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If you've ever wanted to know how an artist creates their signature art work, this workshop series is for you.

Join Sydney-based artist Simon Welsh, whose mixed media collage practice combines embroidery, embellishment and the figurative to create richly textured works that celebrate identity, transformation and self-expression. Drawing inspiration from art history, personal narratives, erotica and queer culture, Welsh uses expressive embroidery techniques, intuitive threading and decorative embellishments to reimagine the body as a site of storytelling, beauty and celebration. Welsh has been practising collage for over 8 yrs, and his works have been gaining popularity with collectors around Australia. 

A finalist in multiple art prizes including Midsumma, Fishers Ghost, Gosford and Wollongong Art Prizes, Welsh’s explorative collage techniques are a great opportunity to elevate your collage practice. 

In this 5-hour workshop, Simon will guide participants through his creative process, demonstrating how expressive embroidery, intuitive stitching and layered embellishments can transform figurative imagery into vibrant, tactile artworks. You'll explore composition, texture, mixed media techniques and the art of "blinging the body" with beads, sequins and decorative materials, while creating your own unique mixed media artwork on a prepared surface. Throughout the day, there will be plenty of opportunities to discuss ideas, techniques and contemporary art practice over a complimentary lunch, provided by the legends at South Dowling Street Sandwiches.

Spots are limited for this Artist Process workshop. Previous Workshops have sold out in 2025/26 —book now.

Workshop Schedule

Morning Session

10am-12pm

Explore Simon's creative process as you experiment with composition, layering and mixed media techniques to create the foundation of your collage.

Assorted sandwiches wrapped in foil, with a sign reading 'South Dowling Sandwiches' in the foreground.

Lunch with the Artist

12pm-12:45pm

Chat with the artist over a complimentary lunch provided by the legends at South Dowling Street Sandwiches.

Afternoon Session

12:45pm-3pm

Bring your artwork to life with expressive embroidery, decorative thread work and embellishments, adding rich texture and finishing touches to continue at home or if complete, ready to frame.

All materials & tools are provided—just bring your creativity!

Participants will receive large-eye embroidery needles, assorted coloured cross-stitch threads, and a sewing awl to take home, enabling them to continue exploring Simon's artistic process after the workshop.

Also - you will enjoy delicious non-alcoholic beers from Heaps Normal

And feel free to BYO other beverages of your choosing.

Limited spots available.

Coming up in 2026

Artist Process Collage Workshop w/ Simon Welsh

Date: Saturday, the 29th of August, 2026

Time: 10am-3pm
Duration: 5hrs
General Cost: $170 per person
$320 duo ticket (save $20)

All materials & tools are provided, including lunch with the artist.

NEW Location: The Dale Studio
27-39 Abercrombie St, Chippendale NSW 2008

Please note: A minimum of 10 students is required to run the class. If the number of participants is below this, we will provide you with a voucher to reschedule for a future class.

Previous Workshops

Previous Workshops

“I just attended the Collage Workshop at Sydney Collage Society hosted by Steve Tierney and was extremely impressed. Steve was incredibly encouraging to all of the group and offered great technical and artistic guidance to his process. I would definitely recommend the workshop.”

Chris

Six black stars arranged in a horizontal row.

“Millie and Kubi were fantastic, instruction was clear, in depth, practical, enthusiastic. Results from this wonderful day were way above expectation. A very enjoyable workshop and thank you so much!!! I will keep watch for another in the future.”

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Lee

“Millie is a wonderful artist and an inspiring, encouraging, thoughtful and fun teacher. She loves making and that love is infectious.I really appreciated the Sunday workshop and the 10-3 time which allowed us to make 2 collages and feel motivated to keep making. I made one today and that makes me so happy. I'll be back for more!”

Six black stars arranged in a horizontal row.

Tiffany

100+ 5 star reviews on

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benefits of collage

benefits of collage

A collage featuring a large colorful bird with blue and green feathers perched on a retro-style beige armchair, set against a green textured background with torn paper elements.

25%

Stress Reduction

Did you know research shows doing fun activities like collage for just 45 minutes a day can make you feel 25% less stressed.

A collage of a bird with a vacuum cleaner leg, standing on a black shadow against a red background with torn paper and geometric shapes.

50%

Happier Mood

Individuals who regularly participate in creative hobbies report a 50% increase in feelings of happiness and experience a better work/life balance.

A collage featuring a large bird with a hybrid face and an ornate red and gold armchair against a blue background with torn paper shapes.

73%

Cognition

People who regularly engage in creative pursuits, such as drawing or collage, are 73% less likely to experience cognitive impairment later in life.

Research conducted by the University of Queensland and the University of Melbourne, as well as a study published in the Australian Journal of Psychology.

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Our workshop fees are set in line with the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) Code of Practice payment standards.