As local real estate agents in The Hills Shire we often point out that art brings character, community and value to our neighbourhoods. Whether you want to learn to create or simply enjoy creativity, there’s no better time than the latter half of the year to dive in. Here’s what’s on your art radar.
Art classes in The Hills
- Kids and adults: Castle Hill Art Society has been a creative cornerstone since the 1960s and runs workshops for adults plus after-school and Saturday classes for children. There are demonstrations by established artists and an annual exhibition as part of the Orange Blossom Festival in September.
- Lindy Art Studio in West Pennant Hills and Castle Hill offers term classes, holiday workshops and art parties for kids aged 4 to 18. These classes offer supportive and nurturing environments for building skills across multiple media.
- Young Artists art school in Castle Hill has been fostering creativity among children and teens for fifteen years. They offer term-based classes and holiday workshops that inspire and engage junior artists.
- ZenArt, a relatively recent addition to the Hills art scene, offers classes for children from six years old. You can learn more about the curricula at ZenArt classes.
- Eckersley’s Castle Hill also hosts painting, craft and creative workshops. Their in-store schedule makes it easy to join in and explore your creative side eckersleys.com.au.
Art and fun for the grown-ups in The Hills
When you want to get serious about your art – or even if you don’t – you’ll find adults-only art classes in The Hills.
- Sydney Art School – Baulkham Hills studio caters for adults and offers professional drawing and painting classes. With studio-grade lighting casts, statues and anatomical models, it’s ideal for artists wanting to build classical skills.
To make your art class more of an event, why not try one of the ‘paint and sip’ type art classes?
- Pinot + Picasso, a studio in Castle Hill, hosts themed art-and-wine events or you can create your own special night using one of their concept templates. When you’re trying to design a fun night out, check out their art and wine Functions page.
- Paint and Sip Studios in Castle Hill offer a fun night out. You’ll need to prebook, though. Check out their offerings.
Galleries and exhibitions to visit
Within The Hills there are heritage galleries and local hubs that showcase art and history. Several key exhibitions are happening across Sydney this year.
Locally, each year the Castle Hill Art Society hosts its Annual Arts Awards and Exhibition as part of the Orange Blossom Festival in September. It’s a highlight on the local cultural calendar and a chance to admire community art.
Nearby, the Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre in Hornsby is hosting the Hornsby Art Prize 2025 finalists exhibition from 12 to 28 September. It’s free and showcases art from around Australia.
Outside the immediate environs of The Hills, the Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW) and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) have excellent permanent collections and many exhibitions throughout the year.
The annual ARTEXPRESS 2025 exhibition displays outstanding HSC Visual Arts works statewide and runs generally from February to April each year. It’s a wonderful opportunity for HSC art students to see what their contemporaries are creating.
In September at the MCA, Primavera 2025: Young Australian Artists, showcasing work by the next generation, opens 5 September 2025 and runs until March 2026.
Why art matters in The Hills
Art isn’t just decoration. It reflects our collective identity, promotes wellbeing and fosters connection. Classes give people a chance to learn new skills, make friends and tap into creativity. Exhibitions bring diverse voices to our local stage, showcase local talent and spark conversations.
From a real estate perspective and for our community, art means vibrancy. Community art events and local galleries enhance neighbourhood appeal. A home near a thriving arts scene feels more inviting and memorable to visitors and potential buyers.
Whether you’re interested in your next weekend class or planning an outing to an exhibition as the seasons shift, The Hills has creativity for everyone.
Thinking of selling or need selling advice in The Hills?
We have buyers looking for homes in Rouse Hill, Beaumont Hills, Box Hill, Kellyville, North Kellyville and Tallawong. As established real estate agents, we’re here to help. Get in touch today by calling us on 02 8883 0777.
