Adult workshops

There's something for everyone in our diary of activities, talks and tours. Early booking recommended for all events that carry a charge.

To book please telephone on 023 8083 4536

Saturday Life Drawing

18 February, 17 March, 14 April, 12 May (semi-clothed model) and 16 June 11.15am-4pm / Art Gallery / £30 per session
Please provide own pencils, charcoal, putty rubber, A2 and or A1 paper. Suitable for all abilities except absolute beginners. Working with timed poses, movement and alternative drawing exercises to challenge our perceived ways of looking with Melanie Rose. Sessions in February, April and June are whole day poses.

Bird Sculptures: Introduction to Wire
Saturday 11 February / Art Gallery/ 10 – 4pm / £38
Explore the techniques used when creating a wire sculpture under the guidance of artist Debra Marsh. Working with wire of different thicknesses and colour you will create a wire bird using a variety of methods that can be applied to other subject matter. Turn yours into a love bird for the perfect Valentines gift. Morning and afternoon refreshments included.

Where to start? A Basic Introduction to portrait and figure drawing
Saturday 25 February / Art Gallery / 11am – 4pm /£32 per person
No experience necessary. Please provide own sketchbook and range of graphite pencils.
Led by portraiture artist Tony McNally this workshop aims to give an introduction to face and full body portrait drawing. Working with two different models in the Gallery you will learn simple drawing techniques that should give you a confident foundation with which to approach drawing the whole figure and the finer details of facial features. Morning and afternoon refreshments included.

An Introduction to Art History: Beginners Guide
Saturday 17 March/ Art Gallery Lecture theatre / 10 – 4pm / £24
What is art all about? Where do you begin when you visit a gallery? This informal and enjoyable day will look at how to read a painting by using basic analytical skills so that you can obtain the maximum appreciation and enjoyment from an artwork. Learning about art galleries and the artists they display. From ideas, methods and techniques to the social and cultural histories that influenced artists and their works throughout history. Led by Jennie Spiers. Time during the day will include visiting the gallery and the British Surrealism exhibition. Morning and afternoon refreshments included

Felted Jewellery with Artist Nikola Orpen
Saturday 5 May / Art Gallery / 10.30am – 4pm / £39 per day / All Materials provided. Morning and afternoon refreshments included.
Learn how to make handmade felted Jewellery with beaded and stitched embellishment. Why not create your own Christmas presents for friends and family. Work to your own pace, possibilities on the day includes necklaces, bracelets, brooches and earrings.

Brooches and Corsages with Artist Nikola Orpen
Sunday 6 May / Art Gallery / 10.30am – 4pm / £39 per day/ All Materials provided. Morning and afternoon refreshments included.
Create beautiful unique brooches and corsages using hand and machine stitched/embellished felt and recycled fabrics. Materials are provided but participants can bring own special fabrics if desired. Two sewing machines will be provided but if you have your own please bring it with you with an extension lead.

Printmaking with Red Hot Press: responding to British Surrealism
Sunday 25 March/ Art Gallery/ 10.30-4pm/ £38
Work with artist and printmaker Sarah Mander to create images inspired by the work of the British Surrealists. Using collage and mono printing techniques you will leave with a wild and whimsical imagery.

Wedding Flowers
Saturday 9 June / Sea City / 10.30 – 4pm / £35
If you are planning on arranging your own flowers or creating a beautiful corsage for attending a special day then this is the perfect workshop to get you inspired. Work with a professional florist and learn the wiring techniques and skills to make your own corsage, button hole and a table centre piece. All materials provided but please bring your own pair of floristry scissors.

Get Crafty: The ultimate summer garden party
Saturday 23 June / Sea City/ 10.30 - 4pm/ £30
Get ready for those summer time gatherings by making bunting and decorating cupcakes with the talented ladies from Stitch at The Lounge Cafe.
Learn new techniques and have fun designing, cutting and sewing your bunting. Experiment with different decorating methods and go home knowing how to create the most fabulous cupcakes. All materials provided including Cup Cakes. Some sewing machines will be provided but if you have your own please bring it with you.

Tudor Tiles
Saturday 14 July/ Tudor House / 10.30- 4.00pm/ £38 per person
A unique opportunity to work with a professional ceramicist, learn about medieval tiles from the Tudor House collection and create your own tiles inspired by the past. Examine encaustic inlaid tiles through handling and close observation then create three tiles, exploring the various stages of production and design. Tiles will be fired off site and you can collect your tiles on a separate day. Led by ex-Poole potter Debra Marsh. All materials provided. Morning and afternoon refreshments included.

As part of the Art Gallery’s partnership with Adult and Community learning, adults aged 19 and over maybe eligible for a discount on workshop activities. Please ask for details