Art Mentoring Sessions
Nurturing young artists at Mangawhai Heads
BOOKINGS NOW OPEN FOR TERM 4 2026
Book now to secure a 5 week or 10 week series of classes - pay in October.
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As an experienced teacher and art educator, I've designed these art mentoring sessions to solve a challenge many parents face: finding a creative environment where their child is genuinely engaged, inspired, and supported as an individual.
If you've been searching for a meaningful child centred activity that goes beyond structured art and craft projects or large classes, Creative Connections could be for you. Our weekly art mentoring sessions nurture creativity through each child's unique interests, ideas, and artistic goals. This is where confidence grows, creativity flourishes, and the magic happens.
Imagine having a dedicated few hours each week knowing your child is creating in an artist's studio using supplied art materials - guided by an experienced teacher and artist who understands how to encourage both artistic skills and creative thinking.
These sessions offer your young person more than art lessons—they provide a space to explore, experiment, connect, express themselves and develop skills that can positively influence their confidence and creativity, and possibly influence their future direction.
My name is Mandy Jakich. I have taught in intermediate schools for 14 years and at Auckland Art Gallery for 4 years. I am the founder and former CEO of a well-respected Auckland art education business called Creative Matters, and I'm now the founder of Creative Connections and host of the Creative Connections podcast.
I'm moving to Mangawhai Heads at the end of August and will be opening my private art studio for small-group art mentoring sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00–6:00 pm, beginning in week 1 of Term 4 (12 October).
Bookings now open! Limited spaces so secure your child's spot now.
Days and Times
TERM 4 starting 12.10.2026
Mondays and Wednesdays
Open studio 3pm - 6pm
Flexible timings within that period. - arrrive and leave when it suits you
Mentoring Packages
Join as a regular and become part of the Creative Connections family.
Commit to 5 or 10 sessions and secure your child's regular spot in the studio.
Extended mentoring packages give your child consistency, momentum and confidence, as well as the chance to connect, develop skills and develop their artistic voice over time.
Regulars get first option to rebook
Cost and Bookings
$40 per afternoon session (the length of time does not change the price)
Booking packages of 5 sessions or 10 sessions to ensure your young person gets a good experience and has time to connect and settle in
Existing customers have first option for booking the next period of 5 or 10 mentoring sessions
Trials
You are welcome to book in one paid trial session on a Monday or Wednesday afternoon (if we have space)
Simply email Mandy with your request. through the contact below.
$20 per trial pay on the day
Ages and Class Size
Maximum of 5 young people working in the studio per session.
For young people aged 11+ who are passionate about art making and love to get creative.
Classes will go ahead with just 1 booking - no last minute cancellations!
Limited spaces so secure your booking now!
Session Overview
Student centred sessions with a focus on the creative process (experimenting, exploring, thinking, creating)
Organic , spontaneous learning
Children will work on their choice of art with 1-1 learning support and scaffolding from Mandy, providing encouragement, inspiration and developing skills
Each child will keep an art book where they will record their creative process
Planning for the following session and the week ahead
Your young person will:
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Be encouraged to follow and develop their artistic interests and also try new things
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Gain confidence in their artistic abilities and in themselves
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Develop their creative and critical thinking skills
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Feel valued, cared for and creatively nurtured
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Be exposed to new ideas, practising artists, skills and techniques in a supportive environment
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Be introduced to researching and communicating ideas
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Make positive connections with an artist and others in the class through art making
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Work independently at times
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Manage themselves
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Take their work home (unless it needs to dry) each session so they can continue to work on their project if they want to
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Have a safe happy creative place to go to each week