WANGARATTA Art School is more than a service – it's a community of creative-minded people of all ages and abilities dedicated to nurturing a positive wellbeing space.

For Samantha Badrock, founder of the school, the mental health and wellbeing aspect of creating art is what the school prides itself on, and this aspect is a pillar of all their classes.

“We’re all about connection and connecting people into the art community, and the mental health benefits that art brings,” she said.

A variety of classes are on offer, including their standard term programs for adults, kids and teens, as well as a group for neurodivergent people.

Private art classes are also available, as are seasonal programs – such as 'Hot Chocolate and Highlights', a series of one-off winter workshops to enjoy with a hot chocolate on 5 June.

Coming up is the weekly 'Reset, Rewind' class, beginning 30 May, which is a gentle and guided workshop.

With the support of other organisations in the community, such as the Rural City of Wangaratta and other local health services, these wellbeing-centered programs have been beneficial for clients according to Samantha.

Samantha has a strong commitment to fostering a positive work environment filled with like-minded people, which in turn creates positive classes for students.

“Anyone we hire believes in the purpose that we’re here for and believes in the type of service we deliver,” she said.

Rebekah Fogg, an art teacher at the school, said she loves coming to work.

"I feel really lucky to be working here, and when it comes to my clients, it's super rewarding to watch their work and how proud they are of themselves," she said.

The positive workplace culture of the school also influences a similar culture of support and kindness among clients.

“I think that’s just so sacred in this space,” Samantha said.

“We really embody that in everything we do.

“This is a place where you can belong… a place where you can let your guard down a bit and get creative without judgement.”

She said every artist she employs brings a new skill set and dynamic, further promoting the holistic approach the school pursues.

“For example, Rebekah is an Indigenous artist and loves surrealism… then we have Sarah, a uni degree visual artist and fine arts major, and she goes for colour theory,” she said.

“Izzy is a high school teacher in arts and she brings that formal education…she really connects with the older community.”

She said they also have support worker Helen on site so people with a disability can feel safe and affirmed in the class.

“We focus on the students and their outcomes,” Samantha said.

She said the relationships people form while there is something the school thrives and builds on.

“When we have our classes, I can always hear laughter echoing through the halls.

“I love that cohesion…it’s beautiful,” she said.

“I love seeing the kids make friendships with people they might have not ever met.

“…they make friends through this common link, which is art, and that’s so beautiful.”

The kind of environment Samantha has built means clients like to drop in outside of their art classes to have a chat and a cuppa, or read a book.

“Our door is always open to our community,” she said.

For find out more on all that's on offer at Wangaratta Art School visit https://www.wangarattaartschool.com/.