Art and Craft Weekend At Halsway Manor
Fri 24th to Sun 26th May 2013
A hands-on weekend of Art and Craft workshops with leading Somerset artist/tutors.
All levels of experience welcome: you might be an artist interested in trying something new, or you could be a complete beginner wanting to âhave a goâ! Choose from five workshop options and be inspired by the beautiful setting of Halsway Manor. You can immerse yourself in the weekend by staying at the Manor, or come along as a day-visitor, whichever suits you best. All materials are provided unless stated otherwise.
Printing with Jim Munnion
Jim Munnion is a well known full time Somerset painter/printmaker. He will be running a âtasterâ workshop in Screen printing, giving participants a âhands onâ chance to learn about the process. During the course of the weekend you will have the chance to produce you own original print based on the âGreen Manâ theme. The course is suitable for both total beginners and more experienced artists, however, as the process of screen printing is complicated there will be a lot to learn and expect some surprising results! Participants will also be introduced to the basics of relief printing, and as we work, will have a have a chance to learn about the history of original printmaking.
Felt Making with Sarah Meikle
Sarah Meikle has worked with a wide range of crafts over many years, and is an experienced teacher and creative therapist. Her inspiration for her creative work comes mainly from the natural world and the seasons around her. This practical two day course is aimed at beginners but all abilities are welcome. Covering a variety of methods we will make both practical and decorative items using a wide choice of colours and wool fibers. Day 1 will include making small samples and a functional item eg. a bag/tea cosy/doorstop using the wet felting method. We will also produce items using felting needles. Day 2 will expand upon the methods used on the previous day and will focus on finishing the work already started. Where possible students will have choice over the items they make during the course and will have opportunities to explore their ideas.
Sculpture with Melanie Deegan
Melanie originally trained and worked as a woodcarver before the desire for a more flexible approach to sculpture led her to discover Jesmonite, a non-toxic resin that perfectly suits her requirements. Each piece starts as an idea outlined in wire before the final sculpture is produced by building layers of Jesmonite over the metal framework. Melanieâs sculpture workshop will include experimentation with wire sculpture, creating a wire âsketchâ which you can develop into a more detailed piece if you wish. She will also explore mould-making and casting, enabling you to design and produce your own tiles or wall-plaque. Books and images will be available to provide inspiration or you are welcome to bring your own. The workshop is suitable for those with no previous experience or anyone looking to try something new. All tools and materials provided.
Sketchbook and iPad Art with Alison Jacobs
Alison is a specialist in detailed animal studies in acrylic and, in complete contrast, is a painter of landscapes out of doors in an impressionistic, expressive style. This workshop combines her passion for the Somerset countryside with her latest obsession â inspired by David Hockney â in creating iPad art.
Bring your iPad and / or a sketchbook and draw! Alison will set various projects throughout the weekend, and always be on hand to guide you in basic drawing skills. Weather permitting you will head outdoors, so bring suitable clothing!
If bringing your iPad, youâll need to have installed âbrushesâ and âpaperâ apps. A stylus would be advantageous but not vital. If using a sketchbook, bring any favourite materials, but you can try different materials (provided), including brush pens and watercolours for quick sketching.
Willow beasts with Sophie Courtiour
Sophie Courtiour is a Somerset artist known for her large public willow sculptures including leaping deer and the beast on the Blackdown Hills, and a 7 metre reclining woman in Weston-Super-Mare! Sophie will be running this two day workshop using willow grown locally on the Somerset Levels. Participants are welcome to use the comprehensive folk library at Halsway Manor with a view to creating their own mythical beast though the workshop will cater to any ideas and all levels of ability. There is no need for previous experience and you donât have to be arty! Be prepared for any weather as we will be working outside and it would be useful if you could bring secateurs and a kneeling pad.
The Weekend
Arrive on Friday from 4pm, depart at 5pm on Sunday after a cream tea!Full board â including accommodation, all meals, tuition and materials â per person:
ã200 single ensuite room
ã180 sharing ensuite room
ã180 single non-ensuite room
ã170 sharing non-ensuite room
You can camp in the grounds or bring a campervan / caravan: ã120 per person (including meals, tuition and materials).
Day visitors:
ã50 per person (incluing tuition, lunch and materials)
How to book:
Contact Halsway Manor on 01984 618274 / office@halswaymanor.org.uk.
You will need to tell us in advance which workshop strand you wish to follow. Places are limited in each workshop.
Halsway Manor, Halsway Lane, near Crowcombe. Somerset. TA4 4BD, England UKGB
Sat nav : use post code TA44BD
Grid reference ST127 381
We are just off the A358 Taunton to Minehead road 4 miles south of Williton.