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Meet the Wild at Art KIDS Team: Passionate Educators. Practising Artists. Creative Souls.

Meet the Wild at Art KIDS Team: Passionate Educators. Practising Artists. Creative Souls.

di riepsamen wild at art kids

Hi, I'm Di, the founder & director of Wild at Art KIDS

I’m a passionate teacher (classroom primary school teacher by original training) with over 25 years’ experience working with children and teens. I believe every child is an artist and I’m deeply committed to nurturing creativity, confidence and joy through art. I love creating a space where kids can explore, experiment, get messy, make their own discoveries and learn new skills & techniques. Outside the studio, I love to be outside (hiking, the beach, forests, mowing the lawn, anything nature), exercise, reading, holidays and a good movie or TV series.

Profile picture of Riley Magras

Hi! My name is Riley

I am a passionate exhibiting artist here to teach you art all the way from the USA! I have run workshops and art classes both here in Melbourne and in Arizona. I love inspiring others to create, fostering imagination and play in adults and children alike. I can’t wait to meet you!

You can check out some of my artwork here: https://www.rileymagras.com/

Hi! My name is Riley

I am a passionate exhibiting artist here to teach you art all the way from the USA! I have run workshops and art classes both here in Melbourne and in Arizona. I love inspiring others to create, fostering imagination and play in adults and children alike. I can’t wait to meet you!

You can check out some of my artwork here: https://www.rileymagras.com/

Profile picture of Riley Magras
Profile picture of Jodie

Hi, I’m Jodie

I’m a Visual Arts Teacher and Art Therapist with over 22 years’ experience in teaching in secondary education and mentoring pre-service teachers. I have a background in fine art and a lifelong love of creativity, connection and hands-on making. I’m also passionate about mental health and how art can inspire, empower and support personal growth. Outside of work, I love painting, gardening, cooking, and running a small earring business that celebrates colour and joy.

Empowering Young Artists: A Journey of Discovery and Expression

Welcome to Wild at Art KIDS

Where creativity runs wild—and every child & teen is an artist.

At Wild at Art KIDS, we believe children and teens thrive when they’re free to explore, express and create. We’re a children’s and teen’s art studio based in Taylors Lakes, Melbourne, offering joyful, skills-based art classes that balance creative freedom with artistic growth.
Whether your child or teen is a paint-splattered beginner or a focused young artist, our studio is a space where they’ll be seen, supported, and celebrated.

Meet Di

Founder & Director – Wild at Art KIDS

Melbourne Art Teacher | Artist | Creative Educator (26+ years)

Hi, I’m Di Riepsamen—qualified teacher, artist, and the proud founder of Wild at Art KIDS.
Since graduating university in 1998, I’ve taught thousands of children, both in schools and right here in our Taylors Lakes art studio. What drives me? Seeing kids light up through creativity and watching their confidence grow as they express themselves through art.
This studio is my heart. It’s a place where children can be curious, courageous, and completely themselves.
di ripesamen

My Teaching Philosophy

Child-Driven. Joy-Filled. Creative to the Core.

I believe in placing children at the centre of their learning. That means letting them ask the questions, explore ideas, tune into their imagination and ideas and make their own creative decisions.
I’m all about getting kids into the doing—experimenting, thinking, and learning by making. Because kids are far more capable than we think, and when we trust them, amazing things happen.

Why Visual Arts?

Because art has no wrong answers.

Unlike subjects with one “right” solution, art invites kids to feel and think creatively and confidently. There’s no grading, no pressure, just freedom to explore.
Even shy or anxious children often blossom in the art studio. I’ve lost count of how many kids have said, “I didn’t know I could draw [whatever we’re drawing – pandas, trees, cities] so good!”—and the look of pride on their faces is priceless.

Our Proud Moments

My proudest moments come when a child discovers their own talent—not because someone told them, but because they felt it.
Whether they whisper, “I’m having so much fun,” or shout, “This is the best class ever!” those moments remind me why I do this. Art builds more than skill—it builds confidence.

We Plant the Seeds, They Grow the Art

At Wild at Art KIDS, we introduce techniques, materials and gentle guidance—but each child’s path is their own.
We plant the seed, and they grow the art. No two outcomes are the same. That’s the beauty of creative learning.

Meet Our Team

Each of our teachers brings passion, warmth, and creative strength to the studio—and we all share a child-first philosophy.

Riley

Practising & exhibiting artist and marketing student. Riley brings creative energy, expert creative direction and a love of imagination to our Thursday sessions.

Jodie

VCE teacher, artist and art therapist. Jodie brings a reflective, nurturing approach to our drawing classes on Monday.

Di

Qualified teacher, artist and creative educator. Di brings 26+ years of experience, a deep love of teaching, and a joyful, child-led approach to every class.

Come Join Us

If you’re looking for art classes for kids in Taylors Lakes, we’d love to welcome you.
Whether your child joins for a term or a holiday workshop, they’ll be supported to explore, experiment and express themselves—in their own, wonderful way.

Ready to begin their creative journey?

Your children are the artists and we look forward to welcoming them to​

Wild at Art KIDS logo - children's art studio in Taylor Lakes

- where the art may be wild, but not always!

Di Riepsamen

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