Where Creativity is AbsoluteLee Endless
Term One 2026
Classes
Inspiring art classes for children and those young at heart, from playful discovery to skill-building and self-expression. Led by a registered art teacher, each session is hands-on, engaging, and confidence-boosting.
Maximum 8 students per class to ensure each artist gets genuine one-on-one attention, plenty of space to create, and personalised guidance throughout every project. This small-group environment keeps sessions calm, engaging, and supportive—so every learner feels confident, inspired, and able to grow at their own pace.
8 week term classes start 2nd February 2026
Please note: No classes 23rd - 27th February
8 week term classes end 1st April 2026
5 week adult classes start 3rd March 2026 and end 31st March 2026
Early Explorers
5-7 years
1 hour
8 weeks - $240
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Focus: Playful discovery of art through imagination, colour, and texture.
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Approach: Hands-on, sensory-rich activities that spark curiosity.
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Skills: Developing fine motor control, experimenting with materials, and expressing big ideas in simple ways.
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Atmosphere: Fun, nurturing, and confidence-building.
Young Creators
8-10 years
1.5 hours
8 weeks - $300
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Focus: Expanding creativity and learning core art techniques.
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Approach: Guided projects with room for personal expression.
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Skills: Building drawing, painting, and design skills; exploring themes and storytelling through art.
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Atmosphere: Encouraging independence, collaboration, and pride in finished artworks.
Creative Learners
11-15 years
1.5 hours
8 weeks - $300
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Focus: Deeper exploration of art forms, techniques, and personal style.
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Approach: Project-based learning with opportunities for experimentation and refinement.
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Skills: Developing technical ability, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving.
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Atmosphere: Supportive space for self-expression, confidence, and preparing for more advanced creative journeys.
Artsy Home Away
From Home
8-14 years
1.5 hours
8 weeks - $300
Our home-school art classes offer a fun, engaging space for young creators to learn about inspiring artists from Aotearoa and beyond. Students get to dive into painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media, and more - trying out techniques that bring each lesson to life. It’s a relaxed, supportive environment where creativity thrives.
AbsoluteLee Amateur
Adults
16-110 years
1.5 hours
5 weeks - $200
A relaxed, welcoming art class designed for adults who simply want to create. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or someone returning to art after years away, each session offers space to unwind, explore new techniques, and enjoy the process of making. No pressure, no experience needed—just a love of being creative.
Enrol Now
Coming 2026
AbsoluteLee Artsy
Birthday Parties - Coming Soon
Celebrate with colour, creativity, and fun! Our art parties are fully customised for your child, with activities tailored to their age, interests, and theme. Guests enjoy exciting games like Pass the Paint Parcel, Pin the Brush on the Artist, and Art Pictionary, plus creative stations such as Magic Paint Reveal or Art-in-a-Box Challenges.
The birthday guests help create a collaborative artwork that is framed as a keepsake; additionally, every guest takes home their own masterpiece. With art-themed decorations and personalised touches, no two parties are ever the same — making it a celebration as unique as your child.
Values
Creativity & Imagination
We nurture original ideas and celebrate the joy of self-expression.
Growth & Confidence
Every child develops skills at their own pace in a supportive, encouraging space.
Connection & Collaboration
We build friendships and teamwork through shared art experiences.
Exploration & Curiosity
We encourage playful discovery, experimentation, and problem-solving.
Joy & Celebration
Art is about fun, laughter, and making memories that last.
Individuality & Uniqueness
Every child’s work is valued as one-of-a-kind, just like them.
About Me
Founder & Art Educator
Lee Smillie (Stewart)
My love of art began in high school when I chose School Certificate Art in Form 6, inspired by my teacher, Mr. Blackie, at Menzies College. From there, I pursued my passion through a year of Visual Arts at SIT, followed by a course in Computer Graphic Design.
After starting a family, I began creating and selling my own work—completing and selling over 100 paintings. My journey then led me into teaching, where I completed a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) and have spent the past 12 years working with Year 3–8 students. For the last 10 years, I have been the specialist art teacher at St John’s Girls’ School, where I’ve been fortunate to combine my love of art with my passion for education.
Starting my own school of art has been a long-held dream. I wanted to create a space where people can experiment with a wide range of mediums, learn techniques that build their skills, and most importantly, discover and grow their love of art outside the classroom.
I love creating, experimenting, and sharing new ideas, but what brings me the most joy is inspiring young people to find their spark and take pride in their own creations.
