FAQs
The questions we get asked most.
Cannot find it here? Call us on 0400 382 617 or send us a message. A real person answers.
Book a class
Section 1
Booking
Do I really have to book?
Yes. Our classes fill and our teachers set up the room for the kids who are coming. Walk-ins mean someone goes without materials.
What if we miss a lesson?
Let us know with at least 8 hours notice and we will offer a catch-up session or apply a credit, up to two classes per term. Credits have to come through bookings, so text 0400 382 617. Telling your child's teacher will not get a credit applied, because they are teaching, not running the booking system.
What ages do you take?
4 to 16 in weekly classes, Some holiday classes for as young as 3 years old. We also run private one-on-one lessons if your kid is working towards something specific.
Can we pay casually, week by week?
No. Classes run as a term commitment because each lesson builds on the last, and we cannot hold a space for a casual booking.
Can I check if a class has spaces?
The booking system shows remaining spaces live. If a class is full, put your name on the waiting list. Spots do open up.
Do you do one-on-one lessons?
Yes, from $99 per hour. Email us to book.
Do you do group bookings?
Yes. Group workshops start at $360 for up to 10 people in studio.
Can you come to us?
We run mobile classes for groups. A travel surcharge may apply. Email us with where and when.
How do I get into the Portfolio Class?
By application. Your teen needs prior experience and needs to be able to come up with their own ideas and stay with them. Submit a request at checkout and we will review before taking payment.
Section 2
During class
Do I need to stay?
No. Drop off and go. You are welcome to stay for the first session if your kid would rather you did.
We are running late. Does it matter?
A bit, yes. The first few minutes are the instruction for the whole session, so a late arrival misses the part that makes the rest make sense. Your teacher will catch them up as best they can.
What if I am late at pick-up?
Please collect within 15 minutes of the end. After 30 minutes we have to charge supervision at up to $60 per hour, because someone is staying back.
My child has high support needs. Can they come?
Yes, and plenty do. Some families bring a carer, and NDIS funding may be claimable. One thing you need to know before you book: our studio sits in the centre and does not have wheelchair access. Call us and we will talk through what will work.
Can my younger child join an older class?
No. Age brackets are set by the materials and the ratios, and some of what we use is not safe for younger hands. An underage child will not be able to join the workshop and refunds are not given in that situation. Older kids can join a younger class if that suits them better.
Where does the artwork go?
Home with them the same day, unless it is being held for an exhibition or waiting on a kiln. Uncollected artwork is disposed of after three months.
Section 3
Holiday workshops
When do holiday bookings open?
Week 7 of the term before. Newsletter subscribers get told first.
How long until we can collect pottery?
Up to 8 weeks. Clay has to dry properly, then it is bisque fired, glazed and fired again. Rushing any stage cracks it.
Can they stay for both sessions in a day?
Yes, where a full day is offered. We supervise through the breaks between sessions for $11 per child, per day. That one charge covers every break, so if they are booked into three sessions it still costs $11. Pack them a lunch, kids stay on site, and you do not need to collect them until the end of their last session.
Can you run something that is not on the timetable?
Ask us. If your mini-artist wants to learn something we are not running, email us and we will do our best to make it happen.
Section 4
Payments and accounts
How do I pay?
Card at online checkout when you book the term.
Can I claim this on NDIS?
Self-managed and plan-managed clients can usually claim under daily activities. Plan-managed needs an invoicing arrangement set up with us first. We cannot accept agency-managed funds.
How do I use a credit?
Log in with the same details you booked with and it applies automatically at checkout.
Do you do referral credits?
Yes. $5 credit for every holiday workshop referral and $25 for a full-term referral, no limit. It applies to families who have not been to Artlis before.
Section 5
Art lessons, therapeutic art and art therapy
What is the difference?
Art lessons. Structured skill building. This is what our weekly classes are.
Therapeutic art. Art used as a tool for stress relief and self-expression. Alissa is diploma qualified in this.
Art therapy. Psychologically driven healing work, delivered by a degree-qualified art psychotherapist. We refer this out.
Artlis Studios does not offer art therapy as a psychological tool. We do not diagnose issues and we do not treat emotional, psychological or mental distress. For that, Bobby Napier at Barefoot Bobby is who we send people to. 0431 382 879.
