Finding the best art schools in New Plymouth comes down to how you want to learn, whether that is a weekly painting class, a hands-on workshop, private tuition or a full arts qualification. Art classes in New Plymouth cover drawing, acrylic and mixed media painting, pottery and design, for children, teenagers and adults at every skill level. Jayeta Valentine runs structured term classes from her Vogeltown studio, and Academy of Dance Taranaki has added a purpose-built art studio for young artists on Devon Street East.
1Jayeta Valentine Art Classes
Jayeta Valentine is a fine artist working in acrylic and mixed media who teaches weekly art classes and one-day workshops from Vogeltown in New Plymouth. Her classes are structured around pre-planned exercises and suit adults at all skill levels, from first-timers to returning painters.
Services
- Weekly morning art classes (Wednesday or Thursday)
- Weekly evening art classes (Wednesday or Thursday)
- One-day art workshops
- Private group and corporate art events for 8 to 40 people
Highlights
- Nine-week terms, with each weekday running a different programme
- All art materials supplied
- Published term fee of $340 per person
- Taught by a working acrylic and mixed media artist
Location & Contact
Name: Jayeta Valentine Art Classes
Address: 49 Huatoki Street, Vogeltown, New Plymouth 4310
Phone: 021 881 319
Website: jayetavalentine.com
2AOD Art Classes (Academy of Dance Taranaki)
Academy of Dance Taranaki runs AOD Art Classes for young artists of every age in a purpose-built art studio downstairs at its Devon Street East premises. Classes are held every Wednesday and are taught by art educator Ben Peacocke, co-owner of the academy, making them a practical choice for families whose children already dance there.
Services
- Weekly children’s and youth art classes
- Drawing and painting for beginners and experienced young artists
- Bookable trial art class
- School holiday programmes
- Acting classes and dance tuition at the same premises
Highlights
- Art teacher with over 30 years of teaching experience across Australia, China and South-East Asia
- Former Head of Visual Art at the International School of Brunei, with International Baccalaureate teaching experience
- Studio fitted out specifically for art classes
- Parking directly outside for easy drop-off and pick-up
Location & Contact
Name: Academy of Dance Taranaki (AOD Art Classes)
Address: 207 Devon Street East, New Plymouth 4310
Phone: 027 356 8203
Website: academyofdance.co.nz/art-classes
3Charlotte Giblin Art
Charlotte Giblin is a New Plymouth-based contemporary artist and art tutor specialising in realistic drawing and acrylic painting with palette knife and brush. She offers in-person private art tuition and group demonstrations, alongside online resources for students who want to keep learning between sessions.
Services
- In-person private art tuition
- Group sessions and demonstrations in acrylic painting and drawing
- Art mentoring and professional coaching
Highlights
- Free acrylic painting and drawing tutorial videos on her YouTube channel
- Author of the Artist’s Manual, a how-to guide to acrylic materials, techniques and colour mixing
- Palette-knife painting is a teaching specialty
- Working artist whose portfolio spans portraiture, native New Zealand birds and landscapes
- Studio and gallery visits by appointment
Location & Contact
Name: Charlotte Giblin Art
Address: New Plymouth
Phone: 021 158 2895
Website: charlottegiblin.com
4The Collaboration
The Collaboration is a gallery and retail space in Ngāmotu, New Plymouth, that runs creative workshops hosted by local artists and makers. Workshops are open to the public, with school holiday sessions for children and teens, and can also be booked privately for groups and corporate team building.
Services
- Public pottery and painting workshops
- Resin art, jewellery making and illustration workshops
- School holiday workshops for children and teens
- Custom group workshops and corporate team building
- Gallery hire for private events
Highlights
- Workshops led by local artists and makers who exhibit or sell through the gallery
- Aspiring Artist Programme giving young local artists the chance to exhibit and learn alongside established artists
- Workshops can be run at the gallery or taken to your workplace or venue
Location & Contact
Name: The Collaboration
Address: 83 Devon Street East, New Plymouth
Phone: 027 313 7500
Website: thecollaborationnz.nz
5Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT)
WITT is Taranaki’s public tertiary institute, and its Bell Street campus in New Plymouth is where to study art for a recognised qualification rather than as a hobby. Its arts and design programmes run from a one-semester Level 4 certificate through to a three-year Bachelor of Design and Arts majoring in Visual Arts, with full-time and part-time options.
Services
- New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4), covering drawing, painting and digital media
- New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 5)
- New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 6)
- Bachelor of Design and Arts (Level 7), Visual Arts major
Highlights
- Studio-based courses with internship opportunities in the degree programme
- Part-time study options on the certificate and diplomas
- Clear pathway from certificate to degree, with each diploma forming a year of the bachelor’s programme
Location & Contact
Name: Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT)
Address: 20 Bell Street, New Plymouth 4312
Phone: 06 757 3100
Website: witt.ac.nz/study/arts-and-design-creative/arts-and-design
Art Schools in New Plymouth at a Glance
| Business | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Jayeta Valentine Art Classes | Nine-week terms, with each weekday running a different programme |
| AOD Art Classes (Academy of Dance Taranaki) | Art teacher with over 30 years of teaching experience across Australia |
| Charlotte Giblin Art | Free acrylic painting and drawing tutorial videos on her YouTube channel |
| The Collaboration | Workshops led by local artists and makers who exhibit or sell through... |
| Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT) | Studio-based courses with internship opportunities in the degree prog... |
How to Choose the Right Art School in New Plymouth
- Match the format to your goal: weekly term classes build skills steadily, one-day workshops suit a taster or a group outing, private tuition targets specific problems, and a certificate or degree suits anyone planning a creative career.
- Check the age group: some art classes are designed for children and teens, while others are aimed at adults and older students.
- Ask about mediums: confirm whether the class covers the medium you want, such as acrylic, watercolour, mixed media, drawing or pottery.
- Confirm what is included: ask whether materials are supplied or whether you need to buy your own paints, brushes and paper.
- Consider timing and location: look at class days, morning versus evening sessions, term length and parking, especially if you are fitting classes around work or school pick-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Plymouth Art Schools
How much do art classes in New Plymouth cost?
Prices vary with format. Weekly term classes are usually charged per term, one-day workshops per session, and private tuition per hour or per session. Some tutors publish their fees online and others quote on enquiry, so check whether materials are included when comparing prices.
Are there art classes for children in New Plymouth?
Yes. Several providers run weekly after-school art classes and school holiday workshops for children and teens. Ask about the age range for each class and whether a trial session is available before committing to a full term.
Can adult beginners join an art class?
Most adult art classes welcome complete beginners. Structured classes that work through set exercises are a good starting point, because each session builds on the last and all the planning is done for you.
Where can I study art for a qualification in Taranaki?
For a formal qualification, look for a provider offering New Zealand Certificates and Diplomas in Arts and Design or a bachelor’s degree. You can check that a tertiary provider and its programmes are approved on the New Zealand Qualifications Authority website.
Is financial help available for tertiary art study?
Eligible students studying an approved programme may be able to get student loans and allowances. Details on eligibility and how to apply are on the StudyLink website.
Where are art classes held around New Plymouth?
Art classes in New Plymouth are spread between the city centre, particularly along Devon Street East, and home or private studios in suburbs such as Vogeltown. If you are travelling from elsewhere in Taranaki, check parking and whether the tutor offers online options between sessions.
What is the difference between an art workshop and an art course?
A workshop is usually a single session focused on one project or technique, such as a pottery piece or a painting, and suits groups and first-timers. A course runs over several weeks or a full term and builds skills progressively, while a tertiary programme adds theory, critique and a recognised qualification.
Can I book a private art workshop for a group?
Yes. Several New Plymouth artists and studios run private workshops for birthdays, staff events and team building. Group sizes, venues and pricing are usually arranged on enquiry, so contact the provider with your numbers and preferred date.
How We Chose the Best Art Schools in New Plymouth
Every business in this guide was found by searching for art schools in New Plymouth, then checked against what the business publishes itself: its own website, or where it has none, its official social or booking page. Names, addresses and phone numbers come from those pages rather than a directory feed, so what you see here is what the business says about itself. We also check that each one is still trading and is actually based in or genuinely serving New Plymouth, rather than a national operator running a local landing page. A business we can’t confirm from its own pages is not listed.