Reflecting on a Fabulously Creative Summer – Summer Impressions 2025

The first “Summer Impressions” week-long workshop series wrapped up in January 2025 and I couldn’t be more thrilled with how it all came together.

Over three consecutive weeks, a total of 12 participants immersed themselves in a focused, supportive and relaxed environment at The Studio, exploring a wide array of printmaking and bookmaking techniques. Some were local to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, while others traveled from Sydney, Toowoomba, Gladstone, Bundaberg and Brisbane.

A Whole Week of Creative Focus

One of the most exciting aspects of Summer Impressions was seeing participants embracing the opportunity to spend a full week honing their skills. The extra time allowed for deeper dives into each step of printmaking processes, and further exploration and play into others. From Monday afternoon’s initial meet-and-greet to Friday’s concluding review session, we all benefited from the simple luxury of uninterrupted creative focus.

“The week was the perfect amount of time to fully immerse oneself and hone in on one’s skills… no outside distractions made for the perfect environment.”
Susan, Sunshine Coast

Small Groups, Big Impact

With each weekly group limited to four participants, we were able to create an intimate learning experience. This setup allowed me to spend one-on-one time with each person, offering tailored guidance throughout the day. Participants also shared with each other – tips, encouragement and sparking new ideas.

“It was a comfortable setting with just a small number of people attending… Your enthusiasm for printmaking is contagious. I came away feeling positive, my head whirling with new ideas.”
Carmel, Buderim

“An excellent studio set-up… It is a very supportive and collegial atmosphere. It was fabulous fun.”
Eileen, Bundaberg

Hands-On Learning & Expert Guidance

My goal has always been to provide a space where people feel comfortable exploring creative processes at their own pace and skill level. Having a base selection of inks, tools, papers and equipment to support the resources bought by students meant participants could experiment, make mistakes, problem-solve and play. Midweek mini-workshops on additional processes (like paper rusting, indigo dipping and letterpress monoprinting) gave everyone a creative break while also sparking new inspirations.

“It was 100% hands-on… I really liked working through ‘mistakes’ and figuring out what might solve the problem/s, eventually arriving at a ‘good enough’ result for a rookie.”
Anne, Buderim

“I absolutely loved all the new creative processes that I did—Gel Printing, Cyanotype, Paper Rusting, Embossing, and Book folding! So much was fitted into the week.”
Judi, Toowoomba

A Nurturing Environment—With Great Food, Too!

Beyond the creative aspects, I wanted the week to feel a bit like a retreat: a getaway to a rural setting where participants could relax, enjoy catered lunches and morning/afternoon tea each day and truly switch gears from the everyday hustle. People commented on how nice it was to have meals taken care of, freeing them to focus solely on their art.

“Thank you Kim! It was all so enjoyable and you put a lot of effort into the details… The catering was wonderful too. I do hope I can return next year!”
Katherine, Sydney

“Fabulous food all around—cakes, biscuits, and moorish lunches! Thank you to the chefs!”
Eileen, Bundaberg

Planning Ahead: Summer & Winter Impressions

Summer Impressions will run again in January 2026. And if that weren’t enough, I’m eyeing a “Winter Impressions” week or 2 for July 2026! That’s two seasonal workshop opportunities to give you year-round opportunities to explore new techniques, refine existing skills and connect with fellow creatives.

To find out more information about the program, click here.

How to Sign Up for January 2026

If you’ve ever wanted to take an entire week just for you and your art, “Summer Impressions” is your invitation to dive right in. Come experience a small-group, intimate learning environment, plenty of hands-on guidance and a wealth of resources in The Studio. It’s an opportunity to relax, reconnect with your creativity and discover fresh ideas – all while enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded individuals.

Official booking will open later in 2025, I’m already compiling a waitlist for anyone interested in reserving a spot early. To express interest, simply send me an email and let me know you’d like to receive advance notice once January 2026 registrations open. With only four spots available each week, space fills up quickly.

I hope you’ll consider joining me for the next session. It’s truly an experience that nurtures both your creativity and your soul—and I can’t wait to welcome you to The Studio.