ABOUT US

We are a local pop-up art class company based in Brisbane, run by a small, but passionate team.  We travel from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast and beyond, and provide fun and social art experiences in your favourite local venues, or in your home or office.  Our team members have a rich and diverse background and bring a myriad of skills to our events.

MEET THE TEAM

JAIE MAUGER

The Boss Lady

Jaie really likes doing the art thing, so she set-up a business to spread its joy.  It's really an excuse to get paid to create.  Jaie is currently studying building technology and runs this business to pay her rent.  Jaie has been running a variety of art classes professionally for over six years now.  Her speciality is finger-painting.  Her favourite paint is gold.   

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ALEXA LEPORATI

Paint Pusher

Having grown-up in foggy San Francisco where she studied Fine Art, Alexa couldn't be happier to bring her art skills to sunny Brisbane.  She's brought with her over six years teaching experience, in the classroom and in the bar (same thing right?) and is always passionate to meet other artists and new people.  When she's not painting, she can be seen flying through the air teaching circus arts or befriending strange dogs she's just met in passing

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ALI SNARE

Ali-Paint-Pally

Fresh from the UK, Ali is a social being, who brings a smile to every class goers' face.  He's the team member who keeps it fun for everyone and loves a good chat with you in class!  Ali will get on with your grandma if it's a family event, or will crack a joke with your boss if it's a corporate group.  Ali-Paint-Pally is definitely a pal to you in the class.

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JOSH LIAM BLADEN

Capturer of Moments
​and Slinger of Beers

Josh is Mr. Smiles.  He brings the energy of the room up while also capturing our good sides.  He roams as a photographer, or will help you through your piece.

ROSE CROSS

The Paint Pourer 

In a previous life, Rose was Jaie's coxswain for three years when Jaie taught rowing.  So, Rose is naturally her sidekick in this new venture.  Rose is really good at pouring paint into palettes and wields the camera most classes because Jaie leaves the lens cap on otherwise if she attempts the photography.

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SAM LAMB

IT and Sanity Supervisor

Sam is behinde all the magical happenings at Blank Canvas, from publishing the events, to pointing out to our hosts they have lipstick on their teeth.  You'll see Sam at weekend events helping out around and behind the scenes.

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XAVIER

Team Mascot 

While Xavier is not that great at tying up a macramé wall hanger or pouring paint onto a palette, he's a key team member that can't go without a mention.  If you're organising a private event with us, and have a dog friendly venue, please don't hesitate to let us know if you'd like him to come along and help in the class!

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BILLY EDWARDS

Fresh Prince of Paint and
​All-Rounder Hype-Man

Billy was our first apprentice art assistant under our Access to Art initiative.  Religiously attending art class to hone his skills, Billy is moving his way up in the assisting world.   Billy is a great story-teller, so don't be surprised when you hear his voice in our Stories.

ALLY ANDERSON

The Bearer of Knots

While studying biomed on her way to becoming a doctor, Ally uses art as a way to express herself and escape the stress of uni. “Art for me is an irreplaceable outlet that I can always rely on, it makes me happy. My passion is helping people and knowing I’ve helped their life become happier or easier. I have found a way to do that through art with the Blank Canvas Co. team and one day as a doctor”

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LEE MURPHY

Guest Artist

Lee's hung up her apron of 20 years of architecture to pursue a career in art.  While she waits until her art is discovered and the cash starts rolling in, she's biding her time teaching painting all over the Gold Coast.  She's got regular classes in Surfers Paradise and Palm Beach and paints commissions, murals and illustrations in between studying for her Masters of Teaching. Life is hectic and crazy....and the perfect antidote is a madcap, unwinding paint session.  Check our her art on Instagram @leemurphydesign

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BOHDI GARDENER

Guest Artist

Brisbane based Visual artist. QCA graduate with over 8 years fine arts study. Works as a professional artist in a number of fields including but not limited to murals, illustration and painting.  Human Expert

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GEE MAUGER

Leadership Groups Leader
​and Jaie's Sister

With extensive experience in the corporate world, leading teams, Gee specialises in corporate events, especially focusing around team bonding and leadership.  As Jaie's sister, Gee loves being a part of the team to spend time with her sister outside of her usual job.

OUR TEAM'S MISSION 
We want every class to be a great experience, where we give you the best advice, and run a fun and informative class.  We care about everyone's painting, and no one gets left behind.  We try to help everyone get the best out of their class no matter their ability and chosen piece.  We can help you through the basic painting steps, or if you have something else in mind, we can try to work through it with you based on your intended outcome.