Sketching, Painting and Art Retreats
Artist Mel Hills invites us into a creative world shaped by Tasmania’s remarkable wildlife, landscapes and natural beauty.
From sketching Tasmanian devils at the Unzoo to exhibiting her original artworks at the Tasmanian Craft Fair, Mel’s work celebrates the places and creatures that inspire her.
Her creative journey also takes her to Maria Island, where she will lead an Art and Yoga Retreat, and to the Lady Franklin Gallery for a Feature Artist exhibition with the Art Society of Tasmania in 2027.
Discover the inspiration behind Mel’s work and explore the many ways she is sharing her love of Tasmania through art.
Wildlife Sketching at the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo
Join renowned wildlife artist Mel Hills for a memorable full day of wildlife sketching, artistic discovery and connection with Tasmania’s extraordinary natural world.
Hosted and organised by A Natural Escape, this special event invites you to explore the regenerated landscape of the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo under Mel’s expert guidance.
With more than 40 years of experience as an artist, Mel will share her tips, techniques and creative approach to sketching native flora and fauna in the field.
Wander through nearly 2 km of bushland trails, beneath towering eucalypts and through beautifully restored habitats.
Keep your sketchbook ready — you may encounter Tasmanian Devils, kangaroos, wallabies, Cape Barren geese, native hens and perhaps even some of Tasmania’s rarer wildlife. Along the way, discover delicate native orchids and the many small details that make this landscape so inspiring.
Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply love wildlife and want to try something new, Mel will encourage you to slow down, observe closely and capture the character of the natural world through drawing.
Come for the wildlife, stay for the inspiration — and leave with new skills, memories and sketches of Tasmania’s remarkable creatures and landscapes.
Booking Details
When: Saturday 24th October, 10am to 3pm
Where: Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park
5990 Arthur Highway, Taranna, Tasmania
Host: A Natural Escape
How to Book: Book online
Ticket Price: $53.29
Ticket price includes discounted entry to the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo.
BYO art materials: 2B pencil, charcoal and A3 paper or purchase an Art Kit at ticketing.
BYO lunch, tea and coffee provided.
Sun Protection: Remember to bring your hat and sunblock.
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Meet Artist Mel Hills at the Tasmanican Craft Fair
The Tasmanian Craft Fair in Deloraine is a much-loved celebration of creativity, bringing together talented makers and artists from across Tasmania and beyond. For artist Mel Hills, it has become a special annual event and a long-standing fixture on her calendar for around 15 years.
Each year, Mel creates a special collection of original artworks especially for the Tasmanian Craft Fair, giving visitors the opportunity to discover her latest work and see her distinctive approach to Tasmania’s wildlife and natural world. Alongside her original artworks, Mel will also have a selection of prints and greeting cards available to browse and purchase.
The Tasmanian Craft Fair is also a wonderful opportunity to meet Mel in person, chat about her work and gain an insight into the inspiration behind her art.
You’ll find Mel in the Rotary Pavilion, next to the food court near the Community Complex. Come along, explore the work and take home a piece of Mel’s art.
Tasmanian Craft Fair Details
When: Friday 30th, Saturday 31st October and Sunday 1st November 2026
Where: Across Deloraine, Tasmania
Book Tickets: Book tickets online and buy at the gate.
The Tasmanian Craft Fair is the largest working display of arts and crafts in Australia. Every year, Craft Fair visitors have been treated to fine art displays, craft stalls, gourmet food, entertainment and childrens’ activities as well as working craft exhibits. Proudly Tasmanian, delivered by the Rotary Club of Deloraine.
Maria Island Art & Yoga Retreat
In November, artist Mel Hills will travel to the beautiful Maria Island as the guest artist and creative leader for a special Art and Yoga Retreat. Bringing together art, yoga, nature and mindful connection, the retreat offers participants an inspiring opportunity to explore their creativity in one of Tasmania’s most remarkable natural settings.
As artist leader, Mel will share her knowledge, experience and passion for drawing, encouraging participants to slow down, observe their surroundings and find inspiration in the island’s landscapes and wildlife. With her deep appreciation for the natural world, Maria Island provides a wonderful backdrop for Mel to guide participants through their own creative explorations.
The retreat is organised by Suzie Donkers, who runs several Art and Yoga Retreats throughout the year, creating opportunities to combine creativity and wellbeing in beautiful locations.
How to Book
When: 27th to 29th November, 2026
Where: Maria Island, Tasmania
How to Book: Email Suzie donkerssuzie@gmail.com and more details on the Yoga and Art Retreats Facebook page
Retreat Price: $550, includes all meals, ferry, accommodation and most art supplies.
Art Supplies: Most are provided and you’re welcomed to bring your own.
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Solo Exhibition
In April 2027, artist Mel Hills will present a Feature Artist exhibition with the Art Society of Tasmania at the beautiful Lady Franklin Gallery.
This exciting solo exhibition will provide an opportunity to experience Mel’s distinctive artistic practice in a dedicated gallery setting, bringing together her love of Tasmania’s landscapes, wildlife and natural environment.
Mel’s work is inspired by the places and creatures that make Tasmania so unique, and visitors can expect these themes to feature strongly throughout the exhibition.
From wild landscapes to the fascinating animals that inhabit them, her work captures the character, beauty and spirit of the Tasmanian environment.
Being selected as a Feature Artist by the Art Society of Tasmania is a wonderful recognition of Mel’s ongoing contribution to Tasmania’s artistic community.
The Lady Franklin Gallery provides a fitting setting for this celebration of her work and offers art lovers the chance to discover more of Mel’s creative world.
The exhibition will take place in April 2027.
About the Artist
Mel Hills is a Tasmanian artist whose work is deeply inspired by the natural world, with wildlife and landscapes at the heart of her creative practice. Through drawing and painting, Mel captures the character, beauty and individuality of the creatures and places that surround her, creating artworks that invite us to pause, look closely and connect with the environment.
Mel’s passion for wildlife sketching is reflected in her observational approach, where time spent in nature becomes an important part of the creative process. Her work celebrates Tasmania’s unique wildlife and landscapes, from intimate studies of individual animals to broader impressions of the island’s wild places.
Mel regularly shares her passion for art through exhibitions, events and creative experiences. Her work has featured at the Tasmanian Craft Fair, and she has participated in wildlife sketching events and art retreats. In 2027, Mel will present a Feature Artist exhibition with the Art Society of Tasmania at the Lady Franklin Gallery.
Be sure to explore the Mel Hills Wild Art website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram for her latest work, sources of inspiration and exhibition news.
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Artist Profile Stories
I want there to be more arts and crafts in our world, in our communities and in our own lives. Hopefully you’ve found this blog post inspiring and interesting.
So I’m creating, with your help, Art Trails Tasmania, allowing all of us who feel this love to create more of it.
And the Art Trails Tasmania blog is a key part of making this happen, telling the stories of members. It’s about what they have happening with workshops and classes, exhibitions, open studio trails, where to find their outlets, markets, fairs and festivals so you can shop their creations as well as their art and craft retreats.
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