Our gallery features a series of dynamic public programs for children and adults.
Gallery public programs
First Nations weaving workshop
Sunday 14 June
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
10am—12pm
Come and learn about First Nations weaving techniques with an artist from The Torch, surrounded by the amazing works on display in the Confined 17 exhibition. Listen to the artist’s family’s stories about the cultural tradition of weaving and learn how to make a woven basket or a piece of jewellery.
Suitable for adults. Tickets: $7
Bookings required.
All materials supplied.
Live Sunday Sessions: John James
Sunday 14 June
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
2pm and 3pm (two 45-minute sessions)
John James is a dynamic First Nations Wiradjuri singer/songwriter from Sydney whose sound spans alternative rock to R&B. He has already made a name for
himself in the industry, with three hit songs that have appeared on both Apple Music and Spotify Playlists.
His first single, WAKE, was featured on Apple Music’s first playlist and Indigitube’s First Sounds Vol 5, which is a compilation of 12 tracks showcasing First Nations artists from across the country. With his captivating performances and polished sound, he is an artist to watch.
Free.
Bookings not required.
Drop by drawing in the Gallery
19 June–5 July
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
Gallery opening hours
Call into the Gallery any day during the Artists In Focus exhibition and create a drawing inspired by an artwork in the exhibition. Bring your own pencils, sketchbooks and clipboards.
Free. Bookings not required.
Suitable for adults, families and children aged 4–12 years.
All children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Stories from the art collection.
Floor talk with Curator Diane Soumilas
Wednesday 24 June
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
12pm
Discover some of the fascinating stories behind the artworks and collecting themes that have shaped the direction of the collection in this engaging talk with Curator Diane Soumilas.
Free. Bookings required.
Portraiture drawing workshop for adults with artist and teacher Elizabeth Moore Golding
Saturday 12 July
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
10am to 12pm
Join artist and teacher Elizabeth Moore Golding for an interactive workshop on portraiture.
You’ll explore different portrait styles and materials, pick up helpful tips, and learn how cameras can support the editing process. Then put your skills into practice by creating your own portrait using pencil.
Suitable for beginners.
Tickets: $7. Bookings required.
Live Sunday Sessions with Calvin Leung
Saturday 12 July
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
2pm to 3pm (two 45-minute sessions)
Calvin Leung is an award-winning pianist and composer known for his captivating performances and genre-defying versatility. You may recognise him from his appearance on ABC TV’s series The Piano where he received a standing ovation for his heartfelt rendition of Taylor Swift’s Love Story at Southern Cross Station. Performing entirely from memory, Calvin Leung’s repertoire spans jazz, blues, classical and Top 40 hits from the 1950s to today.
Floor talk with artist Dominique Dunstan
Wednesday 29 July
Glen Eira City Council Gallery — Gallery Two
12pm
Join artist Dominique Dunstan for an engaging insight into the themes explored in her exhibition Tea and Clouds. Slow down and enjoy the ritual of drinking green tea whilst immersed in art and a peaceful environment.
Free. Bookings required.
Inspired by Nature
Ink and watercolour workshop for adults with artist Jennifer Hopper
Saturday 9 August 10am - 12pm
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
Join artist Jennifer Hopper for a watercolour and ink workshop for adults, celebrating the natural world. Delve into the shapes and colours of flowers and plants, develop new skills, let your creativity flow and make your own works to take home.
Suitable for adults. All materials supplied.
Tickets: $7. Bookings required.
Live Sunday Sessions with Tamara Kuldin
Sunday 9 August
2pm and 3pm (two 45-minute sessions)
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
Tamara Kuldin and her honey-rich voice return to Glen Eira for an afternoon of captivating jazz delights.
From Melbourne to Europe, Tamara Kuldin is celebrated the world over for her playful and heartfelt renditions from The Great American Songbook to French Chanson and vintage jazz gems.
Treat yourselves to a beautiful afternoon of melodious magic with Tamara and stalwarts of the Australian music industry Sam Lemann (guitar) and Ben Robertson (Double Bass).
Free. Bookings not required.
Chinese Paper cutting workshop for children
With artist Jenny Zhe Chang
Sunday 13 September, 10am–12pm
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
Join contemporary artist Jenny Zhe Chang for a fascinating Chinese paper cutting workshop for children. Unleash your creativity and learn how to fold, cut and create intricate artworks inspired by ancient Chinese traditions to symbolise luck, blessings and happiness.
Tickets: $7. Bookings required.
Live Sunday Sessions with Double Bill: Emma Yue and Alisya Rae
Sunday 13 September
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
Emma Yue (2pm)
Naarm based indie-folk songstress Emma Yue will enchant you with her folk pop laced with indie-rock. The performance promises to be honest to a fault with a healthy dose of mid 20s chaos. Emma’s momentum is unmistakable, catch her while you can!
Alisya Rae (3pm)
Naarm/Melbourne based and internationally raised, Alisya Rae [Le-Le-sha ray] is in a lane of her own creating soul-driven R&B paired with her undeniable vocals.
Alisya reflects on heartbreak with an empowering edge to get you “dancing/singing like your soul depends on it” — Claire Mooney, Triple J.
Free. Bookings not required.
Floor talk with Next Glen Events members and Luke Zhai
Thursday 24 September, 12pm
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
Join Next Glen Events members as they share their creative process, how they developed the exhibition theme, and why supporting young artists matters.
Artist Luke Zhai will also reflect on his journey — from winning the 18–25 category in 2025 to presenting a solo exhibition in Gallery Two alongside this year’s Youth Art Exhibition.
Free. Bookings not required.
Kids fashion design workshop
Sunday 11 October, 10am–12pm
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
Join artist and facilitator Beina Lu for a creative fashion design workshop, where children will explore the bold, colourful world of 1970s fashion. Participants will design their own outfits using templates and craft materials, then present their finished designs as framed artworks.
Suitable for children aged 6–10. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer.
Tickets: $7. Bookings required. All materials included.
Live Sunday Sessions with Dynamic Duo
Sunday 11 October
2pm and 3pm (two 45-minute sessions)
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
Join Haley Davis and Joe Roberts as they capture the spirit of the 70s for an afternoon of music inspired by the Fabulous 70s: a celebration of Melbourne fashion exhibition. Covering iconic hits from legendary artists including Fleetwood Mac, ABBA and the Bee Gees and paired with soaring vocals, this will be an unforgettable performance.
Free. Bookings not required.
Floor talk with Nicole Jenkins
Wednesday 14 October, 12pm
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
Join fashion historian and author Nicole Jenkins for a fascinating talk about the groundbreaking 1970s fashion styles in Melbourne, the stories behind vintage clothing and her passion for collecting Australian fashion.
Floor talk with Barbara Hoad
Thursday 16 October, 1pm
Glen Eira City Council Gallery — Gallery Two
Join Barbara Hoad, President of the Glen Eira Historical Society for an engaging insight into the history of the built heritage and diverse architectural styles in the suburbs of Glen Eira.
Free. Bookings required
Floor talk with Curator Diane Soumilas
Friday 16 October, 1pm
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
Join Curator Diane Soumilas for an introduction to Fabulous 70s: a celebration of Melbourne fashion. Discover standout pieces and explore the bold styles and designs featured in the exhibition.
Free. Bookings required.
Floor talk with Sally Browne
Tuesday 20 October, 5pm
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
Join fashion designer and business leader Sally Browne for an inspiring look at her creative journey. Hear stories from her three-decade career, including the rise of her successful label and the challenges she’s overcome along the way. The talk also explores the bold, expressive fashion trends that shaped 1970s Melbourne.
Free. Bookings required.
Floor talk with Debra Dascal
Tuesday 27 October, 1pm
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
Join resident Debra Dascal, the daughter of fashion designer Simon Shinberg, the founder of fashion labels Sharene Creations and Mr Simon, and Curator Diane Soumilas, for an engaging conversation about the extraordinary career of fashion designer Simon Shinberg, with a focus on his 1970s fashion.
Free. Bookings required.
Floor talk with Jon Haskin
Wednesday 4 November, 12pm
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
Join Jon Haskin, a relative of fashion designer Leon Haskin, who will share stories associated with Leon Haskin’s career as a Melbourne fashion designer and provide an insight into the Haskin family history.
Free. Bookings required.
Mini Me Makers. 1970s Style workshop for children
Sunday 8 and 22 November, 10am–12pm
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
Create your own 1970s-inspired ‘mini me’ in this hands-on workshop with artist and teacher Yasmin Gaté née del Mar. Using drawing, collage and mixed materials, children will design bold outfits inspired by flared pants, vests and graphic prints.
The workshop focuses on colour, pattern and self-expression, with an introduction to basic fashion design. Each piece will become part of a vibrant collaborative display in the exhibition.
Suitable for children aged 6–10. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer.
Tickets: $7. Bookings required. All materials supplied.
Live Sunday Sessions with Esencia with Jack Howard
Sunday 8 November
2pm and 3pm (two 45-minute sessions)
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
Esencia is a quartet of brilliant Melbourne musicians exploring their love of Latin music.
Featuring Jack Howard (Hunters and Collectors) on trumpet and vocals, the brilliant Heather Michael (flute and vocals), Amy Valent Curtis (percussion) and acclaimed flamenco guitarist Kieren Ray.
Enjoy an afternoon of classic songs from Astor Piazzolla, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Sergio Mendes, Burt Bacharach, Chick Corea and many more.
Free. Bookings not required.
Floor talk with Jenny Bannister
Wednesday 11 November, 12pm
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
Join fashion designer Jenny Bannister for an insight into the 1970s punk fashion movement and Melbourne’s avant garde fashion scene.
Free. Bookings required.
Be Who You Are. Collaborative doll workshop for children
Sunday 15 November, 10am–12pm
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
Join this hands-on workshop with artist and teacher Yasmin Gaté née del Mar. Children will design garments and accessories inspired by 1970s textures and silhouettes, using fabric, paper and upcycled materials. They can bring their own doll to work with, or use one provided.
Participants will explore simple techniques like draping, layering and embellishment. Low-temperature glue guns will be used, with optional basic stitching for those who are interested.
Each piece will contribute to a collaborative installation that grows over time.
Suitable for children aged 6–10. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer.
Tickets: $7. Bookings required. All materials supplied.
Floor talk with Debra Dascal and Brian Samuel
Wednesday 18 November, 12pm
Glen Eira City Council Gallery
Join residents Debra Dascal the daughter of fashion designer Simon Shinberg, the founder of Fashion labels Sharene Creations and Mr Simon, and Brian Samuel, Director of Miss Hartnell of Melbourne Fashion label (1965–1973), who will share fascinating stories about their respective fashion houses and the 1970s Melbourne fashion trends.
Free. Bookings required.
