Art by Ancourage Open Studio is a free quarterly community event at the Bishan and Woodlands studios where families can try hands-on art activities, view a student exhibition, meet instructors, and explore different art mediums — all with no registration or cost.
At the last Open Studio, a five-year-old spent forty-five minutes completely absorbed in watercolour painting. Her mum kept checking the time, worried they would miss lunch. "Can we come back next week?" she asked. That is the reaction Art by Ancourage hopes for.
If you cannot wait for the next Open Studio, book a trial class ($18) at Bishan or Woodlands — it is a full lesson in a small group of 3–6, not a demonstration, and there is no obligation to enrol.
What to Expect
Art by Ancourage Open Studio events run for about three hours on selected weekends, with multiple activity stations, a student art exhibition, and time to speak with instructors. You can expect:
Hands-On Mini Activities
Art by Ancourage sets up several activity stations where children (and parents) can try different art techniques. Past activities have included:
- Watercolour postcards: Learn basic wash techniques and create a take-home piece
- Clay sculpting: Shape simple figures using air-dry clay
- Collage making: Combine textures and colours using recycled materials
- Sketching basics: Quick exercises in observation and line drawing
Each activity takes about 15-20 minutes, so families can try multiple stations during their visit. Art by Ancourage teachers guide every activity, offering tips and encouragement along the way.
Student Art Exhibition
One of the highlights is seeing work created by Art by Ancourage students. The exhibition displays pieces from various programmes:
- Paintings and drawings from the Explorative Art Classes
- Creative projects from Crafty Corner (ages 3-5)
- Portfolio pieces from students preparing for DSA applications
- Work from the Professional Fine Art Classes track
Parents often share that they are amazed at what their kids can do. One mother said, "I had no idea my son could paint like that!" For younger visitors, seeing what older students create can be really inspiring.
Meet the Teachers
Art by Ancourage instructors are available throughout the event to chat with parents. You can ask about:
- Which programme might suit your child's age and interests
- How Art by Ancourage structures lessons and what materials are used
- The approach to nurturing creativity while building technical skills
- Class schedules and availability
There is no pressure to sign up on the spot. Art by Ancourage wants families to make informed decisions, and Open Studio is simply about getting to know the team and programmes.
Who Should Attend
Open Studio is designed for any family curious about art education — whether you are new to Art by Ancourage or already enrolled. It welcomes families exploring creative enrichment alongside academic education. It is designed for:
- Families considering art classes: See the space, meet the team, and let your child try a few activities before committing to a programme
- Current students and their families: Celebrate what your child has achieved and introduce friends to the Art by Ancourage community
- Anyone curious about art: Even if you are not sure about formal classes, you are welcome to drop by and create something
Children of all ages are welcome. Art by Ancourage typically sets up activities suitable for ages 3 and up, with separate stations for younger children and more detailed projects for older kids.
What to Bring
Just yourselves — Art by Ancourage provides all materials and equipment at no cost. Wear something that can handle a bit of paint (aprons are available, but kids will be kids). Bring your phone if you want photos of your child's creations.
There is no registration fee. Activities are free for all visitors.
Event Locations
Art by Ancourage runs Open Studio events at both the Bishan and Woodlands centres, making it accessible for families across Singapore. There are two convenient locations: the Bishan centre at 152 Bishan St.11 (10-minute walk from Bishan MRT), and the Woodlands centre at Vista Point (near Woodlands South MRT). Visit the locations page for detailed directions, parking information, and maps to each centre.
How to Get There
Both Art by Ancourage studios are accessible by MRT and bus, with the Bishan centre within walking distance of Bishan MRT (NS17/CC15) and the Woodlands centre near Woodlands South MRT (TE3).
- Bishan: 152 Bishan St 11, #01-215. From Bishan Bus Interchange, take bus 54, 56, or 410G (2 stops). From Bishan MRT, it is approximately a 10-minute walk. Limited HDB parking is available nearby
- Woodlands: Vista Point, 548 Woodlands Drive 44, #02-16. The mall is a short walk from Woodlands South MRT (TE3) and has its own car park. Bus services 903 and 911 stop nearby
For detailed step-by-step walking directions with photos, see the locations page.
What Parents Can Do During Open Studio
Parents are welcome to participate in activities alongside their children, observe from the side, or chat with the Art by Ancourage instructors — there is no prescribed role.
If your child is engaged at an activity station, it is a good time to speak with an instructor about which programme might suit their age and interests. Ask about how lessons are structured, what materials are covered at each level, and how progress is tracked. Instructors can show examples of student work from different programme stages — Crafty Corner (ages 3–5), Explorative (ages 9+), and Professional Fine Art — so you can see the progression path clearly.
If your child seems hesitant initially, that is normal. The activity stations are designed to be low-pressure — there is no right or wrong result, and instructors are experienced at encouraging first-time visitors without pushing.
Upcoming Open Studio Dates
Art by Ancourage typically holds Open Studio events once per quarter on a Saturday afternoon — dates are announced on social media and the mailing list.
To stay updated:
- Follow Art by Ancourage on Instagram @artbyancourage
- Send a WhatsApp message to +65 8849 8106 to be added to the announcement list
What Happens After Open Studio
Many families who attend Open Studio go on to enrol in one of Art by Ancourage's structured programmes — and the transition is easy because you have already met the teachers and seen the space. For younger children (ages 3–5), Crafty Corner is a natural next step after enjoying the hands-on activities. Older children often move into Explorative Art Classes or Professional Fine Art Classes. Students preparing for Direct School Admission can join the DSA portfolio programme.
If your child shows strong interest in art after Open Studio, it is worth reading about why art education matters for academic and creative development, and whether a DSA pathway through Visual Arts might be right for them.
Cannot Wait for Open Studio?
If you would like to explore Art by Ancourage's programmes before the next Open Studio, trial classes are $18. You can book a session in any of the art programmes and experience a full lesson before deciding. Book at Bishan or Woodlands — whichever is more convenient.
Questions about Open Studio or Art by Ancourage's art programmes? WhatsApp Art by Ancourage anytime. The team looks forward to seeing you at the next event.
See you at the next one. Bring old clothes.
Common Questions About Art Open Studio
Do I need to register for Open Studio?
No registration required — just drop by during the event hours. However, following Art by Ancourage on Instagram @artbyancourage or messaging on WhatsApp ensures you do not miss the date announcement.
What ages is Open Studio suitable for?
Art by Ancourage welcomes children ages 3 and up. Activities are set up at different stations with varying complexity levels, so both younger children and older kids find appropriate creative challenges.
Is there a cost to attend?
Open Studio activities are completely free. Art by Ancourage provides all materials. It is the team's way of introducing families to art education without any commitment pressure.
What if we want to sign up for regular classes after Open Studio?
The Art by Ancourage teachers are happy to discuss enrolment on the day. You can also check current pricing and available timeslots online, or book a trial class ($18) for a more focused assessment of which programme level suits your child.
What if my child is shy or anxious about trying art?
Open Studio is deliberately low-pressure — there is no expectation to produce anything specific, and activities are designed so that any result looks good. Instructors are experienced with hesitant first-timers and will gently encourage without pushing. Parents can participate alongside their child at any station. Many of Art by Ancourage's most engaged long-term students were initially reluctant visitors at their first Open Studio.
Can we drop by for just 30 minutes?
Absolutely. Open Studio is a drop-in event — there is no fixed start time or minimum stay. Some families spend the full three hours trying every station, while others visit for one or two activities and leave. Each activity station takes about 15–20 minutes, so even a 30-minute visit gives time to try at least one activity and see the student exhibition.
Related: Holiday Art Programmes · Art Classes Cost Guide · Art Classes in Bishan · Art Enrichment in Woodlands