Frome Community Education’s summer term is just around the corner, and if you are looking for a reason to try something new, there has never been a better time.
With courses starting from just £35 and running from late April through to July, the arts & crafts programme this term is one of the most varied and exciting yet – spanning sculpture, photography, illustration, natural dyeing, collage, painting and drawing.
Brand-new tutor Danny Markey kicks things off early with “Outdoor Drawing and Painting In Frome,” a 5-week Monday morning course beginning 13th April. This is a course for anyone who has ever wanted to escape the studio and engage directly with the world around them. Danny explains, “Students will be encouraged to respond creatively to Frome’s visually rich open spaces and to develop their own individual approach as the weeks progress.”
If sculpture is more your thing, Fiona Campbell offers an equally compelling new Monday evening course, “Eco Sculpture.” Over five weeks from 20th April, you will create nature-inspired works using found and recycled materials – wire, wood, metal, paper and natural fibres. You will learn wirework, papier mâché and botanical dyeing techniques to help develop your creative voice.
For those drawn to pen and paint rather than pliers, Catherine Beale introduces a one-day “Introduction to Line and Wash Illustration” on Thursday 11th June. Following Catherine’s demonstrations, you will create an ink drawing of an ancient Lake District packhorse bridge – from pencil plan through to penned detail – before adding watercolour washes to build shadow and depth. All are welcome, and the day ends with a review and tips to take away.
Photography lovers should not overlook Lisa Hynes’s new 10-week “Beginners DSLR Photography” course on Tuesday evenings from 21st April. Lisa is a working photographer with 25 years of professional experience, and her course is designed for anyone ready to move beyond auto mode and truly understand their camera. You will need to bring your own DSLR, but you will leave knowing how to use it confidently and creatively.
Elsewhere in the programme, Cathy Plummer’s one-day natural dyeing workshop runs on Saturday 2nd May; Jessica Wilker offers a joyful day of collage on Saturday 16th May; and Julia Blaker’s “Make Your Own Sewn Sketchbook” runs on Saturday mornings from 2nd May. And that is before you consider life drawing, watercolour, mixed media, mosaic making and more.
Most courses start week beginning 20th April. To book, visit www.fromecommed.org.uk or call in at the Box Office at the Cheese & Grain. “Don’t delay – places go quickly.” says Frome Community Education.
Pictured: Students at work during Amy Yates’ Mixed Media Art Class with Frome Community Education
