Art Mentoring Sessions
Nurturing young artists at Mangawhai Heads
Bookings now open for 2026
Read this page and the FAQ below for more info. Email Mandy to make your booking.
Book for a 5 week or 10 week series of weekly classes
SERIES 1 2026 Mondays
September 14th - October 12th (5 weeks)
September 14th - November 23rd (10 weeks, not including Labour Day)
SERIES 1 2026 Wednesdays
September 16th - October 14th (5 weeks)
September 16th - November 18th (10 weeks)
As an experienced teacher and art educator this is my dream way of teaching and I truly believe it is the best way for children to think creatively and thrive artistically. It's where the magic happens!
Are you looking for a suitable creative outlet that is student centred, encourages creativity and is based on individual interests and needs for your artistic child?
Would you love your child to work with an artist and experienced teacher/art educator in their art studio, using supplied art materials?
This could be a life changing unique opportunity for your creative kids. Something that may shape the direction their life takes and have an influence on the adults they become.
My name is Mandy Jakich. I am an experienced qualified teacher, the founder and previous owner/CEO of a well respected Auckland based art education business called Creative Matters and now the founder of Creative Connections and the host of the Creative Connections podcast. I’m moving to Mangawhai Heads at the end of August and will be starting up special art mentoring on Mondays and Wednesdays 3pm - 6pm in my art studio, starting Monday September 14th.
Days and Times
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Mondays and Wednesdays
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Starting September 14th 2026.
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3pm - 6pm
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Flexible timings within that period. - arrrive and leave when it suits you
Mentoring Packages
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Join as a regular and become part of the Creative Connections family.
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Commit to 5 or 10 sessions and secure your child's regular spot in the studio.
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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.
Cost and Bookings
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$40 per afternoon session (the length of time does not change the price)
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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
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Existing customers have first option for booking the next period of 5 or 10 mentoring sessions
Trials
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You are welcome to book in one paid trial session on a Monday or Wednesday afternoon (if we have space)
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Simply email Mandy with your request. through the contact below.
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$40 per trial pay on the day
Ages and Class Size
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For young people aged 11+ who are passionate about art making.
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Maximum of 5 young people working in the studio per session.
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Classes will go ahead with just 1 booking - no last minute cancellations!
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Limited spaces so secure your booking now!
Session Overview
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Student centred sessions
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With a focus on the creative process
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Organic , spontaneous learning
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Children will work on their choice of art with 1-1 learning support and scaffolding from Mandy, providing encouragement, inspiration and developing skills
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Each child will keep an art book where they will record their creative process
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Planning for the following session and the week ahead
The students 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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Be exposed to new ideas, skills and techniques in a supportive environment
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Be introduced to artists and research
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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
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Have a safe happy place to go to each week