Join award-winning bird illustrator Peter Marsack at the Broome Bird Observatory for a series of small-group workshops during his 2026 Artist in Residence. Dates of Residency: 10 June – 8 July 2026. Limited places. Bookings essential.
Artist in Residence Workshops
Field Sketching All Levels - 3 hr Workshop
Morning sessions: 8:30am
Afternoon sessions: 2:00pm
Small group – maximum 8 participants
This beginner-friendly workshop is designed to help you slow down, observe closely, and develop confidence sketching birds in the field. Led by award-winning natural history illustrator Peter Marsack, this session focuses on the art of looking — learning to translate what you see into simple, expressive sketches. No advanced drawing skills required — just curiosity and a willingness to try.
Dates and times
Fri 12 June - 2:00pm
Sun 14 June - 8:30am
Sun 21 June - 8:30am
Tue 23 June - 2:00pm
Thu 25 June - 8:30am
Wed 1 July - 2:00pm
Sun 5 July - 8:30am
Mon 6 July - 2:00pm
2 Day Bird Illustration Workshops
8:00am – 5:00pm (2 days)
Dates:
18–19 June Workshop
and
27–28 June Workshop
Small group – maximum 8 participants
This in-depth two-day workshop is designed for participants with watercolour painting experience who are ready to take their bird illustration skills further.
Led by award-winning natural history illustrator Peter Marsack, the workshop combines practical technique with a deeper understanding of bird structure, light and environment using gouache paints.
About BBO’s 2026 Artist in Residence - Peter Marsack
During his four-week residency at BBO, Peter will offer:
- Beginner-friendly field sketching sessions
- One- and two-day bird illustration (watercolour) workshops
- Open studio sessions for visitors
- A local community talk
These workshops are designed to help participants slow down, observe carefully, and learn to draw birds where the birds are — in one of Australia’s most remarkable wetland landscapes.
Artists in Residence (AIR) Program
The Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program invites an artist, illustrator, writer or creative practitioner to live and work at the Observatory for a dedicated period, sharing their skills through workshops, talks, open studio sessions and informal engagement with visitors.
Set against the extraordinary backdrop of Roebuck Bay, a Ramsar-listed wetland of international importance, the AIR program creates space for people to slow down, observe closely, and deepen their understanding of shorebirds, coastal habitats and conservation through creative practice.
Recruitment for the following year’s Artist in Residence happens in October and November.
Book at tour at the Broome Bird Observatory
Tours are also available to book at the Broome Bird Observatory. Choose from the Shorebirds Tour, Mangrove Tour, Bush and Plains Tour or Coastal Tour.
Visit the Clive Minton Discovery Centre
The Clive Minton Discovery Centre is the BBO’s interactive visitor centre. We opened the doors on 20 August 2021 after four years’ development. The centre brings our amazing habitats and the stories of our migratory shorebirds to life. Experience immersive soundscapes, beautiful footage, up-to-date science and even your own migration challenge! Entry is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and free for under-16s, tour participants and overnight guests.
Keep an eye out for free community events in March and April!
We are also running a series of free community events at Town Beach, Sunset and Shorebirds in March and April 2026. More details to come!
Broome Visitor Centre
Looking for tours to do while you are in Broome? Need accommodation options?
The Broome Visitor Centre can assist by phone and email with your tour arrangements or a complete Broome itinerary including accommodation, car hire and much more! For recommendations and friendly advice - Give us a call on 08 9195 2200 or email [email protected]
