Shell Poems

This creative workshop explores the hidden stories held within shell middens—ancient deposits of discarded shells, bones, and ash left behind by past communities. Middens provide rich archaeological insights into diet, environment and seasonal harvesting practices across time.

Inspired by this intersection of history, environment, and material culture, participants will create their own contemporary “middens” of meaning. You can create a short haiku like poem reflecting on themes of memory, place, or transformation, then paint your poem onto beach shells using porcelain ceramic paints or pens.

This workshop invites reflection on what we leave behind, how stories endure, and how everyday materials—once discarded—can become vessels of beauty, memory, and insight.

There will be two activities taking place in the gallery at the same time. There are 20 places available.

Suitable for school age children and older. Younger children may require support from an adult. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Activity involves permanent inks which may stain clothing.