiding individuals towards a language of expression that is articulate and authentic.

The Melbourne Studio of Art started out in 1998 as Art Encounters and over the past 25+ years has evolved into as a highly respected venue for self development and genuine art learning for budding artists of all ages.

Through the collective challenges that we are facing in today’s world, we continue to evolve and change to meet the needs of healthy visual expression adding new programs and building on old ones to fit today’s climate.

Our Teachers

Dena Lester

DIRECTOR

Georgia Pricone

MANAGER

Pilar de la Torre

FOUNDATIONS TUTOR

Ilona Herreiner

SCULPTURE TUTOR

Carlotta Thomson

JUNIOR ARTISTS TUTOR

Tony Senese

ALL ABILITIES TUTOR

Kaitlyn Stephens

STUDIO COORDINATOR & TUTOR

Lucia Roohizadegan

TEEN TUTOR

Alex Nesic

STUDIO ASSISTANT

Dena Lester

DIRECTOR

Georgia Pricone

STUDIO MANAGER

Pilar de la Torre

FOUNDATIONS DRAWING

& PAINTING TUTOR

Ilona Herreiner

SCULPTURE TUTOR

Carlotta Thomson

CURRICULUM DEVELOPER

& JUNIOR TUTOR

Tony Senese

OPEN STUDIO ALL
ABILITIES TUTOR

Kaitlyn Stephens

JUNIOR & ILLUSTRATION TUTOR

Lucia Roohizadegan

TEEN TUTOR

Alex Nesic

YOUNG ARTISTS TUTOR

Contact Us

Book Now

Join us for Date Night, a warm and welcoming adult & child workshop where you and your young artist can enjoy making something beautiful side-by-side. Each month features a fresh creative theme, sometimes inspired by a well-known artist, sometimes by animals, landscapes, or stories. Every session is hands-on, playful, and designed so both adults and children can enjoy the process equally.

The booking price is for one adult and one child.

You’ll explore colour, form, and imagination through simple guided steps, with plenty of room for personal expression. Parents and children can create individual artworks or combine ideas into a shared piece. No experience is needed, just curiosity, a willingness to slow down, and a desire to make something memorable together.

How it works:

Each workshop has a unique theme designed to spark creativity, introduce new techniques, and connect children to the joy of art. Themes include flowers, animals, landscapes, character-based paintings, and works inspired by beloved artists. They are chosen for their colour, playfulness, and accessibility for children and adults alike.

  • 31st January – Margaret Preston Flowers
  • 28th February – Picasso Bulls
  • 28th March – Flying Phoenix Paintings
  • 18th April – Lichtenstein Comic Paintings
  • 30th May – Lighthouse Landscapes
  • 27th June – Chagall Blue Birds
  • 25th July – Snowy Mountains
  • 29th August – Curious Koi Fish
  • 19th September – Monet Water Lilies
  • 24th October – Peter Rabbit Portraits
  • 28th November – Ken Done Summer Landscapes


Each theme stands alone, so you can book the sessions that inspire you most.

Adults and children will learn:

  • How to observe and interpret an artist’s key ideas
  • Colour, tone, texture, and composition
  • Simple techniques tailored to each month’s artist
  • How to express emotion through art
  • How to collaborate while creating


What’s included:

  • All art materials
  • Aprons
  • Step-by-step guidance
  • Tea/coffee for parents
  • Juice/water for kids
  • Your finished artwork to take home