Dear Diary Workshops
Creative workshops inspired by storytelling, everyday rituals and a touch of disco magic.
Designed for adults, teens and children, each session is shaped through my Dear Diary lens, encouraging participants to listen to their inner voice and transform it into playful, meaningful visual stories.
I guide the process with thoughtfully structured lessons that introduce a specific creative technique, making the experience accessible to all skill levels.
What to expect
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a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment
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clear guidance suitable for beginners and experienced creatives
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hands-on activities using quality materials
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opportunities for personal reflection and visual storytelling
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disco-inspired atmosphere and playful prompts
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individual support throughout the session
Book a workshop
A new season of Dear Diary Workshops is coming this January and February 2026.
All sessions take place inside my Dear Diary Exhibition at Gatakers Artspace (Gallery 2), where you’ll be immersed in the Disco Installation as you create your own Disco or Stargazing–inspired artwork.
Bookings are now open! Spots are limited, so early registration is recommended.
This project was made possible by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, provided through Regional Arts Australia, administered in Queensland by Flying Arts Alliance.
Adult Workshop — Disco Edition
Hosted by visual artist and teacher, Shanay Manitzky, in the heart of the Dear Diary exhibition. This hands-on workshop blends contemporary and impressionist art techniques with storytelling, colour, and a little disco magic.
You’ll learn how to apply basic acrylic painting techniques to create your very own disco ball artwork on a 30 × 30 cm canvas (framed). This guided session explores colour, light, and reflection while allowing you to express your own creative voice.
The workshop is relaxed, beginner-friendly, and designed for pure fun, whether you’re looking for a creative night out or a playful way to unwind.
What’s included:
• 2-hour guided workshop
• All art materials provided
• A completed artwork to take home (framed canvas)
• A glass of Bubbly (or juice) and a grazing board upon arrival
Workshop details:
Date: 31 January
Time: 5.30–7.30pm
Location: Gatakers Artspace (Gallery 2)
Age: Adults (18+)
This workshop is proudly subsidised through Flying Arts Alliance’s Quick Response Grant, supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Thanks to this support, we’re able to offer reduced workshop pricing to make creative experiences more accessible for artists in the Fraser Coast Region.
Adult Workshop — Disco Edition
Hosted by visual artist and teacher, Shanay Manitzky, in the heart of the Dear Diary exhibition. This hands-on workshop blends contemporary and impressionist art techniques with storytelling, colour, and a little disco magic.
You’ll learn how to apply basic acrylic painting techniques to create your very own disco ball artwork on a 30 × 30 cm canvas (framed). This guided session explores colour, light, and reflection while allowing you to express your own creative voice.
The workshop is relaxed, beginner-friendly, and designed for pure fun, whether you’re looking for a creative night out or a playful way to unwind.
What’s included:
• 2-hour guided workshop
• All art materials provided
• A completed artwork to take home (framed canvas)
• A glass of Bubbly (or juice) and a grazing board upon arrival
Workshop details:
Date: 7 February
Time: 11am -1.00pm
Location: Gatakers Artspace (Gallery 2)
Age: Adults (18+)
This workshop is proudly subsidised through Flying Arts Alliance’s Quick Response Grant, supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Thanks to this support, we’re able to offer reduced workshop pricing to make creative experiences more accessible for artists in the Fraser Coast Region.
Kids Workshop — Stargazing Edition
Hosted by visual artist and teacher, Shanay Manitzky, in the heart of the Dear Diary exhibition. This hands-on workshop blends contemporary and impressionist art techniques with storytelling, colour, and a little disco magic.
Young artists will learn how to apply basic acrylic painting techniques to create their very own Stargazing artwork on a 30 × 30 cm canvas. We’ll explore colour, light, and pattern while encouraging each student to express their unique ideas.
The session is relaxed, encouraging, and designed to help students build confidence while having fun.
What’s included:
• 2-hour guided workshop
• All art materials provided
• A completed artwork to take home
• Light lunch provided
Workshop details:
Date: 17 January
Time: 11.00am–1.00pm
Location: Gatakers Artspace (Gallery 2)
Age: Kids (7-17)
This workshop is proudly subsidised through Flying Arts Alliance’s Quick Response Grant, supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Thanks to this support, we’re able to offer reduced workshop pricing to make creative experiences more accessible for artists in the Fraser Coast Region.
Kids Workshop — Disco Edition
Hosted by visual artist and teacher, Shanay Manitzky, in the heart of the Dear Diary exhibition. This hands-on workshop blends contemporary and impressionist art techniques with storytelling, colour, and a little disco magic.
Young artists will learn how to apply basic acrylic painting techniques to create their very own disco ball artwork on a 30 × 30 cm canvas. We’ll explore colour, light, and pattern while encouraging each student to express their unique ideas.
The session is relaxed, encouraging, and designed to help students build confidence while having fun.
What’s included:
• 2-hour guided workshop
• All art materials provided
• A completed artwork to take home
• Light lunch provided
Workshop details:
Date: 15 January
Time: 11.00am–1.00pm
Location: Gatakers Artspace (Gallery 2)
Age: Kids (7-17)
This workshop is proudly subsidised through Flying Arts Alliance’s Quick Response Grant, supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Thanks to this support, we’re able to offer reduced workshop pricing to make creative experiences more accessible for artists in the Fraser Coast Region.
Frequently asked questions
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Not at all. All my workshops are designed for beginners through to experienced creatives. You’ll be supported step-by-step and encouraged to explore your own ideas.
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Yes! Every workshop is designed so you leave with a finished piece or a meaningful work-in-progress, created in your own style.
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Just yourself. All materials to make your artwork are always supplied.
If a workshop involves personal objects, you’ll be invited to bring something in the workshop description.
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All workshops are led by me, Shanay Manitzky, a contemporary visual artist and qualified senior educator with extensive experience teaching Visual Arts and Dance across secondary and community settings.
With a professional background in curriculum design, creative pedagogy and student mentorship, I bring a deeply informed, structured and inclusive teaching approach to each workshop.
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Each workshop includes:
a relaxed and inclusive environment
curated music to support creativity
light refreshments
clear guidance for all skill levels
hands-on exploration with quality materials
plenty of time to slow down and create
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Bookings will be made directly through this page as soon as workshops become available. New sessions will appear here with full details and a booking button.
If you’d like early access to limited spots, you can also join the Dear Diary mailing list, subscribers receive workshop announcements the moment they’re published.