When Suzan Kohlik first stepped foot in Bali, little did she know she would become one of the pioneers of ceramic art on the island.

Upon finding a gap in Ubud’s arts and culture scene, she thought she’d bring her skills and talent into the melting pot. In 1996, the Swiss ceramic art school graduate founded Sari Api Ceramics Studio, a beautiful open-air ceramics studio just a few kilometres north of Ubud’s main road.

Her studio sits at the edge of a lush jungle, giving it a relaxed, casual ambiance for learners. Sari Api’s most popular classes are the half-day course (recommended for tourists with limited time on their hands), and the full course (for those who have more time and want to dive deeper into ceramics).

Sari Api also offers an open studio package for anyone who wants to create with no instructions and guidance from the team. Every Saturday, you will see the space beaming with smiles and excitement from children, as Sari Api’s kids class is in-demand among residents and families.

If you have done many painting classes in your time and are now looking for a challenge, Five Art Studio will put you to the test.

Located in a traditional Balinese house compound within Keliki Village, Five Art Studio offers a variety of art classes from batik class, wood carving, t-shirt and egg painting but what deserves more spotlight is their traditional Keliki style painting.

The local painting style of Keliki artists is distinctive. They are known for their wonderful intricacy, sophistication and beauty, all of which requires a high level of concentration (and even higher level of patience!) The paintings are typically done on paper, using a pencil to sketch then a pen to outline.

The 3-hour class will fly by but the staff are flexible with time, as they remind you that art cannot be rushed. With the intricacy of the Keliki painting style and the playful characters of the local artists-slash-teachers, you’ll easily spend a whole day in the studio. Many visitors find it therapeutic, if not meditative. Apart from taking home a new set of traditional Balinese art techniques and skills, you’ll learn a new form of relaxation too. Your session is accompanied by homemade light bites and a beverage, as well as the brisk Keliki air. The perfect activity for those looking to try Bali art classes.

Ever wondered what a day in the life of a traditional Balinese village looks like? What Desa Visesa has on offer is a unique experience that stays true to the authentic village life in Bali whilst keeping a world-class standard. Ancient traditions and practices that nurture peace and goodwill in every Balinese community form the day-to-day at Desa Visesa.

Guests will be pleased by the many cultural activities that allow them to fully immerse in the true village experience. Popular among the crowd is the resort’s Balinese Dance lesson that teaches you graceful movements synchronised to the gentle sound of gamelan – a tradition passed from generations upon generations. The class is taught by a talented dancer who will teach you the basic movements whilst taking you through a cultural yet educational journey behind the arts. You’ll also learn how to create palm leaf offerings using fresh flower petals that the Balinese present daily to the Gods. Not exclusive to in-house guests, Desa Visesa invites local nearby kids to learn Balinese dance and gamelan every afternoon as part of their art and culture preservation mission.

Sparked by an idea of showcasing her mother’s diverse textile collection, Brina Paska created Galeri Wastraku to spread the word about Indonesia’s craftsmanship of textiles and accessories originating from cultures in the archipelago.

The exhibition aims to educate the younger generation of Indonesia about their own culture that is vast and valuable, whilst giving appreciation and exposure to artisans of Sumba and surrounding areas, especially for the unique ikat fabric.

In collaboration with Irma Wandari, a fashion designer in clothing, print, and accessories, Galeri Wastraku has a Jewellery Making workshop on offer. The workshop combines Irma’s unique styles of different hand-technique practices on jewellery, as well as her explorations on painting and embroidery.

Her work is a cross road between fashion, hand artistry, and design through her lens of uniting cultural diversity. Divided into two sessions, you will firstly create an accessory similar to Irma’s pieces for the Hilu Ngara (Sumbanese for interpretation) exhibition where participants will paint or put embroideries on a cloth ribbon and create visuals inspired by the gallery’s installations.

Galeri Wastraku revolves around a theme that they change periodically. The current theme is ‘La Tana Humba’ where you can expect a union of young and creative minds featuring their artworks and personal interpretations of the East Sumba culture.