Teaching and mentoring

Teaching and Mentoring

I have a specific interest in perceptive approaches and how this relates to abstract thinking and personal symbolic form. I facilitate and help students to find their own creative voice. This involves encouraging independent thinking in the student and personal discoveries and symbolic meaningful connections to the arts elements and principles. I do have specific exercises for skill development , but lateral thinking and risk-taking are also embedded into lessons to enable students to find their own inner creative vision.

I don’t create lessons that are prescribed or template or has a ‘how to’ based approach. I believe art making is multifaceted and complex. I embrace perceptual, intuitive and discovery based lessons that are complemented with a knowledge of art theory and techniques.

I have worked as an independent contractor for Councils ( youth centres and community centres) and organisations such as Scope and NDIS art groups ( adult, youth and children). My approach considers the individual as an artist with their own creative vision and voice and I believe finding this inner voice is the healing and therapy.

I can be contracted for one-on-one for NDIS informal art therapy work (6 years experience).

I have worked for Arts Access Victoria for over five years as a Lead and Support Artist ( also across programs that spanned all artforms ( music , visual, performing arts))

I have been a sessional Visual Arts Lecturer for Latrobe University for over five years ( Masters and Undergraduate), a sessional lecturer at Deakin University and Visual Art Teacher for Box Hill Institute.

Co-founder of Pulse Youth and Children Arts Market (Community and artist-driven initiatives that support children and youth's access to the arts ( volunteer))

Please contact me directly if you have any queries and classes can be adapted to requests. I can deliver online classes if required.

Testimonials

Linet Hilsberg ( Artist through NDIS - https://drlinet.com/):

‘I can attest to her wonderful teaching methods especially with people who are neuro diverse or have ABI’s. She encourages and brings out the best in the student helping them progress at their own pace. Highly recommended’.

Cate Beresford ( Mother of children who participated in a pop-up arts workshop in Bacchus Marsh ( part of Pulse Youth and Children Arts Market ) )

Fiona Halse has great patience with teaching and bringing out a person’s creative side, allowing each to express ART how they see it. My kids have enjoyed doing creative crafts lead by Fiona, They feel comfortable in approaching her and discussing their ideas, which is fantastic. Fiona is warm and approachable with the kids.

Joanne Zerafa (mother of artist (NDIS))

What can I say? Fiona is an exceptional teacher and artist. She worked extensively with my autistic daughter, tailoring an art therapy program specifically to meet her individual needs. This one-on-one support was nothing short of phenomenal. Through their time together, my daughter formed a strong rapport with Fiona. Under her guidance, she not only created beautiful artwork but also experienced profound healing—both mentally and physically. If you are looking for art teaching or mentoring support, I genuinely don’t believe you’ll find better. As a music teacher with 35 years of experience, I feel confident in my ability to recognise true skill and talent—and Fiona has both in abundance.

DR Tiina Moore ( Coordinator of Bachelor of Primary Teaching Unit - ‘Communication through the Arts’ at Latrobe University)

Fiona’s work in teacher education combines her arts knowledge and practice with the needs and creativity of the individual. Her feedback to participants of all ages and abilities is helpful and meaningful. She enhances confidence and skill in art makers.

Tours

Example of tours:

1/ National Gallery of Victoria to Melbourne commercial galleries ( Stephen McLaughlan Gallery)

Flyer - Tour Saturday 22 November 2025

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2/ West End Art Space and Dark Horse Experiment (Melbourne)

Flyer - Tour Saturday 6 December 2025

Presentations

Example of presentation:

Powerpoint presentation to community groups ( this can also be delivered online or have hardcopy printout options)

Flyer for Creativity and Art ( Ways of Seeing)

Classes and Workshops

Saturday 24 October 2026 ( 12 - 2pm)

Thursday 29 October ( 5 - 7pm)

‘Ways to Access the Subconscious and Personal Abstract Form’ - Westend Art Space , Melbourne, VIC, Australia

More information

Expression of Interest ( starting 12 October 2026 ( 3 week block) )

‘Mindfulness and Art’ - Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

More information

REF ( EG)

http://fionahalse.blogspot.com/2019/05/latrobe-university-arts-access-victoria_14.html

http://fionahalse.blogspot.com/2019/05/latrobe-university-arts-access-victoria_84.html

http://srs-studios.blogspot.com/p/melton-willows.html

http://srs-studios.blogspot.com/p/meadow-brook.html