Creative Spaces

Creative Spaces 2022 title
Creative Spaces 2024-25

The Central Coast boasts a vibrant community of talented makers and creators

And, it's for this reason Creative Spaces was born. Designed to foster innovation and creativity, the gallery container at Toukley Village Green will provide an exciting space for selected artists to exhibit and connect with the community through creative workshops, talks, collaborations with other artists and installations throughout the year.

Photo by Isaac Tseng

 

Toukley Gallery container with doors open showing installation work
Susan Merchant at the Toukley Gallery Container for Creative Spaces
Image credit to Aaron Leslie

Introducing Susan Merchant

From 15 September to 30 November 2025, creativity takes centre stage at Toukley Village Green!

Local visual artist Susan Merchant will transform the Gallery Container at Toukley into a vibrant hub of inspiration during her artist residency. Dive into the world of hand lettering through intimate, hands-on workshops led by Susan herself.

But that’s just the beginning! She’ll be joined by a powerhouse lineup of local talent including Margaret Lukas, Ngaere from NWB Design, and Cat Martin, who together will deliver a dynamic mix of creative experiences. From meeting the artists to making your own masterpieces, this is your chance to be part of something truly special.  
 

What's On

Susan Merchant school holiday

29 Sept-12 Oct

 From stencil pencil cases and watercolour birthday cards to magnet marketing and mini terracotta pot letting, Susan has a range of creative craft activities starting at 10am and running every 30 minutes until 4pm.  
Opening Times: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sun 10am-1pm.

13 Oct-19 Oct

Monday, 10am-2pm: Meet the Maker: Ngaere from NWB Design. 
Tuesday, 10am-2pm: 10.30am casual creative class.
Wednesday, 10am-4pm: 11am homeschool learn to letter & 3-4pm After school learn to letter. 
Thursday, 10am-2pm: 11am Adult learn to letter. 
Friday, 10am-2pm: 10am Spring Floral Wreath Workshop. 
Saturday: Closed
Sunday, 9am-4pm: Morning markets. 1.30pm learn to letter workshop

Hand lettering photo by Aaron Leslie

20 Oct-26 Oct

Monday, 10am-2pm: Meet the Maker: Margaret Lukas
Tuesday, 10am-2pm: 10.30am casual creative class.
Wednesday, 10am-4pm: 11am homeschool learn to letter & 3-4pm After school learn to letter. 
Thursday, 10am-2pm: 11am Adult learn to letter. 
Friday, 10am-2pm: Meet the maker: Susan Merchant
Saturday: Closed
Sunday, 9am-4pm: Morning markets. 1.30pm felt workshop with Gail

Susan Merchant by Aaron Leslie

27 Oct-2 Nov

Monday, 10am-2pm: Meet the maker: Susan Merchant
Tuesday, 10am-2pm: 10.30am casual creative class.
Wednesday, 10am-4pm: 11am homeschool learn to letter & 3-4pm After school learn to letter. 
Thursday, 10am-2pm: 11am Adult learn to letter. 
Friday, 10am-2pm: Meet the maker: Susan Merchant
Saturday: Closed
Sunday, 9am-4pm: Morning markets. 1.30pm Macrame hair organiser workshop

Susan Merchant by Aaron Leslie

3 Nov-9 Nov

Monday, 10am-2pm: Meet the Maker: Margaret Lukas
Tuesday, 10am-2pm: 10.30am casual creative class.
Wednesday, 10am-4pm: 11am homeschool learn to letter & 3-4pm After school learn to letter. 
Thursday, 10am-2pm: 11am Adult learn to letter. 
Friday, 10am-2pm: Meet the maker: Susan Merchant
Saturday: Closed
Sunday, 9am-4pm: Morning markets. 1.30pm Collage workshop with Cat Martin

Susan Merchant

10 Nov-16 Nov

Monday, 10am-2pm: Meet the Maker: Ngaere from NWB Design
Tuesday, 10am-2pm: 10.30am casual creative class.
Wednesday, 10am-4pm: 11am homeschool learn to letter & 3-4pm After school learn to letter. 
Thursday, 10am-2pm: 11am Adult learn to letter. 
Friday, 10am-2pm: Meet the maker: Susan Merchant
Saturday: Closed
Sunday, 9am-4pm: Morning markets. 1.30pm Watercolour workshop

Susan Merchant letting workshop

17 Nov-23 Nov

Monday, 10am-2pm: Meet the Maker: Cat Martin
Tuesday, 10am-2pm: 10.30am casual creative class.
Wednesday, 10am-4pm: 11am homeschool learn to letter & 3-4pm After school learn to letter. 
Thursday, 10am-2pm: 11am Adult learn to letter. 
Friday, 10am-2pm: Meet the maker: Susan Merchant
Saturday: Closed
Sunday, 9am-4pm: Morning markets. 1.30pm Christmas Wreath Workshop with Juniper's Bloom

Susan Merchant student

Past artist residencies

Debra Meier

A highly respected watercolour artist who draws inspiration from the natural abundance around her, from painting the local Yellow-tailed Black cockatoos, to capturing the vibrancy of the Australian flora around her home.

David Hough

A local sculptor who specialises in sculpture work, drawing his knowledge from a life of heritage plasterwork to a world of sculptural art. David created sculpture pieces for your home, and also partakes in jewellery making.

Grace Agnes

A local painter and photographer who blends her Fijian and Australian roots together to draw inspiration for her artwork. Her work explores the themes of self-discovery, beauty, culture and nature.