Overview
As all at CP know — and passionately dedicate our work lives to — this city is much more than the iconic landmarks that first spring to mind when you hear 'Sydney'. Of course, the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach are breathtaking, but there are places hidden in plain sight that visitors (and locals) tend to overlook when getting out and about. And more than a few that, unexpectedly, could see you flexing those creative muscles.
Together with Archie Rose, the much-loved Rosebery-based distillery, we've uncovered life drawing nights in CBD pubs, watercolour classes in distilleries and jewellery-making workshops in art galleries that'll help you discover Sydney a little differently as you unleash (or hone) your artistic side.
TAKE A CREATIVE CLASS IN A ROSEBERY DISTILLERY
First up, why not head to Rosebery and lean into the right side of your brain with Archie Rose. The distillery — which boasts the likes of Lemon Scented Gum Gin and Eau de Bee Honey Spirit as well as its stand-out signature range — also hosts a variety of classes that bring out your inner artist in a deliciously different environment.
There's the Dynamic Ceramics with Klaypots class, which tasks you with shaping your own ceramic pieces while drinking in your surrounds (and bespoke Archie Rose cocktails) over two hours. You'll be guided by ceramicist Karina Goudie and leave with three glazed pieces heading off to get fired.
If painting is more your thing, Harvest Inspired Watercolour Painting will see you making a start on your portfolio. You'll also take home your paintbrush and watercolour pan, so you're sure to achieve master status in no time.
And for those looking to add a festive touch to their home, the Spirited Christmas Wreath Making Workshop invites Peony Story's founder and chief designer Nikki Zeng to the distillery to guide you through the construction of a European-style Christmas wreath. Expect preserved foliage and everlasting blooms aplenty — the perfect serve alongside your welcome G&T.
Once you're in the space, don't be surprised if the creativity firing in your brain ask you to take it another step further — and Archie Rose's Tailored Spirits offering allows you to do just that. Choose the botanicals for your own customised bottle of gin, or play creative director and design the label for your own bottled cocktail. And if you've ever wanted to create your own spirit, you can even have your own cask of whiskey made. Pick your base malt, spirit style, cask type and even the strength, before the resident experts carry out your orders and have your bottles on their way to you in two to three months.
@september___studio
THROW CLAY IN A DARLINGHURST FLORIST
Just as we have actor-slash-musicians and editor-slash-writers, there are venue versions of the slashie. Head to Darlinghurst to find September Studio, a delightful florist-slash-ceramics-studio. Spend Sunday afternoon — or your after-work hours on a Tuesday, Thursday or Friday — in the Boundary Street corner spot for an introductory ceramics class. In just under 90 minutes, you'll have been shown the ropes of wheel-throwing and hand-building by ceramicist and September Studio owner Bryce Heyworth.
By home time, you'll have two hand-crafted pieces — and for an extra $15 on top of the $75 class, those pieces can be trimmed and taken to the kiln. If one session isn't enough, $50 will get returning students an hour in the floral-filled space. You'll have access to the wheels, clay and Heyworth's expertise, all while surrounded by clay vessels carrying leftover stems. Darlo is a hot spot for some of the best bars in town, so make a night of it and nab yourself an after-class sip at Love, Tilly Devine, or catch up with your mates over Italian snacks at Fortuna.
Simi Eliott
TAKE UP GLASSBLOWING AMIDST THE MARRICKVILLE BREWERY PRECINCT
It's time to branch out and familiarise yourself with a fascinating new skill: glassblowing. Nestled in the heart of Marrickville's brewery precinct, creative studio Among the Trees hosts contemporary glass artist Mark Eliott as he conducts classes that showcase the wonders of glassblowing.
If you just want to dip a toe in, head to Class Bento and book a spot in the taster class. Over 2.5 hours, you'll get to try your hand at sculpting glass in the flame (after Eliott demonstrates and takes you through safety demos, of course) using a rainbow of borosilicate rods, before you take home two glass objects to show off at your next gathering. There's also a full-day masterclass that will give you more time to get creative and refine your stretching, blowing and creative techniques.
And since you're in Marrickville, go grab a brewskie at one of the nearby breweries — The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre, Batch and Stockade are all within walking distance.
SPEND A NIGHT NUDE LIFE DRAWING AT A CBD PUB
Always wanted to have your own Rose and Jack moment and draw someone like one of your French girls? Head to The Attic — inside CBD fave ArtHouse Hotel — on a Monday night for a nude life-drawing session. Each week, models of all shapes and sizes get their kit off in the name of you getting artsy.
The casual classes, ideally situated in close proximity to the bar, allow you to go with your creative flow or request guidance from the night's approachable host. You're free to use provided supplies or experiment with colour, textures and mediums by bringing along your own supplies. Entry is $7, vibes are high and the bar's fully stocked — the recipe for a cracking start to your work week.
Ash Durden
MAKE A PIECE OF JEWELLERY IN A NORTHERN BEACHES ART GALLERY
If there's a class to truly induce a feeling of accomplishment, it's one where you can hand-crafted your own jewellery. One set in an art gallery near the ocean surely only adds to the allure. HAKE House of Art is the recently opened gallery in Dee Why that celebrates and supports artists while creating a place "where art comes to life and is breathed into our community". As well as regular exhibits — with local artists like Lucinda Jones and Neil Tomkins — the creative space hosts jewellery house The Fifth Lane's silversmithing masterclasses (which are accompanied by beer, wine and nibbles).
Tommy Lane, the head maker and owner of the jewellery biz, fronts the $175 sessions and guides you as you make a piece of your choice — fine stacking rings, a chunky ring or silver bangle (you can even upgrade to 9ct gold, you fancy thing). You'll heat your metal, bend it into your desired shape, try your hand at soldering and then file and sand to achieve a lustre of your liking. There's no experience needed, just a desire to learn and willingness to get hands-on. In 2.5 hours, you'll have created your new wearable piece in a space dedicated to creative expression. FYI: The Fifth Lane runs classes on the Central Coast and North Coast and in other Sydney spots, too.
RECORD THE NEXT HIT PODCAST JUST MOMENTS FROM PARRAMATTA ROAD
Whether you've got the bones of a tip-top investigative piece in your back pocket or you rate your group chat's chat 10/10, timing's everything in the release of a podcast — so you should book this cosily furnished Camperdown recording studio, stat.
Just far enough away from the bustle of Parra Road, this space is equipped with two kitchens, bathrooms, chill-out areas and space enough for 30 people. Recording equipment is provided, as is a whole host of instruments — vintage guitars, drum kits and a grand piano, specifically.
At $150 per hour, and with a four-hour minimum, you'd best get your script drafted, your guests (or co-hosts) locked down and begin planning the release of what's sure to be the next hit poddy.
If you're looking to get creative in Sydney, an arty masterclass at Archie Rose is an ideal spot to start. Head to the website to book your spot.
Top images: Ash Durden (second); Simi Eliott (third, student is Ali Vandeness)