Upper Hutt, Wellington, NZ – Local artist and educator Dawn Duthie is inviting the community to reconnect with creativity through a dynamic programme of art classes and workshops at Dawn’s Atelier, located at Shop 5, 123–125 Main Street, Upper Hutt.

The next upcoming workshop is a hands-on Drawing Workshop, perfect for anyone wanting to build strong foundational skills in portrait drawing and observational art. Suitable for complete beginners through to experienced artists, this session focuses on confidence, technique, and learning in a supportive studio environment.

Special Event: Bogan Day Out Art Workshop

Adding a uniquely local flavour, Dawn is also hosting a special “Bogan Day Out” Art Workshop — a fun, relaxed, and distinctly Kiwi creative experience. Join Dawn in her studio and make your very own bogan shrinky dink jewellery. Think skull earrings, band pins, or spider necklaces.

Kids School Holiday Sticker-Making Workshops

During the upcoming school holidays, Dawn’s Atelier will also run Kids Sticker-Making Workshops, giving tamariki the chance to design and create their own custom stickers. These sessions are ideal for young creatives and provide a constructive, confidence-building activity during the break.

Art for Beginners and Established Artists

All workshops are designed to be welcoming and inclusive, making them ideal for:

First-time artists wanting to “give it a go”

Hobby artists developing their skills

Practicing artists seeking inspiration

Community members looking for mindful, creative time

Supporting Mental Health Through Creativity

At a time when many families in Upper Hutt are feeling the pressure of the cost of living and daily stress, accessible creative spaces are more important than ever. Art has proven mental health benefits, including reducing anxiety, improving focus, and building confidence.

Dawn’s workshops prioritise:

• A calm, encouraging atmosphere
• Small-group learning
• Skill development without intimidation
• Genuine community connection

The focus is not just on technique, but on nurturing wellbeing and creating a safe, supportive creative hub in Upper Hutt.

A Community-Focused Art Studio & Shop

Beyond classes, Dawn’s Atelier operates as a working artist studio and retail space. The shop features Dawn’s fine art practice alongside a rotating collection of local artisan products, giving other creatives an opportunity to experience retail while keeping the offering fresh and community-driven.

Tickets & Booking Information

Tickets for all upcoming Upper Hutt art workshops can be booked online at:

https://dawnduthieart.com

Spaces are limited to maintain a high-quality learning experience.

Dawn’s Atelier
Shop 5, 123–125 Main Street
Upper Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand

Website & Tickets: https://dawnduthieart.com

For media enquiries or interviews, please contact:
Dawn Duthie
https://dawnduthieart.com

A “thank you” to Dawn Duthie for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

27/02/26