Te Wāhi Toi/The Arts Place exists to connect the creative community of Queenstown and Wānaka with audiences, students, teachers, spaces and each other. We are a not-for-profit organisation powered by Three Lakes Cultural Trust and inspired by local arts and culture.
Little Art School: Inspiring Creativity in Wānaka
Lizzie's journey to establish Little Art School is as inspiring as the art her students create. After rediscovering Wānaka while working as a tour guide, she knew it was where she wanted to call home. However, life had other plans, and it wasn’t until years later—faced with the challenges of COVID lockdown — that she found her way back. Determined to create something that combined her skills, passions, and love for teaching, Lizzie founded Little Art School.
“There is something rather wonderful about watching a student’s face beam with pride when they see the artwork they’ve just created,” Lizzie shares. The school became her way of not only providing artistic education but also encouraging others to rediscover the creative spark that may have taken a backseat to life’s demands.
A Creative Journey Rooted in Community
From school holiday workshops that double as fun, creative days for kids and a helpful reprieve for parents, to collaborative projects like the ephemeral art initiative with Wai Wānaka, the school has made creativity accessible and meaningful.
Looking back on her students' journeys, Lizzie reflects on how many have rekindled their love for art after years of putting it aside. And it’s not just kids who benefit—adults are rediscovering their artistic confidence through classes like the recent Fluttering Wings Watercolour Workshop, where stunning, unique paintings brought smiles all around.
Building a Sustainable Creative Practice
Sustainability is a key focus for Little Art School as Lizzie works to ensure that creativity doesn’t come at the expense of the environment. She has implemented practices like salvaging acrylic paint for reuse, shifting to bamboo cloths instead of paper towels, and avoiding materials like glitter that can harm the planet. While there’s still room to improve, Lizzie is committed to making the school as eco-friendly as possible.
Lookind Ahead for Little Art School
Lizzie dreams of expanding Little Art School’s reach, offering more workshops and classes not just in Wānaka but also in Cromwell and Queenstown. While health challenges delayed these plans this year, she remains optimistic about growing her offerings in the future. The possibility of online workshops is also on her radar, opening up opportunities for even more people to explore their creativity.
Ultimately, Lizzie envisions Little Art School as a cornerstone of Wānaka’s creative community, providing affordable classes and inviting guest tutors to share their expertise.
Dreaming Big
If funding were unlimited, Lizzie would love to see a purpose-built arts center that would cater to a diverse range of artistic needs. She imagines a space with dedicated wet areas for messy projects, recording and projection equipment for demonstrations, and affordable studios for artists and musicians. This center would also feature galleries for experimental exhibitions and performances, encouraging local and visiting creatives to collaborate and thrive.
Lizzie’s dream arts center would be more than just a physical space—it would be a cultural beacon, fostering creativity and making art accessible to all.
Advice for Budding Creatives
For those embarking on their own creative journeys, Lizzie offers the advice, “Know your niche, have a vision, and be true to it.”
With its focus on creativity, sustainability, and community, Little Art School continues to inspire, support, and enrich Wānaka. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or someone just rediscovering your creative spark, Little Art School has a place for you.
Feature Image Credit: Erinn Keith, 45 Degrees
