The Art Room

I’ve found my tribe and happy place! Such a fantastic space in which to create. The tutors are amazing artists who inspire and motivate and there is a plethora of classes that give breadth and depth to new, emerging and experienced artists. A nurturing community that is welcoming to all.

Such a wonderful place, just being there is inspiring and replenishing. Great teachers and resources.

"Transcribing the Masters" - Fran O'Neill's excellent presentations and critiques introduced us to new ways of looking at the Old Masters - encouraging us to explore and take our drawings to another level. Hope this course will run again.

I'm so thrilled to have discovered this place. Erika is a wonderful, generous teacher, and their life drawing sessions have become integral to my week. There is always something exiting happening with their calendar of events. The staff are so welcoming and create a real sense of community.

If I could get the pegs into the ground I would pitch a tent and sleep at the Art Room. Quite possibly the best Life Drawing in Melbourne! If you're looking for an amazing space to express your creativity with like-minded individuals, then stop looking, the search is over! Whether you're a hardcore professional wanting to study the human form or a complete beginner wanting to level up your skills, the Art Room is THE place to do it!

The Art Room is a special community which I am so happy to have discovered several years ago. As an aspiring artist The Art Room is vital to the ongoing development of my art practice. The encouragement, care, wisdom and nurturing in a supportive environment is truly inspirational. Erika Gofton is not only a talented artist but a fantastic teacher who enjoys inspiring those to do better. I love my time at The Art Room attending Open Studio and always come away inspired.

Two years ago I undertook the Foundation Drawing 1 Class with Erika Cofton and I loved it!

I loved it so much that I returned this year to repeat the process and was extremely happy with my decision. Erika had a lot of different art practices and theories to explore so I didn’t feel like I was repeating the course although some of the practices and more complex concepts were good to revisit and solidify my understandings.

Erika’s teaching style is incredibly supportive, engaging and relaxed. Her art knowledge, both theoretical and practical are extensive. A great artist with a humbling approach to her teaching as she’s down-to-earth and approachable. I have chronic pain syndrome and assumed I’d miss out on some of the classes but I didn’t miss one! Erika is inclusive and helped me overcome some of my physical limitations which was very thoughtful.

The classes were always fulfilling, well structured and thoroughly engaging.

My confidence and commitment with drawing has improved so much that I’m now enrolled in Foundation Drawing 2!

The Art Room is such a nourishing place for developing my art practice, I feel very lucky to have found it. The genuine commitment to every student and high professional standard for all the teaching is at the heart of this. I have been to a wide range of workshops and sessions at the Art Room over the past 3+ years and it continues to evolve to meet the new needs that students express. Its exciting to come and see whats happening next! Thankyou Erika and Ilona for all the work and thought you put in to our development.

Amazing learning experience, great environment and atmosphere. I have done 3 courses there so far and gained so much knowledge (and confidence).

I really love the colour mixing workshop! It helps me enriching what I thought I have known and in fact I don’t know. Erica is a fantastic artist and a knowledgeable tutor. The Art Room is a very cosy, artist friendly place where you can stretch yourself! Will definitely continue to go there!

Thank you so much Erica! It was a fabulous and informative day.you’re a great teacher and I learnt so much! I can definitely say I am now confident and inspired to be playing with colour.

I've been going to art classes at The Art Room on and off now for about three years. Now I'm there every week. Working with Erica Gofton has been a gift that just keeps on giving. Her teaching is about real application and helping you to understand the method of what she's teaching you as opposed to just showing you. It's quite surreal. I always leave a class with learning something new and valuable that adds another dimension to any piece I'm working on.

Honestly this is the best place to do life drawing in Melbourne. It’s a big beautiful space with a mezzanine and beautiful light. Sessions run smoothly with nice music. It’s serious but relaxed at the same time, there is tea and coffee with gold coin donations and a nice little courtyard to enjoy the sun during the breaks. It’s all level, everyone is welcome. Tutor Erika is super nice and made this place what it is, just great.
There is also lots of different really good workshops to explore/learn/play: photography, abstract painting, « what I wish I learned at art school », color mixing etc.
And also, there is sthg called open studios where you go work on your project in the Artroom and Erika is here to tutor you.
Being a pretty « regular » at life drawing I buy the 6 sessions for $100 which works out at 16.5 for 2 intense hours of drawing, untutored although Erika is always happy to help.so those are to use whenever you want really (not sure if there is an expiry date). It would actually make a great present for anyone who wants to try it and get better at drawing or developing a style. You get over it that the person in front of you is naked pretty quickly. It’s a quite open minding experience.
Just make sure to book a couple of days in advance to save your spot as it can get booked out pretty quickly on Saturday morning session especially. For trying, Wednesday nights are much quieter but as good. Some people prefer it. Well anyway, just to say that we, in the West are so lucky to have the Artroom. It’s such a great place and community. I’ve been coming on and off for a year now, since they moved in the new address on Hyde st and it’s been fantastic every time. So so so grateful