Mixed Media workshop

I am pleased to introduce you to another of our talented Winter Workshop tutors, the inimitable Fleur Woods.

Fleur is a local artist based in Upper Moutere. Her art generally involves an element of mixed media, often vintage papers and found objects layered alongside fabric and paint. This is a process she has been working with for around 10 years. As an emerging artist her works are now regularly exhibited locally with many pieces held in private collections around the world.

During the Winter Workshops, Fleur will be running a two-day mixed media workshop. She says that no skill level is required, just a genuine interest in experimenting with materials and an open mind. Participants will learn about using mixed media elements to create a finished collage.

Day one will include: Paper stretching. Image selection & planning. Experimenting with various mediums & techniques … acrylic paint, spray paint, transparent gels, stencils etc. Participants will leave day one having played with a lot of fun materials and with a plan for creating their final piece on day two.

Day two: Assembling art work. Using the paper stretched on day one along with collage elements and individually chosen mixed media, each participant will create their art work which they will be able to take home.

Fleur will be taking only 10 students, so you'll need to register early if you don't want to miss out.  

To find out more about Fleur Woods, visit her website. You can also find her on Facebook. Fleur is currently exhibiting at the Old Post Office Gallery in Upper Moutere (29 January - 29 February 2014).

Body Percussion

Ever thought of your body as a musical instrument? Lenny has! Lenny is an all round amazing musician with a talent for finding music pretty much anywhere. In this year's Winter Workshops Lenny is running two classes - a series for children (during the July school holidays), and adults (also in July). Participants will find their hands, feet, legs, arms, and voices become alive with sound. He'll have you stomping, clapping, slapping, singing, whistling, and  finding all kinds of rhythms. This class is for everyone - regardless of how musical or rhythmic you think you are.

ADULTS: Saturday 5th & Saturday 12th July, 9:30am-10:30am, at Imagine Theatre in Motueka. Cost: $20 (total).

CHILDREN: Mon-Fri, 7th-11th July (which is during the school holidays), 9:30am-10:15am at Imagine Theatre in Motueka. Cost: $30 (total).

Parents of his child participants in previous Body Percussion classes have said:

"Thanks Lenny! [The children] had a wonderful time! They have been making all sorts of crazy sounds all weekend!"

"AWESOME! You guys were great! My child LOVED the class. Whenever anyone asks him about it, he gives the most enormous grin - you really made him happy Lenny!"

For more information about Lenny, and other Motueka musicans, visit the Motueka Music Network on Facebook. 

How to draw your hand in 3D

I found this tutorial on the fantastic website www.thekidshouldseethis.com. It's a great rainy day activity for kids (but fun also for adults).

Creating an oasis

“You can’t become playful, and therefore creative, if you’re under your usual pressures.” John Cleese

If ever you needed a reason to take a few hours out of your week to attend a Winter Workshop, John Cleese (of Monty Python fame) can provide one. In this excerpt from a much longer speech, John Cleese talks about the importance of making time and space for creativity. Here you go:

2014 Winter Workshops!

Welcome to the Motueka Arts Council Winter Workshops blog. Summer may be in full swing, but I'm already thinking up workshops for Winter! So far we have some great workshops lined up for both children and adults. Workshops include  body percussion, printmaking, pottery, needle felting, learning French through song and game, silver jewellery making, and much more. And just to get you really excited, I'll be putting up profiles of the amazing tutors and their work every so often over the next few months. If you have any questions about the workshops or any ideas for workshops that you think we should do, feel free to email me and I'll see if we can rustle something up.

Photo copyright: www.acorns.org.uk