Please take a look below for all information about our art gatherings, or to answer any questions you may have.
Note: Your host has a current Working With Children check, and is vaccinated against Covid 19.
What’s included in the cost?
We provide everything you need so that you can create a masterpiece to take home – a stretched canvas, paint, paintbrushes, tubs for water and paint, pencils and a few other tools of the trade, depending on your chosen artwork. We take the artists through the art, step by step, to ensure the best outcome.
We supply aprons for adults and older children (age 10+), and smocks with full sleeves for younger children.
We can provide trestle tables for events (for up to 18 adults/24 children – please let us know if you require them when you book). All children stand while painting – the time goes quickly and they are more easily able to reach all areas of the canvas while standing.
Do I need to make a booking?
Yes. Dates and time slots are limited, so please try and book your event as early as possible to avoid disappointment. A $50 deposit is required to secure your booking for groups of up to 10, and $80 for 10 or more people. Any remainder can be paid up to 24 hours prior to the event. You may pay the balance via cash on the day with prior arrangement.
Note, if your party is located more than 15km from Mount Colah Public School, a $20 travel fee will be incurred. Wondering if we cover your area of Sydney? Check out our map here.
How much time will I need?
This will depend on the ages and abilities of the children/adults. Kids’ paint parties take between 1-1.5 hours, depending upon their age, ability and the painting chosen. If children are aged 5-8, please choose a less complicated painting if you would like the party to last around 1 hour. If your heart is set on an artwork that is more complicated, The Art Spy may be able to simplify it to suit your timeframe.
Please ensure your guests arrive at least 15 minutes before the paint party begins, so that it can start right on time and no-one is left behind.
Can small children attend adult events?
Adult classes are designed for adults only. We do understand that parents may have no choice but to have younger ones (babies and toddlers) in tow. If this is the case, please try to occupy them with another activity while you paint as we would love you to get as much as possible from the workshop. Note that your host does have a current paid Working With Children check.
What do we need to bring?
Nibbles and drinks often inspire creativity, so you are welcome to bring along any to suit your event. Please keep in mind that you will have a paintbrush in hand for a lot of the time, so think easy!
Try to schedule food time at kids parties for either before or after the painting takes place – it can be quite difficult to get kids back to their easels to paint during a class, and any paint on their hands and smocks could end up on your furniture!
Once dry, our quality acrylic paint is hard to remove from clothing and The Art Spy does not accept responsibility for any paint on any items. Also, think comfy clothes. The Art Spy provides smocks for children under the age of 10, and aprons for those aged 10 and over, however the aprons do not cover the arms. Also, anyone with long hair is advised to tie it back so that it doesn’t become a paintbrush!
We can supply up to 3 trestle tables, if needed. However, if you are hosting one of our art events and you would like adults to be seated, you will need to supply chairs. Kids are completely fine painting while standing.
Lastly, please bring along your sense of fun and creative spirit!
What if my child’s painting isn’t how I expected it to look?
While The Art Spy takes all artists step-by-step through each painting to try and ensure the best outcome, ability aside, there are some occasions when children are simply not in the mood to paint or follow instructions. It can help if you let the children know what to expect before the party starts so that they can enter the session with a good mindset. And if you want to stay and help them, then that’s ok, too!
What about photography?
You are welcome to take photos of any children/adults painting at your event. The Art Spy make take photos of the set-up and artworks at an event, but will not take photos of any child or adult, without expressed permission from an adult host. Furthermore, should permission be asked, the photos will only ever be used on The Art Spy website and social media etc to promote The Art Spy art classes and not for any other purpose.
Can I reschedule or cancel my art event?
We understand that circumstances can interrupt time for creativity. You can reschedule your event up to 2 days before it occurs or cancel your event up to 7 days before (cancelling fewer than 7 days beforehand will see you forfeit the deposit for your event).
If government-placed Covid restrictions prevent a party from going ahead, you will receive a full refund of any monies paid.
What if it rains?
If rain is forecast, please have a dry location in mind if you are organising an outside art event at your venue. Even a garage, carport or lounge room can be transformed into an art studio in minutes!
Have another question? Please contact us.