Meet The Team
Founder & The Visiting Creatives
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Nina
FOUNDER
It all begins with an idea.
At The Dandy Lion Studio, we believe that everyone is creative. You don’t need to be “naturally creative”—creativity is something that grows with practice, exploration, and a little encouragement. Our workshops and events are designed to help you unlock that potential, no matter where you’re starting from. Whether you’re discovering your creative side for the first time or building on what you already know, we’re here to guide and inspire you every step of the way. We can’t wait to help you bring your artistic vision to life!
Art is more than just visual—it’s an experience
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Brahe Lorimer
Meet Brahe
Brahe is someone who makes slowly and thoughtfully, with a deep love of paper, words, and the quiet magic of putting things together by hand. She’s drawn to process over perfection, and to the kind of making that gives you space to breathe, think, and be present.
She’ll be joining Craft Club to share what she knows — gently, generously, and without fuss. We’re really glad to have her at the table.
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Steph
Meet Steph — our next Craft Club gal.
We’re so excited to welcome Steph to the studio for our upcoming Craft Club sessions on:
Wednesday April 22nd
Wednesday May 6th
10:00 AM – 12:00 NoonSteph lives in Swan Hill with her partner and their beautiful 11-month-old daughter, Lacey. A creative at heart, she’s been drawn to making from a young age—first discovering sewing in high school before continuing to create alongside her mum at home (think scrunchies, frilly socks, and all the nostalgic goodness).
During the 2020 lockdowns, Steph spent more time behind the sewing machine, creating clothing and launching her Instagram page Tend & Mend, where she shared her work and offered mending for others.
These days, after welcoming her daughter in 2025, Steph has stepped back from alterations and now sews purely for the joy of creating—and we are very here for that energy.
Come along, bring your project (or start something new), and enjoy a relaxed, creative morning with Steph guiding the way. No pressure, just good company and making with your hands.
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Graham Hearn
Returning to The Dandy Lion Studio for an Acrylic Painting. SAVE THE DATES
Saturdays | 10:00 –14:00
May 16th & 17th
Further details coming soon.Graham Hearn is an Australian artist best known for his bold Aerial Farmscapes, inspired by the vast farming landscapes of southern New South Wales where he grew up. Working primarily in acrylics on large-scale canvas, Graham believes art should make a statement and be lived with—seen, felt, and enjoyed every day.
Alongside his farmscapes, Graham creates instinctive, expressive works driven by colour, texture, and emotion. He has exhibited widely, runs hands-on workshops across regional Australia, and undertakes private commissions.
🌾🌐 aerialfarmscapes.com.au
📱 @GrahamHearnArt -
Bethany McKay
Betty joined The Dandy Lion Studio back in the early days of 2020— full of creativity, calm confidence, and a wicked sense of humour. Then, her heart took her to the Sunshine Coast, where she’s spent the last few years learning, teaching, and creating alongside some of Australia’s best.
Now, almost three years later, she’s heading home.
And I couldn’t be more thrilled to announce that Betty will be leading our 2026 Summer Camp this January — a line-up of relaxed, practical art workshops designed to get your hands moving and creativity flowing.
Meet the Art Crew
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Shelley Mitchell
Shelley grew up on a wheat and sheep farm in Glenloth East before life’s adventures brought her through Wycheproof, Geelong, Bendigo, and finally to Swan Hill. With a background in teaching across schools and community art programs, she now brings her creativity to The Dandy Lion Studio’s holiday program!
She describes herself as inventive, resourceful, and creative. Shelley loves travel, grandkids, and anything arty — but her favourite class to teach is collage (because it draws on every area of art!). Fun fact: she was born under hypnosis — which might explain her calm, collected nature .
Join Shelley for our next Holiday Fun Classes. -
Raylene Richardson
Creative. Precise. Endlessly Encouraging.
In her own words:
“I originally came to Swan Hill as Ballet Mistress with the North West Victorian Ballet Society and Arts Victoria, travelling out to small communities to teach and share the joy of dance. I love teaching ballet, textile art, and painting… it’s hard to pick a favourite! I’m addicted to Pilates to keep strong, and my creative brain needs quiet moments with my beloved dogs.”
About Raylene:
Though many in Swan Hill know Raylene as a much-loved dance teacher, there’s more to this powerhouse than pliés and pirouettes. Raylene is also an experienced and highly regarded textile artist with a passion for slow stitching, oil painting, and encouraging others to find their creative flow. Her classes are known for their calm, confidence-building energy, and her step-by-step guidance ensures no one feels overwhelmed.
A stickler for detail (in the best way), Raylene balances her creative intensity with warmth, humour, and a steady hand. Whether she’s sharing embroidery stitches or colour theory, she brings a wealth of knowledge and heart to every session.Find Raylene on Instagram Raylene_dandylionstudio
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Gabriella Pauk
Say hello to the newest creative spark at The Dandy Lion Studio—Gaby.
Originally from London, Gaby moved to Australia in 2018 and now calls Swan Hill home, living on a farm with her partner and six kids (yes, six!).
With a Fine Art degree and a background in kids’ creative programs, Gaby brings warmth, colour, and a passion for helping young artists express themselves.
She’s dreamed of becoming a primary school art teacher, and this term, she’s bringing her joyful, hands-on approach to our Monday afternoons.
So, what’s she got planned?
Let’s just say there’s a Cubist-inspired twist on selfies, kindness-spreading robots, and a few surprises involving mosaics, sculpture, and something fishy in a shoebox…
Bonus excitement: Your child’s artwork will be featured in our upcoming Collide Exhibition in September —a real gallery moment for our young creatives! -
Caitlin Shadbolt
Meet Caitlin — Our Graphite & Coloured Pencil Artist!
Take your drawing to the next level! Learn techniques to create detailed, textured, and lifelike artwork. From layering and depth to finishing touches, Caitlin will guide you step by step to complete a stunning final piece.
“My name is Caitlin. I’ve had my own art business since 2021, when I moved from Melbourne to Swan Hill. I’ve found my niche in coloured pencil illustrations of people’s pets, but I’ve recently started experimenting with oil painting for fun and a new challenge.
When I’m not drawing, I love to travel in my van, go running with my dog Scout, and be outside as much as possible.
I believe drawing is the foundation of almost every other art medium. Many painters spend a year learning to draw before picking up a brush. Once you grasp the basics, it’s a skill you can keep developing and it opens doors to endless creative possibilities. It takes practice, but it’s incredibly rewarding — and once you learn it, you can draw anything!”
Born in Oxford, raised in Melbourne, Caitlin moved to Swan Hill for love when she met her husband (a farmer) while he was working in Melbourne.