Art Van Go the Studios

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ART VAN GO
the studios
1 stevenage road
knebworth
hertfordshire sg3 6an

tel: +44 (0)1438 814946
fax: +44 (0)1438 816267
how to get to the studios

 

Welcome to the Art Van Go
Summer & Autumn Workshop Programme

main programme || information and booking

at a glance: July | August | September | October | November | December

21st Birthday Year Issue

We're now well into our 21st Birthday year. We are continuing the 'Coming of Age' programme into the autumn with more special workshops. As well as the special workshops make a note of the 'MADE at ART VAN GO' Exhibition in September (details in What's on in the Gallery) where, with your help, we hope to celebrate as many of the Art Van Go workshops and tutors as possible.

August to November is probably the busiest time of the year for the big shows, and we look forward to seeing you there at one or more of them!! See our itinerary for more information.

All day workshops run from 10am - 4 pm,
Individual evening workshop times are shown

Workshops take place in our Workshop Studio, which is beautifully designed and finished, with heating and air-conditioning. For further details, please see our information and booking page.

key: 1 & 2-day workshops evening courses in residence
A New Lease of Life (two-day workshop)
Tutor: Frances Pickering
Tues 13th July - Wed 14th July

Around a theme of 'A New Lease of Life' this course is an opportunity to utilise some of the treasured fabrics or sewing items you have kept and always wanted to use but couldn't find the application or inspiration. I will show you how to use hand or machine stitch on very unlikely items to create a richly decorated and very personal book.

Cost £68.00 (inc £3.00 materials charge)
 
The first of an inspirational series of workshops with Gwen Hedley based on the theme of 'Take a Line...'. This workshop replaces the one that was cancelled in March due to ill-health. Further workshops in the series will take place in 2011.
Fibre, Fabric, Paper, Fuse & Stitch (two-day workshop)
Tutor: Gwen Hedley
Thurs 15th July - Fri 16th July

Working from observation in the first instance, this workshop explores soft diffused lines. Using a simple single needle punch process, we will translate artworks into textile pieces with line and texture, ranging from fine to chunky. We will also work with gummy silk fibres and combine techniques to create further grounds or stitch. Your little book will be very fat with work and ideas.

Cost: £79.00 (inc £3.00 materials charge)
 
Experimental Watercolours
Tutor: Vanda Campbell
Tues 20th July

Suitable for both watercolourists and textile artists, these workshops will focus on experimenting and exploring new ideas and techniques that will help loosen up your watercolour style. Mixed media watercolours, working with texture, wet-in-wet, using collage as a ground for your painting ... all techniques that can be adopted and used to help unlock some of the secrets to painting in a looser style. Working mainly from photographs, we will look at how an unconventional composition can work wonders, as well as considering working in different sizes and formats for a more contemporary look.

Cost: £30.00
 
Another first here at Art Van Go! We've been intending to get Ricki here for ages, and now we've done it!
Screen Printing on Fabric
Tutor: Ricki Outis
Wed 21st July

This is an ideal workshop for anyone wanting to screen print onto fabric for the first time. We will briefly discuss the history of screen printing, the equipment and materials used and explore the basics of creating cut and torn paper templates to use with the screen.

Come along to this exciting day with some plain fabrics and leave with a pile of colourful prints. During the session you will develop your own designs and pattern by printing onto the fabrics you bring. Because of limited space we will be working on smaller pieces of fabric which can be used to create a sample book, hanging or small quilt. If you're a non stitcher you can print onto T-shirts, bags, cushion covers etc or simply transform a pile of old clothes! All techniques use solvent free inks and A4 screens are supplied for use during the day. The emphasis will be on the experimental - easy, fast and fun, this is a great introduction to screen printing.

Cost: £40.00 (inc £5.00 materials charge)
 
Revealing & Concealing (two-day workshop)
Tutor: Alysn Midgelow Marsden
Thurs 22nd July - Fri 23rd July

Whether aged and distressed or full of colour and life, you will create collages using image transfer and manipulation techniques. Then using distressing, glazing, bonding, simple stitching techniques and incorporating metals the result will be a surface which conveys a personal message. Images used can be selected from those provided, or they can be from your personal collection.

Cost: £84.00 (inc £8.00 materials charge)
 
Continuing Drawing & Watercolours: Anything Goes
Tutor: Suzy Drake
Tues 27th July

For those who have some experience, or have been on one or more of Suzy's previous workshops, but would like help and encouragement to practice your drawing and/or painting skills. You will build on techniques already learnt & explore, through a range of different subjects, new techniques in both drawing & watercolour. It is up to you whether you concentrate on drawing or watercolour, or whether you combine both.

Cost: £25.00 (inc £2.00 materials charge). To be booked as individual workshops.
 
In Residence - Bonding with Style
Thurs 29th July: 10.30am - 3pm

Sharon Osborne takes part in lots of our workshops and many of the techniques learnt are incorporated into her work. She will be working in our gallery using different combinations of machine embroidery, embellishing, painted surfaces, bonding, transferring, distressing, etc, when she is happy to explain these techniques to visitors. The sessions will have a theme but Sharon will be working across a variety of techniques. Drop in for a cuppa and a chat!

FREE!! There are no charges for these sessions and no booking is necessary
 
Nuno Felting II
Tutor: Clare Bullock
Fri 30th July

Following the tremendous popularity of Clare's previous Nuno Day, we have decided to give this workshop another run! Nuno felting is all about the linking of wool and fabrics - making scarves is the best & easiest way to learn. You are always left with an elegant and beautifully textured result. No two scarves will be the same and everyone will want one!

Clare will be presenting a further felting workshop on 27th October.

Cost: £25.00 (plus up to £15.00 for felting materials including equipment)
 
August 2010

Masterclass

Design in Felt-making
Four Day Workshop
Mon 2nd - Thurs 5th August

Tutor: Jeanette Appleton

The Masterclass is for experienced feltmakers to consolidate individual methods and direction for fashion, interiors, installations or art works. The aim is to guide the individual to discover and develop their unique creative approach and making process.

Cost: £188.00 (inc £8.00 materials charge)

Numbers will be limited to a maximum of 10

www.adrawingaday.co.uk/jeanetteappleton/

 
Yet another first at Art Van Go! Dionne Swift is recognised for her work with devoré techniques, the subject Dionne is presenting here for her first visit but she will be showing more of her wide repertoire in further workshops in 2011. www.dionneswift.co.uk
Developing Devoré (two-day workshop)
Tutor: Dionne Swift
Wed 25th Aug - Thurs 26th Aug


Devoré - burn out - was developed in C17th France as a 'poor man's lace'. Today it's an exciting yet illusive textile technique. Having spent 14 years specializing in this particular process, Dionne has developed accessible techniques and a myriad of additional applications.

An experimental workshop, covering the basics yet moving quickly on to explore devoré's other attributes! You'll learn the basic principles of devoré, learn how to involve colour in innovative ways and how to use devoré in other areas of your textile repertoire. Achieve stunning results and discover novel applications for this intriguing process, it’s so much more than textured velvet. Expect to develop sample ideas as an ideal platform for personal progression.

Fabrics for devoré will be supplied as part of the materials charge.

Cost: £105.00 (inc £23.00 materials charge)
 
You will remember Jill Flowers' work at the Windsor diploma exhibition a couple of years ago, and as a feature at the Knitting & Stitching Shows last year. Jill creates the most wonderful contemporary multi-layered and detailed ruffs from paper. www.jillflower.com
Flower Brooch
Tutor: Jill Flowers
Fri 27th Aug

Make a brooch in a day! Contemporary method of using papers and stitch to produce a piece of wearable art! Some are bold, others delicate and dainty. Embellished with baubles and beads. All completely personal and unique!

Cost: £33.00
 
September 2010
We have talked to Cas Holmes many times about workshops, but finally, in this special year for us, we are so pleased to welcome her to Art Van Go! www.casholmes.textilearts.net
From the Land (two-day workshop)
Tutor: Cas Holmes
Wed 1st Sept - Thurs 2nd Sept

A mixed media workshop using paper, textile, print, dye and stitch to create pieces based on the 'land' and landscape or a theme of your choice. Looking at different ways of texturing and colouring surfaces a focus will be placed on stitching as an extension of mark making and drawing, and various means of layering.

Topics:

  • Techniques of distressing & layering, which have been adapted from the use in Japanese textile and paper crafts. Building up a range of papers to work with.
  • Layering paper and fabric, paste and colouring mediums.
  • Stitching a line.
  • Discussing ideas for working with the papers such as methods of layering, stitching together, seams, gathers, tearing, building towards textured surfaces.
  • Creating own pieces using techniques.
Cost: £76.00 (inc £3.00 materials charge)
 
Pastels Positive
Tutor: Susan Sanders
Fri 3rd Sept

A one day pastel workshop taster for those who are beginners as well as experienced pastel artists. We will warm up with big gestured mark making with charcoal and then quickly progress to soft pastels. The elements of colour, tone, drawing and painting techniques will be addressed as well as the construction of your painting. The day will encompass still life, landscapes and the exploration of some routes from representational to abstract.

Cost: £28.00 (inc £4.00 materials charge)
 
This is the second in an occasional series of advice-giving sessions for creative embroiderers. We are so grateful to well known textile artist and tutor Pauline Verrinder for offering her expertise!
Drop-In! Hands On!
Tutor: Pauline Verrinder
Sat 4th Sept

Do you have a passion for stitched textiles, but want to know 'where do I go from here'?
Do you have numerous UFOs you would love to finish, but don't know how to progress them?
Have you tried free-machine-embroidery but come unstuck at the first hurdle?

Then this is your chance to get some help and inspiration from our 'expert in residence' Pauline Verrinder. There will be machines available for you to try your hand, so why not drop in for a while? If it's 'textile' related we will try to help! Tea & Coffee will be available.

There is no charge for these sessions and no need to book.
 

Summer School

Design, Inspiration & Interpretation
Four Day Workshop
Mon 6th - Thurs 9th September

Tutor: Kim Thittichai

By demand from everyone who came on Kim's workshop in October we have this extended workshop!

Enjoy the journey through design, interpretation and inspiration. You will be led gently through each part of this 4 day course creating original designs and discussing different ways of interpreting ideas. There will be time to develop a considered sample and work on a sketchbook. 4 days of colour, stitch and design, what more could you ask?

Cost: £145.00 (inc £8.00 materials charge)

 
In Residence - Stitched Postcards
Tues 14th Sept: 10.30am - 3pm

Sharon Osborne takes part in lots of our workshops and many of the techniques learnt are incorporated into her work. She will be working in our gallery using different combinations of machine embroidery, embellishing, painted surfaces, bonding, transferring, distressing, etc, when she is happy to explain these techniques to visitors. The sessions will have a theme but Sharon will be working across a variety of techniques. Drop in for a cuppa and a chat!

Free!! There are no charges for these sessions and no booking is necessary
 
Printing Texture: Collagraph and More! (split two-day workshop)
Tutor: Kim Major George
Wed 15th Sept & Wed 22nd Sept

This exciting workshop was a great success last year with students who have experienced printing, but as they said, not like this! Kim has created a workshop which incorporates three different types of collagraph textured printing. Printing from plastics, printing from delicate textile samples, and the stronger coloured multicoloured rubs. This is printing made very exciting, easy and accessible. Whether you have done it before or just want to see printing from a different perspective - this is a printing workshop with a difference.
www.majorgeorge.co.uk

Cost: £67.00 (inc £5.00 materials charge)
 
Gina Ferrari will be making regular visits to Art Van Go offering a series of workshops under the overall title of Razzle Dazzle. This will be an opportunity to develop your machine embroidery techniques. Each session is a stand-alone workshop, but ideas will develop through the series.
Razzle Dazzle - Shimmering Sheers
Tutor: Gina Ferrari
Thurs 16th Sept

Learn techniques for embroidering onto sheer fabrics with your sewing machine with a focus on fun! Create a range of samples with ideas of how they may be taken further. An inspirational class for those with some experience of machine embroidery.

See also Thurs 28th Oct

Cost: £32.00 (inc £2.00 materials charge)
 
Creative Metal Clay - More Moves
Tutor: Sarah Lamb
Fri 17th Sept

If you have some basic knowledge of silver metal clay, or have been on one of Sarah's introductory sessions, this workshop will help you develop your skills and creative ideas. The subjects covered will include decorative hollow beads, paste-work (eg covering organic materials such as leaves with paste to reproduce a silver version), setting fused glass or cubic ziconias into rings or pendants.
www.sarahlambjewellery.co.uk

Cost: £50.00 (inc £22.00 materials charge)
 
Fragmented Hanging
Tutor: Pauline Verrinder
Sat 18th Sept

Use your own imagery or sketches as inspiration when creating a hanging which will be built up from stitched fragments. Original methods of connecting your stitched fragments will be explored together with suitable materials and stitch. Your resolved piece is limited only by your imagination from which ideas can be taken into a further body of work.

Cost: £30.00 (inc £3.00 materials charge)
 
From Print to Stitch - Structure: Print, Stitch, Fold (two-day workshop)
Tutor: Janet Edmonds
Thurs 23rd Sept - Fri 24th Sept

Print on paper and fabric to create decorative surfaces that will be folded and formed into dimensional structures.

The workshop is in three stages. We will begin by printing onto coloured papers and fabric using simple print blocks made from card and hobby foam and then use the papers to explore the folded form. The designs will be inspired by simple dots and dashes to create texture marks.
Suitable fabrics will be fine-woven & non-woven - Lutradur, organdie, abaca tissue and fine cotton lawn - coloured and printed before adding delicate stitch marks to embellish the surface. Stitching may be hand or machine and consideration will be given to creating fabrics that can work from both sides.
The final stage will see the stitched fabrics folded in various ways using Japanese methods as inspiration to create small container forms or structures.

Cost: £65.00 (inc £3.00 materials charge)
 
October 2010
Tutor: Christine Benson
Wed 13th Oct - Thurs 14th Oct

The Silk Sensation explains and explores the characteristic qualities found in the wide variety of silk and related fibres in their raw state. These fibres will be used on day one in a variety of combinations and permutations to produce original and unique textile surfaces commonly known as 'silk paper'.

On day two, using these surfaces, you will develop the distinctive features found in the individual fibres their lustre, texture and fragility to construct a whole cloth further enhanced with stitch. For beginners as well as the more experienced. www.christinebenson.co.uk (an old website, but with info & images).

Cost: £72.00 (inc £5.00 materials charge)
 
Sketchbook for Embroiderers
Tutor: Marian Murphy
Fri 15th Oct

Another chance to attend this inspirational and well loved workshop! This will not be an exact duplication of June's workshop so even if you've been before, you can come again!! Aimed at starting a sketchbook in an easy and fun way. We will be looking at all sorts of ways of recording and developing ideas and making some stitched samples to make our own ongoing resource.

Cost: £26.00
 
In Residence - Lutradur & Tyvek
Sat 16th Oct: 10.30am - 3pm

Sharon Osborne takes part in lots of our workshops and many of the techniques learnt are incorporated into her work. She will be working in our gallery using different combinations of machine embroidery, embellishing, painted surfaces, bonding, transferring, distressing, etc, when she is happy to explain these techniques to visitors. The sessions will have a theme but Sharon will be working across a variety of techniques. Drop in for a cuppa and a chat!

Free!! There are no charges for these sessions and no booking is necessary
 
Material Volumes (three-day workshop)
Tutor: Frances Pickering
Tues 19th Oct - Thurs 21st Oct

This three day course gives a unique opportunity to create a book and start to fill it. Using just fabric for the cover and the pages, a touch of gesso and some fabric paint, then finished with machine or hand stitch. It would be a good idea to bring with you as a starting point some items of inspiration of your own choice: letters, photographs, scraps of fabric, interesting poetry or prose, books, your own drawings, etc. Themes could include: the beach, a favourite walk or place, travel, flowers, the garden, architecture, etc. www.stitchhost.co.uk/frannyp/

This workshop coincides with a major exhibition of work by Frances Pickering in the gallery.

Cost: £102.00 (inc £8.00 materials charge)
 
Metal, Shell, Feather & Quill
Tutor: Mary Sleigh
Fri 22nd Oct

Are you a magpie with a hoard of found items and personal treasures? This workshop will give you an opportunity to combine some of these with non traditional materials and stitch to produce individual decorative and tactile surfaces. www.lizard-dance.com

Cost: £43.00 (inc £5.00 materials charge)
 
Felted Embellishments
Tutor: Clare Bullock
Wed 27th Oct

Flowers, birds, abstract designs etc all make wonderful embellishments for hats, scarves, wraps & bags. Design your own and make a wealth of embellishments to adorn your favourite items, or as a great little gift for a friend.

See also Fri 30th July

Cost: £25.00 (plus up to £15.00 for felting materials inc equipment)
 
Razzle Dazzle - Constructed Fabrics
Tutor: Gina Ferrari
Thurs 28th Oct

Learn machine embroidery techniques for constructing fabrics from threads, yarns and water soluble fabric! Create a range of samples with ideas of how they may be taken further. An inspirational class for those with some experience of machine embroidery. www.ginaferrari.co.uk

See Thurs 16th Sept for more details

Cost: £32.00 (inc £2.00 materials charge)
 
More Mixed Media Metallics
Tutor: Jo Mabbutt
Fri 29th Oct

Continuing the exploration of the marvellous world of metallic decoration. You will have the opportunity to work on a variety of surfaces handmade papers, textiles, plastics, Lutradur, etc., resulting in more intriguing metallic surfaces. Experimental use of layering and manipulated textures will produce a wide collection of embellished samples and you may also wish to bring your own projects/artwork if you wish to incorporate metallic elements.

Cost: £32.00 (inc £2.00 materials charge)
 
November 2010
Metal Construction (two-day workshop)
Tutor: Alysn Midgelow Marsden

Wed 3rd Nov - Thurs 4th Nov

Get to grips with the techniques used by Alysn to stitch into metal and metal fabrics in combination with highly textured surfaces created by heat reactive surfaces. Use these ideas to develop a panel or a 3-D sculptural form. www.flickr.com/photos/alysnmidgelowmarsden.

Cost: £92.00 (inc £6.00 materials charge)
 

Bobby Britnell's approach of combining the worlds of fine art, drawing, mark-making and stitch in her own work and in her teaching has made her workshops one of the highlights of the Art Van Go programme. By popular demand, this workshop will concentrate on drawing - technique and approach - as a basis for design, or just for sheer pleasure.

Of Course You Can Draw! (two-day workshop)
Tutor: Bobby Britnell
Fri 5th Nov - Sat 6th Nov

An informative course with immediate results which will illustrate that everyone has the ability to draw. You will producing truly exciting work in charcoal and pastel which you will want to have framed and hung on your wall. www.bobbybritnell.co.uk

Cost: £85.00 (inc £3.00 materials charge)
 
Stitch and Felt (two-day workshop)
Tutor: Jeanette Appleton
Tues 9th Nov - Wed 10th Nov

To be aware of the potential of embroidery techniques at each stage of the felting process. In the layering of Merino tops and the bonding of stitched fabric and threads within the surface. The use of pre-felts for patchwork and appliqué, with further embellishment by hand stitch.

Cost: £92.00 (inc £5.00 materials charge). Numbers will be limited to a maximum of 10.
 

Colour Foray

Two workshops that are linked by the word ‘colour’, and that colour will be presented as only Ruth can. You will learn and experience the excitement of colour combinations on paper or fabric.

These are two separate workshops, but could easily be combined.


Colourful Considerations on Paper

Two Day Workshop
Thurs 11th Nov - Fri 12th Nov

Tutor: Ruth Issett

Build a collection of design ideas using simple but dynamic paper colouring and printing methods. Make a colourful collection of individual ideas using acrylic colour, resists and ink washes. Papers created will then be cut, rearranged and used to create design ideas for future use.

Cost: £83.00 (inc £8.00 materials charge)


Drifts of Colour

Sat 13th Nov

Tutor: Ruth Issett

Using Procion dyes, create wonderful glowing colours on various fabrics from delicate weaves such as chiffon to cotton and silk velvets as well as linens and slub silks. You will leave with a wonderful array of fabrics for use in stitch projects.

Cost: £42.00 (inc £3.00 materials charge)


These workshops coincide with the start of a major exhibition of Ruth's work in the gallery.

 
Changing the Surface
Tutor: Amanda Hislop
Tues 16th Nov

A taster workshop exploring layering and collage to integrate texture into art work. Referencing weathered and worn surfaces as an abstract source to develop personal material. Explore the creative potential of colour and texture to develop inspiring surfaces for stitch, collage and mixed media.

Cost: £47.00 (inc £5.00 materials charge)
 
Flirting with Romeo - An Introduction to Watersoluble Stabilisers in Machine Embroidery
Tutor: Carol Cann
Wed 17th Nov

Stitch links with stitch to form structured and delicate webs. Discover the magical surfaces that can be created with only the thread in the machine, without any other visible means of support, in this workshop where you will take your first steps in falling for Romeo and other water soluble stabilisers . Combining basic grids, machine and other threads, fabric snips, non-free machining and some free-machining we will be making delicate open structures. Familiarity with your sewing machine is essential.

Cost: £28.00
 

Lucy Reed has recently joined the Art Van Go team (you will see her working with us on Mondays & Tuesdays) but her background is firmly rooted in fine hand embroidery. Lucy trained as a Royal School of Needlework Apprentice and currently works to commission creating wonderfully embroidered special occasion or bridal bags. We are lucky to have someone of her calibre working with us and able to present this workshop.

Goldwork Embroidery for Accessories
Tutor: Lucy Reed
Wed 24th Nov

In this class you will learn how to create beautiful effects using various goldwork techniques with bridal accessories designer Lucy Reed. The aim is to gain inspiration and work on a design that could be used to adorn an accessory such as a handbag. www.lucyreeddesigns.com.

Cost: £25.00 (plus £10.00 for kit provided by tutor)
 
Scrummy Sketchbooks
Tutor: Vanda Campbell
Thurs 25th Nov

Suitable for both fine and textile artists, this workshop will focus on experimenting and exploring new ideas and techniques. Topics covered will include mixed media, quick pencil sketches, collages and montages, and there will be plenty of hints and tips showing you how to create beautiful sketchbooks you will be proud of.

Cost: £32.00
 
Sample Albums
Tutor: Marian Murphy
Fri 26th Nov

We will be making a small album filled with a combination of ideas, colour and stitch samples relating to a simple theme. As well as being a personal reference for future projects it will be a lovely piece to keep.

Cost: £26.00
 
Polymer Clay
Tutor: Nina Fletcher
Sat 27th Nov

Polymer clay is such a versatile and inexpensive material that can easily and quickly be transformed into stunning beads, jewellery and embellishments. You will be able to create a necklace/ring and take away additional techniques to explore later.

Cost: £26.00 (inc £5.00 materials charge)
 
December 2010
Vessels (two-day workshop)
Tutor: Lynda Monk
Wed 1st Dec - Thurs 2nd Dec

Explore several surfaces using acrylic paints and mediums combined with stitch and an assortment of fabrics, tissues and foils plus the usual smidgen of zapping, burning and melting - then go on to create a mixed media vessel piece from start to finish.

Cost: £62.00 (inc £10.00 materials charge)
 
Paper Lamination to Stitch (two-day workshop)
Tutor: Sarah Welsby
Fri 3rd Dec - Sat 4th Dec

An opportunity for students to experiment with paper lamination; working with paper and sheer cloth to create a 'new integrated' fabric. The workshop will also explore ways in which the new cloth can be developed further with a ranger of additional techniques. www.parallelstextiles.com/sarah-welsby-textile-artist.html

Cost: £82.00 (inc £10.00 materials charge)
 
In Residence - Scraps & Layering
Thurs 9th Dec: 10.30am - 3pm

Sharon Osborne takes part in lots of our workshops and many of the techniques learnt are incorporated into her work. She will be working in our gallery using different combinations of machine embroidery, embellishing, painted surfaces, bonding, transferring, distressing, etc, when she is happy to explain these techniques to visitors. The sessions will have a theme but Sharon will be working across a variety of techniques. Drop in for a cuppa and a chat!

Free!! There are no charges for these sessions and no booking is necessary
 

main programme || information and booking

at a glance: July | August | September | October | November | December

 

 

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