Art Est Celebration | Sunday 2 February 2025

Join us in the studios of Art Est as we celebrate 17 wonderful years of Art Est.

A message from the Founder and Director of Art Est, Jennifer McNamara:

For the past 17 years, Art Est. Art School has been my passion and my pride. Opening the school in 2008 was one of the most rewarding and fulfilling decisions I have ever made.

Over these years, Art Est. has grown to become so much more than an art school—it has been a space where creativity and community thrived. I feel incredibly fortunate to have shared this space with so many talented tutors, dedicated students, and an extraordinary community of art lovers over the years. Together, we’ve built something special.

Like many in the arts, we’ve faced hurdles in recent years. The combined challenges of reduced consumer spending and rising costs have made it financially unsustainable, despite the resilience and dedication of everyone involved.

After much reflection, I have come to the difficult decision that Art Est. will soon be closing its doors.

I want to take this opportunity to express my absolute gratitude to our tutors, whose talent, passion, and creativity have been at the very heart of Art Est. Thousands of students have trusted you to guide their creative paths and you have inspired them, and me, every step of the way. Our teaching artists have been integral to everything we’ve achieved, and I am incredibly grateful for the contributions you’ve made over the years.

I am enormously proud of what we’ve achieved together. From the countless workshops, term classes, and masterclasses we’ve hosted, to exhibitions by our tutors and students, as well as WOOF! and being the presenting partner of the GreenWay Art Prize, Art Est. has always been about nurturing creativity and connection. We’ve supported local schools and community initiatives, adapted through the challenges of COVID-19, and celebrated the joy of art in so many ways.

While this is the end of an era, it’s also an opportunity to celebrate the incredible legacy we’ve built together. Art Est. has been a place where talents were discovered, friendships were formed, and dreams took flight. I will always treasure the memories and the impact we’ve had on so many lives.

So please join me for a special celebration with students, tutors, and friends of Art Est as we come together to honour the end of an era.

A message from our student community:

Everyone is welcome at this Art Est Community event. The planning is being driven by our students with the following message from Kaye Morehen:

Dear fellow friends of Art Est

As you all know by now Art Est is closing its doors in February. I have known Jen since it’s early days and can’t express how sad I am that this chapter has to close.

BUT it would be wrong if those of us who have enjoyed being part of this community did not come together to say a huge thanks to Jen and her team, and to celebrate all Art Est’s achievements. So please, please join us for a few hours (or even a few minutes) to toast Art Est, its team past and present, its teachers and students, and mostly its amazing director.

Venue: Art Est, 10 Hill St, Leichhardt
Date: Sunday 2 February 2025
Time: 5 to 7pm

Now, Jen is in the middle of a major pack up so hosting a party is difficult. We’re trying to make this a ‘leave no footprint’ event, so please BYO food and drinks and take home what you don’t use!

(If anyone can offer a bit of time with preparation before 5pm that would be amazing. Please send me a text on 0422218400. Please don’t call Jen - she’s got a lot on her plate.)

Look forward to seeing you fellow artists!!

ps - We will also be selling the equipment, furniture, books, and art materials. If there is anything you are interested in buying, please email Art Eest or call 95641519