0478 622 814 | team@pilgrimartists.com
2026 Pilgrim Artists Festival
A small festival of art, music, and words in Tasmania's Huon Valley
Come enjoy our 9th festival of art in the Christian tradition, from 9-18 October 2026. All are welcome.
Our theme: Welcome
This year's event-packed festival runs for ten days at The Kiln Collective, the beautiful restored historic building in Ranelagh, Tasmania. Our festival features practical arts workshops for all and an exhibition of visual, literary, and musical works from artists young and old.
Events and Activities
Check back as events are updated and added.
Festival Details
The entry to our FREE arts exhibition is during open hours at The Kiln Collective(opens in new tab).. That's 10am-3pm, Wed-Sun. Because the festival starts on a Friday, that means the exhibition will be open:
- 10am-3pm, 9 - 11 Oct (Fri-Sun)
- 10am-3pm, 14 - 18 Oct (Wed-Sun)
Come along to see a diverse collection of works on our theme: Welcome. Entry to the exhibition is completely free, but consider making time to order a drink or a nibble from our hosts at The Kiln Collective to support this unique heritage space.
The Pilgrim Artists exhibition is staffed by our docents (art guides) who are happy to help you with your visit. Some works will be available for purchase. You can even cast your vote for your favourite adult and youth pieces in art, music, and literature, to help decide who wins our People's Choice award and other prizes.
During the festival we provide workshops in a variety of artistic disciplines, including writing, music, craft, and visual art. You are welcome to join our workshops, whatever your background. These workshops are tailored to different skill levels, from beginner to advanced, and listed below. Book soon as workshops fill quickly.
We are happy to announce that throughout the festival we will again feature live art from a selection of our Pilgrim Artists. Come watch creatives at work! Check Instagram & Facebook(opens in new tab) for more details.
This festival is child and family-friendly, with activities for all ages. Please note that Pilgrim Hill does not assume responsibility for children who attend the festival. All participants under 18 remain the responsibility of their parents, and participants under 13 need to have a parent or guardian present.
Feel free to contact our team via email, chat, or phone if you have any questions
Friday, 9 October
- Opening Night
5:30pm to 8:30pm
- Celebrate the opening of the 2026 Pilgrim Artists Festival exhibition around the fire-pit on the grounds of The Kiln Collective, Ranelagh.
- All ages welcome. Nibbles free. Hot dogs and beer on tap available from The Kiln.
- Message us to book now as spaces are limited
Saturday, 10 October
- Absolute Beginners Printmaking, for Older Artists
10am to 11:30am — $15 — Adults + Teens (13+)
- Mel Kutuzov shares her love of printmaking with the absolute beginner. Come and learn how to print in ink using techniques you can recreate at home without any specialised equipment.
- This workshop is designed for adults and teens (13+). A second workshop for children is on Wednesday, 14 October from 1:30-3.
- Message us to book now as spaces are limited
- Basics of Composition for Illustration
11:45am to 1:15pm — FREE — Adults + Youth (11+)
- Solid composition is the backbone of beautiful and engaging illustration. Shiloh Longbottom, the artistic force behind Little Tasmanian, teaches you the principles of composition to create your own strong illustrations.
- This workshop is designed for adults, as well as youth 11 and up. Participants under 13 need to have a responsible adult present throughout the workshop.
- Message us to book now as spaces are limited
- Create a Fused Glass Leaf
1:30pm to 3pm — $45 — Adults + Youth
- Experience the intriguing world of fused warm glass with art therapist Melissa ‘Moo’ Lubke in this hands-on workshop. Observe intricate natural leaf colours, patterns and textures, and bring them to your glass using a variety of techniques. It's a quiet way of welcoming the small, overlooked details of creation into something to wear close to the heart.
- Workshop fees cover materials for one fused glass leaf. You are welcome to purchase more on the day. Works will be collected the next day after the kiln heat transforms your creation.
- This class is designed for all ages. Participants under 13 need to have a responsible adult present throughout the workshop.
- Message us to book now as spaces are limited
Sunday, 11 October
- Make Your Own Eco Printed Scarf
10:00am to 11:30am — $45 + silk ($20) or cotton ($5) — Adults + Youth
- Try the enchanting art of eco printing with art therapist Melissa ‘Moo’ Lubke, infusing fabric with the colours and patterns of nature to produce surprising botanical prints. Welcome this organic, spontaneous process, resulting in a unique piece that will be yours to wear for years.
- This class is designed for all ages. Participants under 13 need to have a responsible adult present throughout the workshop.
- Message us to book now as spaces are limited
- Drawing from Life with Pencil, for Older Artists
11:45am to 1:15pm — $4 — Adults + Teens (13+)
- Drawing from life is all about seeing. Join award-wining sketch artist Naomi Kewley and learn to see. Suitable for both new and experienced artists keen to explore sketching a range of objects.This workshop has also been designed to pair well with the following class: Line & Wash Plein-Air Painting.
Naomi's Sunday class is intended for adults and teens (13+). A second workshop for children is on Friday, 16 October from 10-11:30.
Message us to book now as spaces are limited
- Line & Wash Plein-Air Painting
1:30pm to 3pm — $50 — Adults + Teens (13+)
- Begin your journey in an art form that combines crisp pen drawings with loose, beautiful watercolour washes. Relax in the fresh air, embrace wonky sketches, and let your paint bleed beyond the edges — no straight lines required! Margaret Sonnemann teaches this joyful class with Naomi Kewley and Meg Baehr.This workshop has also been designed to pair well with the preceding class: Drawing from Life with Pencil.
The workshop fee covers a 13-item materials kit, with everything you need for the class and beyond, including a Koh-I-Noor 12-watercolour set, pens, pencils, brushes, papers, and more. If you would like to bring your own materials and save the fee, contact us via the link below to discuss.
Message us to book now as spaces are limited
- Publishing Successfully Q&A
3pm to 5pm — FREE — Adults + Youth
- Homegrown cosy fantasy author Christina Baehr has made the leap from self-publisher to agented author with traditional publishing contracts in Europe in only three years and is here to answer your publishing questions. She will also discuss how your expectations can set you up for a positive publishing experience, whatever pathway you choose to pursue.
- This class is designed for all ages. Participants under 13 need to have a responsible adult present throughout the workshop.
- Message us to book now as spaces are limited
Wednesday, 14 October
- Through the Wardrobe — Children's Narnia Story Time
10am to 11:30am — FREE — Children (5+)
- Bring the kids for story time, sit back with a cuppa from The Kiln, and browse our art exhibition. Isaac Lee reads from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis’s classic tale of false and true welcome.
- This offering is designed for children 5-12. Participants under 13 need to have a responsible adult present throughout the reading.
- Message us to book now as spaces are limited
- Introduction to Percussion
11:45am to 1:15pm — FREE — Adults and Youth
- Percussion for absolute beginners, taught by singer-songwriter Isaac Lee.
- This class is designed for all ages. Participants under 13 need to have a responsible adult present throughout the workshop.
- Message us to book now as spaces are limited
- Absolute Beginners Printmaking, for Young Artists
1:30 to 3pm — $15 — Children (6-12)
- Mel Kutuzov shares her love of printmaking with the absolute beginner. Come and learn how to print in ink using techniques you can recreate at home without any specialised equipment.
- This offering is designed for children 6-12. Participants under 13 need to have a responsible adult present throughout the workshop.
- Message us to book now as spaces are limited
- Bookbinding
3pm to 5pm
- With Amy Imms. Check back soon for full details.
Thursday, 15 October
- Pocket-Art Story Pieces
10am to 11:30am — $10 — Adults and Teens (13+)
- Create small, mixed-media objects for 'show & tell' storytelling and personal contemplation. Artist and writer Steve Isham shows us a tactile way to communicate ideas through physical materials as a counterpoint to today's pervasive digital environment.
- This workshop is designed for adults and teens (13+).
- Message us to book now as spaces are limited
- Intro to Improv
11:45 to 1:15pm — FREE — Adults + Youth (10+)
- Master the three basic rules of improv and practice a hilarious selection of acting exercises that you can take with you anywhere. Trained actor Peirce Baehr demonstrates why improv is an excellent skill not only for the stage but also for community life.
- This offering is designed for adults and youth (10+). Participants under 13 need to have a responsible adult present throughout the workshop.
- Message us to book now as spaces are limited
- Dramatic Dialogues and Monologues
1:30 to 3pm — FREE — Adults + Youth (10+)
- Learn how to make bold choices, hone your scenework, match your partner, and ace an audition in this short class by Peirce Baehr.
- This offering is designed for adults and youth (10+). Participants under 13 need to have a responsible adult present throughout the workshop.
- Message us to book now as spaces are limited
- Watercolour Landscape Painting
3pm to 5pm — $35 — Adults + Youth
- Local landscape artist, Eleanor Ann, gives a fun and informative introduction to watercolour painting. Learn the basics or grow confident in your technique while transforming your own photograph into a memorable watercolour artwork.
- The workshop fee includes a take-home 12 pan watercolour set + brush. Please bring 2-3 clear photographs of your favourite landscapes to work from, printed or on phone.
- This class is designed for all ages. Participants under 13 need to have a responsible adult present throughout the workshop.
- Message us to book now as spaces are limited
Friday, 16 October
- Singing for Joy
10am to 11:30am — FREE — Adults + Youth
- Local singer-songwriter Isaac Lee shares a collection of simple exercises to help your voice soar.
- This class is designed for all ages. Participants under 13 need to have a responsible adult present throughout the workshop.
- Message us to book now as spaces are limited
- Drawing from Life with Pencil, for Young Artists
11:45am to 1:15pm — $4 — Children (6-12)
- Join award-wining sketch artists Naomi Kewley for a youth-focused workshop where young creatives will learn to see through sketching.
- This workshop is designed for youth aged 6 to 12. Participants under 13 need to have a responsible adult present throughout the workshop.
- Message us to book now as spaces are limited
- Conducting Interviews for Print
1:30pm to 3pm — FREE — Adults + Teens (13+)
- Journalist Emma Wilkins, whose work has been published with The Guardian, ABC Online, and The Centre for Public Christianity, shares reflections on what she’s learned about interviewing both strangers and friends over the years. Her advice when it comes to preparation and presentation might surprise you. Come prepared to ask—and answer—questions!
- Message us to book now as spaces are limited
- Unexpected Outcomes with Recycled Materials
3pm to 5pm — $5 — Adults + Youth (11+)
- Sculptor Seth Isham will work with you and a range of recycled materials, creatively exploring how many everyday objects can be redeemed and transformed into art. Working both collaboratively and individually we will be transforming colourful plastic into mini sculptural gardens. See this as an opportunity to creatively play with materials and a chance to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of art making.
- This workshop is designed for adults, as well as youth 11 and up. Participants under 13 need to have a responsible adult present throughout the workshop.
- Message us to book now as spaces are limited
Saturday, 17 October
- Life Drawing with Costumes
10am to 11:30am — FREE — Adults + Teens (13+)
- Bring your sketchbooks for a casual session of figure drawing featuring live models in a variety of costumes; a non-instructional opportunity to experience the energy of a live session and capture dynamic characters, drapery, and designs. BYO drawing materials.
- Message us to book now as spaces are limited
- An Invitation to Linger with Poetry
11:45am to 1:15pm — $15 — Adults and Teens (15+)
- Poet Jacqueline Law explores how the art of diction and word choice are fundamental to poetry. Prepare to get meta-linguistic about words and be encouraged to make better choices that serve your work.
- Message us to book now as spaces are limited
- Origami Dragons
1:30pm to 3pm — FREE — Adults + Teens (13+)
- Origami enthusiast Evelyn Baehr teaches you how to make an origami dragon. Whether you're yet to craft your first crane or you've mastered all the basic forms and want something new, you are welcome to join.
- Message us to book now as spaces are limited
Sunday, 18 October
- Wreath Making
10 am to 11:30am — $10 — Adults + Youth
- Learn how to make a wreath! Join Miriam Kewley in this fun workshop where we construct a seasonal wreath from materials collected in our Australian bush. Materials provided, but bring along a pair of secateurs.
- This workshop is designed for adults, as well as youth 11 and up. Participants under 13 need to have a responsible adult present throughout the workshop.
- Message us to book now as spaces are limited
- Stories of Welcome
1pm to 4pm — FREE — Adults + Youth
- Join us for a public reading and vote on this year's literary finalists in fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Three short but powerful pieces from each category and age group (child, teen, and adult) have been selected by our curators. Now it's your turn to decide which ones win the top prize.
Participants under 13 need to have a responsible adult present throughout the workshop.
Getting Here
The 2026 Pilgrim Artists Festival is being held in the Huon Valley at The Kiln Collective, the beautifully restored historic building in Ranelagh (2 Louisa St, Ranelagh TAS 7109(opens in new tab)), just 35 minutes from Hobart.
Our Sponsors
We are grateful for all of our sponsors! Click a logo to visit a sponsor and find out more.
Featured artwork and posters by Thomas Devenish of Blue Robin Design