Our Story

Creativity, Confidence & Expression

Founder of Cherry Tree Art Studio, holding a palette knife, seated among several colourful abstract paintings on easels and walls in an art studio.

Our Philosophy

At Cherry Tree Art Studio we believe creativity is a natural part of every child. Many kids draw before they can even write, using lines and colours to tell their first stories. But as they grow, self-doubt often creeps in. They begin to compare, erase and hesitate, worried their work isn’t “good enough.”

This is where our studio steps in. We see art as more than just a skill; it’s a way of thinking, expressing and building confidence. In our classes, students are encouraged to experiment, explore ideas and embrace mistakes as part of the process.

We move away from the old idea of copying and erasing to “get it right.” Instead, we help students develop their own voice and create work that reflects who they are. This ability to think independently and approach challenges with confidence is something they can carry beyond art into every part of life.

A playful hand-drawn cartoon scene of indoor igloos, with penguins and seals, including some wearing party hats and holding drinks, set against a white background with blue and pink snowflakes, and an igloo with a chimney in the top left corner.
A colorful children's drawing of a whimsical town with rainbow, clouds, and seven uniquely decorated buildings labeled 'Lady Bags Town'. The scene includes green fields with three dirt paths leading to the town, and a fence in the background.
A young woman with dark braided hair, wearing a white hat and blue dress, standing outdoors in a garden surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms and other colorful flowers, painting on a canvas set up on an easel.

Our Founder

Jiamei is the founder and head teacher of Cherry Tree Art Studio. With a background in architectural design, art curation and over 12 years of professional teaching experience, she has guided students from kindergarten to university entry in building both creative confidence and strong technical skills.

She established Cherry Tree to create a space where creativity feels natural and joyful, and where ‘mistakes’ are welcomed as part of the process. Her teaching encourages curiosity, exploration, and self-expression.

Outside of class, Jiamei enjoys experimenting with watercolours, designing new projects, and finding inspiration in the colours and textures of the Australian landscape.


Recognition

Her work has been featured in numerous publications such as the Sydney Morning Herald, the Hills Shire Times, and exhibited at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, SOHO Galleries Sydney, Verge Gallery, and Goulburn Regional Gallery.

Our students have gained entry into top creative degrees through portfolio pathways, including Architecture at the University of Sydney, early offers at the University of New South Wales, and direct entry to the University of the Arts London based solely on a portfolio submission. Their work has also been selected for exhibitions such as the Newington Armoury Gallery and the ARTEXPRESS Virtual Exhibition.


“Art is not a thing, it is a way”

Elbert Hubbard