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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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. -
Gregor
Meet Gregor — a fearless maker who lives where technology and creativity collide. With formal qualifications in 3D Animation and Visual FX and over 14 years of hands-on 3D printing experience, Gregor knows exactly how to turn digital ideas into tactile, paintable magic. His work celebrates bold colour, playful experimentation, and pushing past the “normal” — because art should be fun, expressive, and a little unexpected.
3D Creations Club
Kids & Big Kids (aka Adults)
Coming January 2026
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Graham Hearn
Returning to The Dandy Lion Studio for a 4-week block in May 2026. Stay tuned.
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
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.Find Shelley on Instagram
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Raylene Richardson
Oil Painting with Creativity and confidence
Starting February 4th!
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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Kristen Cowland
Say hello to one of the quietly powerful creatives at The Dandy Lion Studio—Kristen Cowland, the talented artist behind our Acrylic course!
Kristen’s creative roots run deep. Raised in the Riverina and Far West NSW, she’s now a long-time Lake Boga local. A self-taught artist with a calm and nurturing presence, Kristen has spent decades weaving art into everyday life—from pottery and cake decorating to folk art and acrylic painting.
She taught her first class in Swan Hill back in the ‘90s and still believes in finding beauty in the little things—those glimmers of joy that make art (and life) meaningful.
Find Kristen on Instagram: @kristen_dandylionstudio -
Gabriella Pauk
Starting February 9th
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.