Do I need any artistic experience to join?

No prior experience is needed; the sessions are designed to guide beginners and seasoned painters alike.

How long does the firing process take?

After painting, pieces are fired and ready for pickup about 2 to 3 weeks later.

Can I bring children to the workshop?

Yes, children aged 2 and up can participate, but those under 7 require a participating adult to accompany them.

Is food or drink provided at the studio?

No, food isn’t included; you are welcome to bring your own drinks but the studio is not licensed for alcohol sales.

What types of ceramic pieces can I paint?

You can choose from mugs, plates, vases, and other bisque-fired shapes available at the studio.

What if the workshop doesn’t reach minimum bookings?

If fewer than 10 tickets are sold, you will be notified a week prior with options for refund or credit.

Mindful Ceramic Painting at Black Duck Studio Towradgi | Self-Guided Tour

Towradgi, a coastal suburb in New South Wales, Australia, is known for its rugged shoreline and quiet charm, making it an unexpected haven for those seeking creative calm alongside the ocean breeze. At Black Duck Studio Pty Ltd, located at 80b Towradgi Rd, visitors find a distinctive way to unplug and unwind through their Paint-a-Ceramic-Piece experience. This unique workshop offers more than just crafting; it’s a rooted approach to mindfulness through hands-on art.

The studio provides a welcoming space where participants select from an array of bisque-fired ceramic forms—mugs, plates, or vases—to personalize with underglazes and glazes. Guided by skilled staff, guests learn precise brush techniques and glazing methods, turning raw pieces into functional art designed to brighten everyday routines. The process requires about an hour, with 45 minutes dedicated to painting, promoting steady focus and deliberate expression away from screens and distractions.

Towradgi’s natural surroundings enrich the experience. Just a short walk from the studio, the rocky coastline offers sharp contrasts of weathered sandstone and foaming surf, a reminder of nature’s power and grace. This proximity to sea and stone forms a subtle but inspiring backdrop, encouraging reflection and presence.

Black Duck Studio stands out for fostering a thoughtful creative rhythm rarely found in mainstream outdoor recreation, appealing to those who value mental restoration alongside tactile engagement. The finished pieces—fired and ready in a few weeks—serve as daily reminders of grounded intentions and personal storytelling.

For travelers in New South Wales looking for a nuanced pause amid their adventure, combining a coastal visit with artistic mindfulness at Black Duck Studio creates a refreshing destination. It’s an invitation to both slow down and create with intention, making Towradgi a quietly compelling stop on Australia’s east coast.

About Black Duck Studio Pty Ltd

Black Duck Studio Pty Ltd operates a hands-on ceramics studio offering classes, workshops and a local firing service. The studio runs after-school and homeschool clay clubs, term-based kids programs, multi-week handbuilding courses, one-off open hand-building sessions, and school holiday workshops. Many classes accept deposits to secure places, including Term 1, 2026 bookings with limited availability; if a preferred day is full the studio offers alternatives or refunds deposits.

Programs include dedicated kids courses for ages eight to teens with materials provided, 10-week after-school terms, and casual homeschool sessions. Adult learners can join an 8-week handbuilding and glazing course with expert guidance, or participate in open workshops designed for experienced potters wanting 90 minutes of clay work plus a painting session. The studio also runs themed workshops such as make-a-mug, make-a-dish, make-a-platter, and seasonal Christmas activities.

Black Duck Studio accommodates NDIS clients with two-hour workshops offering hand-building or glazing and complimentary beverages. A firing service supports local artists and crafters from drop-off through firing with pick-up updates. Event inquiries include private parties, donut tower involvement, and bespoke bookings for celebrations.

Bookings, deposits, and workshop details are published for each offering, and all class descriptions list included materials, session lengths, and post-firing pickup times where applicable. Black Duck Studio Pty Ltd presents practical, activity-based ceramics experiences aimed at learning, creativity, and accessible studio access for students, hobbyists, and community participants. Finished pieces are typically fired and available for pickup within two weeks when specified in the class description. Bookings are required online.