Connections: Art + Conservation

In collaboration with the Ginninderry Conservation Trust, Strathnairn Arts is presenting a series of workshops for young people over the April school holidays that will focus on the connection between nature and art, and the importance art plays in conservation.

Rangers from the Trust will take participants on a morning tour of the Conservation Corridor – a very unique and special part of our shared neighbourhood – to showcase the incredible environment and what resides within it. Professional artists will then guide participants in a three-hour afternoon workshop to make a 2D or 3D artwork in response to their walk.

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Thursday 18 April

Monoprint Landscapes with Sally Black

During this workshop students will create their own unique monotype artwork inspired by the landscape around Strathnairn. Students will make sketches and take photographs during the tour as a guide to creating a monotype artwork. Monotypes are made with the application of watercolour paint and ink onto a Perspex plate, then transferred via etching press onto printmaking paper.

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Friday 19 April

Clay Workshop with Gemma Brown

Students will explore slab-building techniques in clay, using templates to form ceramic cups. Inspired by the sights, textures and colours of the walk around Strathnairn, students will also look at methods of decorating clay while still wet, including impressing into the clay surface, and adding colour using clay slips.

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Wednesday 24 April

Watercolour Water Beetles with John Hart

In this workshop participants will learn to use watercolours to observe and paint very small objects from life. Participants will be observing local water beetles and other natural objects, and will learn basic watercolour methods to recreate what they see in a larger-than-life painting.

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Friday 26 April

Bird Sculptures with Tom Buckland

Using recycled cardboard learn to sculpt a three dimensional and free standing bird. These birds are easy to make and full of character and personality. This is a great introduction to basic sculpture techniques and a wonderful way to utilise recycled materials. Workshop participants will take home their own handmade bird.