General News
23 January, 2026
Social Studio starts at Powerhouse
Hopetoun Powerhouse Studio will open its doors more often to local creatives, as it launches Social Studio, a relaxed evening gathering designed to bring people together through art and craft.
The new program will run every Wednesday for eight weeks, from February 4 to March 25, providing participants with a regular space to work on their own creative projects alongside others in the community.
Powerhouse Studio programming committee member Katrina Frewin said Social Studio will be a welcoming place for people to make time for the crafts they already love.
“The Social Studio is a place for people to come together to enjoy doing the crafts that they already do or to try something new,” she said.
The weekly sessions will run for about an hour and a half, scheduled in the afternoon/evening to suit students and working residents.
“We chose an evening time so that people can gather regularly, particularly if they might work during the day,” she said.
Social Studio is open to people aged 16 and over, with organisers prioritising independent participants.
“It’s for people who are independent, and that’s why we chose the 16 plus,” she said.
Unlike a traditional class, Social Studio will not be a teacher-led workshop.
Instead, it aims to build a friendly, creative environment where participants can share space, conversation, and inspiration.
“It won’t be a facilitated session; it’s just a place to come together and enjoy your crafts together,” she said.
Ms Frewin said the initiative will expand on Hopetoun’s existing creative community, giving locals another option beyond established groups such as crochet, knitting, and patchwork.
She said people can bring projects such as drawing, painting, watercolour, stitching, or any other craft they enjoy.
“Come along and help us to build this creative community and build a social space as we go,” she said.
Organisers have already received early interest, with around a dozen people expressing their plans to attend.
Ms Frewin said the gathering is for all abilities, from novice to experienced, and nobody will be judged, as it’s about building social connections.
At the same time, we enjoy the experience of creating.
The studio will also have a small amount of materials available for people who want to try something new.
Social Studio runs every Wednesday from February 4 to March 25 at Hopetoun Powerhouse Studio.