Shaping Ideas

An Introduction to Clay Handbuilding with Darebin Art Prize finalist Ara Dolatian.

This 2.3-hour handbuilding workshop for adults introduces participants to a range of clay handbuilding techniques in a relaxed, supportive environment. Ara will guide participants through the fundamentals of working with clay, building practical skills to shape, mould, and construct distinctive sculptural or wall-based forms.

The workshop is hands-on and exploratory, focusing on developing confidence and knowledge in the medium rather than producing a finished, fired work. Participants are encouraged to bring drawings or inspirational images, which can be discussed and translated into clay during the session.

Each participant will take their work home in its raw (wet) clay state. Please note that works cannot be left on site, and no firing services are offered. Sculptures can be made up to approximately 30 cm high and 20cm wide.

Ages

Suitable for adults 18+

Cost

General admission: $20+ booking fee

Blaktix: $10 + booking fee

What are Blaktix?

BlakTix are discounted or free tickets reserved for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. No proof of identity is required to book this ticket type.

When

Saturday, 28 March 2026

11am-1:30pm

About the Facilitator

Ara Dolatian is an interdisciplinary artist with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Sculpture) and a Master’s in Social Science (Environment and Planning) from RMIT University. His practice explores the intersection of cultural landscapes and natural ecosystems, with a focus on Mesopotamian artefacts, literature, and mythologies. Working primarily with sculpture and ceramics, Dolatian creates hybrid forms that bridge the ancient and contemporary, reimagining deities, figures, and decayed architectures. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including at the National Gallery of Victoria, Michael Reid Gallery, Scott Lawrie Gallery, and Contemporary Art Space Montevideo. His work is held in public and private collections.

Join us in the Café!

Our Café is open, offering a variety of light refreshments including pastries, soup, scones, cakes and coffee. It is open from 10am-3pm and the perfect place to grab a bite after your class.

Bundoora Homestead would like to offer workshop participants a $10 coffee + scone special at our café as part of this program. Show your ticket at the café counter to redeem this offer.

Getting here

— Venue is wheelchair accessible – disabled parking available (2 spaces); entry via ramp at main entrance

— Free car parking available (40 spaces) via onsite car park

— Bike parking also available

— Tram route 86, stop number 63 (Greenwood Drive) + approx 6 min (550m) walk. This tram stop is accessible.

In the interest of caring for the health and well-being of other attendees, please do not attend if you feel unwell, even if your symptoms are mild.

To plan your visit click here.

About Us

Please note we are a cash-free venue.

Bundoora Homestead Art Centre is the public art gallery for the City of Darebin, on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. It is a centre for contemporary art, ideas, a public garden and café, housed in a Queen Anne style mansion.

Opening hours: Wed- Fri: 11am–4pm

Saturday: 10am–4pm

Contact us via bundoorahomestead@darebin.vic.gov.au for any queries.

Terms & Conditions

Refund requests for single session tickets require at a minimum 48 hours notice.

Privacy Collection Notice

Darebin City Council collects, holds and manages personal information under the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic) and health information under the Health Records Act 2001.

For Information on how we handle your personal and health information in accordance with these Acts, please see our Eventbrite Privacy Statement at https://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/Privacy-Statement or ask us for a copy by emailing privacy.officer@darebin.vic.gov.au

Please note: general photography and short videos (for social media) will be recorded at this event for promotional use only and to document this event internally. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let a member of staff know once you arrive.

Image credit: Courtesy of Ara Dolatian