Slow down and create. Creativity • meditation • tranquility.

One Sunday a month, Nan Tien Art Gallery invites you to step out of the rush and spend a whole day making art, mindfully. Set within the serene grounds of Nan Tien, each retreat weaves gentle, guided art-making with meditation, introduction of , and quiet time in the gardens.

Each month explores a different art form with a featured artist — from mindful drawing and watercolour to clay, calligraphy and more. Alongside the art, each retreat introduces a different meditation practice — tea meditation, coffee meditation, walking meditation and more — a simple ritual of presence you can carry into everyday life. The day follows the same unhurried rhythm throughout: settle and breathe, look slowly, create, rest, create again, and share as much or as little as you wish.

No art or meditation experience is needed — the day is about presence, not perfection. All materials are included.

Lunch is not included — the on-site café offers a range of vegetarian meals during the lunch break.

Ages 16+, all welcome.

Places are limited to 20, so early booking is recommended.

One-Sunday-a-month 10.00 am – 4.30 pm

Nan Tien Art Gallery: 231 Nolan Street, Unanderra NSW 2526

$80 / $60 concession / $60 early bird

For enquiry: art.gallery@nantien.org.au

Art & Wellbeing Retreat - Mindful Doodling with Venerable Youji

Venerable Youji is an artist, holistic counsellor, and creative arts therapist blending contemplative practice with artistic expression. Trained in the Diploma of Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapy, she works across visual art, sound, and sculpture to help others process and heal what words alone can't reach — through one-on-one sessions, group workshops, and original creative work.

Join Venerable Youji for the Sunday of Mindful Doodling — simple, meditative drawing paired with the gentle practice of tea meditation. One breath, one line, one cup at a time.

Bean Art

Join us for a Sunday of Bean Art — creating textured artworks from beans and seeds, paired with the calming practice of sound meditation. Simple materials, mindful listening, one piece at a time.

Nature Art

Spend a Sunday exploring nature's own patterns — crafting a natural mandala and a handmade incense holder, guided by the quiet focus of incense art meditation.