FREE MAY HALF TERM HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN IN SUNDERLAND With special thanks to funding from The Sir John Priestman Charity Trust and The Hedley Foundation we are thrilled to offer an exciting programme of free creative workshops for children in Sunderland this half term! Let your child’s imagination run wild by securing their place in one of our hands-on ceramics workshops. These engaging sessions will give children the chance to explore their creativity, learn new skills and take home their very own ceramic money box creation. Ceramic Money Boxes – Children will design and decorate their own ceramic money box, perfect for storing their pocket money! They’ll learn different ceramic techniques to make a one-of-a-kind keepsake. Once we have fired the ceramic items in our kilns you will be notified of when they are ready to be collected. Sessions will take place at Norfolk Street Studios, 29 Norfolk Street, Sunderland, SR1 1EE, providing a welcoming space for children to express themselves creatively. Important Information You can book a maximum of one workshop per child. Suitable for children aged 4–7 years old or 8–11 years old. Parents/carers do not need to stay during the session, this is a great opportunity for you to enjoy some time for yourself! We require two emergency contacts for each child. Please inform us of any allergies. If your child requires medical supplies (e.g., inhaler, EpiPen), these must be provided. Let us know of any medical conditions or additional requirements so we can ensure your child’s safety. Media release forms must be signed upon arrival. Please inform a tutor if you do not wish for your child to be included in photos. Booking is simple! Click the link below to select your preferred workshop based on age, then simply complete the online registration form: www.minervaartsandwellbeing.com/childrensworkshopssunderland (fb)

NEW CREATIVE COURSES FROM ONLY £60 PER PERSON Explore your creative potential with our subsidised courses at Minerva Arts & Wellbeing in Sunderland. Thanks to generous funding, we’re offering these exciting six-week introductory courses and one-day pottery throwing courses, which start from £60 per person. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refresh your skills, our courses are designed to help you build confidence in fabric printing, glass, papercrafts, ceramics and lino printing. These hands-on courses are perfect for anyone aged 16+ and no prior experience is needed. If you've always wanted to try something new or develop your existing skills, these courses are an ideal starting point. Over the course of six weeks, you will gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience in a variety of creative disciplines. Our experienced tutors will guide you through each step of the process and you’ll have plenty of time to experiment and develop your unique style. Introduction to Glass - £80 per person Starts: Tuesday 13th May 6pm-9pm Duration: 6 weeks Step into the enchanting world of glass art! This beginner-friendly course will teach you essential glass working techniques, including cutting, layering and fusing. You’ll work with different materials such as tekta, mica, frit, stringers and glassline pens. Throughout the course, you’ll explore: How to safely cut and work with glass. Layering glass to create colourful and textured designs. Using specialist tools to refine your creations, including glassline pens and paints. Creating practical items such as test tiles, coasters and tack-fused night lights. You’ll leave with a final piece that showcases your new skills and you’ll have a deeper understanding of how glass as a medium can be used for artistic expression. All tools and materials are provided, so you can jump straight into creating without any prior experience. Introduction to Ceramics - £70 per person Starts: Multiple dates and times Duration: 6 weeks Have you ever wanted to try your hand at pottery? This course is the perfect introduction to ceramics for beginners. You’ll be guided through a variety of techniques, including: Slab and coil construction: Learn the fundamental techniques for creating both decorative and functional pottery. Pinch pots: An easy and accessible way to shape clay by hand to create unique forms. 2D and 3D slabs: Explore both flat and sculptural forms as you develop your pottery skills. Glazing techniques: Discover different glazing methods that will make your pieces come to life with beautiful finishes. Each week, you’ll work towards creating a series of ceramic items and by the end of the course, you’ll have a final piece that you can proudly call your own. All tools and materials are included and there is no need for previous experience. You’ll be able to take home functional pottery or artistic pieces that reflect your newfound skills. Introduction to Pottery Throwing & Hand Building - £60 per person Date: Multiple dates and times Duration: 1 Full Day Throughout the day, you will: Learn the fundamentals of using a potter's wheel, including centring clay, pulling handles and shaping your creations. Engage in hand building activities where you will create unique pieces using techniques such as pinch pots, coil building and slab construction. Receive personalised guidance from our experienced tutors, ensuring that you gain practical skills and confidence in your pottery practice. Have the opportunity to experiment with different clay types and tools, enhancing your creative expression. What to Expect This course is perfect for anyone looking to dive into the world of pottery. No prior experience is required, making it an ideal setting for those eager to learn. By the end of the day, you will have crafted several pieces that will be fired in our kilns and returned to you. Introduction to Fabric Printing - £60 per person Date: 14th May 2025, 10am-12:30pm Duration: 6 weeks Explore the art of fabric dyeing and printing in this inspiring six-week course. You will learn how to create your own natural dyes using plants and vegetables, experimenting with colour and texture in a sustainable way. The course will also introduce you to the beautiful technique of hapa zome, the Japanese art of flower and leaf pounding, to create stunning natural prints on fabric. Through a combination of traditional and experimental methods, you will develop a range of unique, hand-dyed and printed textiles. This course is perfect for beginners and those looking to deepen their creative practice with environmentally friendly and sustainable techniques. There is no need to bring anything, as all materials are included throughout the course. Introduction to Papermaking & Crafts - £60 per person Date: 12th May 2025, 6:30pm-9pm Duration: 6 weeks Join us for a creative six-week journey into the world of paper arts. In this hands-on course, you will learn the traditional craft of papermaking, exploring techniques to create your own beautiful sheets from raw materials. Develop your skills further with an introduction to bookbinding, where you will craft your own unique notebooks. Discover the delicate art of origami and the expressive techniques of kirigami, learning to fold and cut intricate designs. The course also covers embossing methods, allowing you to add texture and depth to your paper creations. Perfect for beginners and those looking to expand their artistic practice, this course will leave you with a range of handcrafted pieces and a host of new skills. All materials are included for this course. Introduction to Lino Printing - £60 per person Date: 14th May 2025, 2pm-4:30pm Duration: 6 weeks Discover the art of lino printing in this creative six-week course. You will learn how to design, carve and print your own original artworks using traditional lino cutting techniques. Explore the process from initial sketch to finished print, experimenting with single-colour and multi-layer printing methods. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this course offers a friendly, supportive environment to develop your creativity and build confidence with tools, inks and printing techniques. By the end of the course, you’ll have a portfolio of unique prints and the skills to continue lino printing at home. Venue Details & Booking Information Courses will be held at Norfolk Street Studios, located at 29 Norfolk Street, Sunniside, Sunderland, SR1 1EE, or Minerva Arts & Wellbeing, 31 Norfolk Street, Sunniside, Sunderland, SR1 1EE. If you require disabled access space please select events taking place at Norfolk Street Studios. The nearest car park is Nile Street car park, located just 150 metres away. Important Information Refund Policy: We require a minimum of 7 days' notice prior to the start of the course for any cancellations to receive a full refund. Cancellations made with less than 7 days’ notice will not be eligible for a refund. By booking, you automatically accept these terms. Suitable for ages 16+ Booking Link: www.minervaartsandwellbeing.com/newcourses Simply click the link, choose your course and fill out the online form to book your place. Spaces are limited, so don’t delay! Start your creative journey with us and bring your ideas to life. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create! (fb)