Studio
Following extensive refurbishments, from 2021 we are excited to welcome you to the Peter Sowerby Studio.
The Peter Sowerby Studio is home to the majority of visual arts workshops that take place at The Courthouse, as well as our ‘open studio’ coworking scheme that welcomes ceramicists and printmakers three days a week.
Workshops
Twice a year, Rural Arts announces a wide selection of visual arts workshops for people of all ages and levels of experience. We invite you to join us and develop your creativity in a relaxed, encouraging and inspiring environment with our friendly tutors and alongside like minded individuals.
Our workshops include all the materials and equipment you’ll need and are led by our team of professional artists, who are passionate about giving you the opportunity to create a finished product that draws on their own knowledge and expertise. The majority of our workshops are suitable for beginners – if they’re not, this is detailed on the workshop information.
Workshops for Adults
Artist Workshops
These workshops tend to take place on a Saturday and last either half a day (10am – 1pm) or a full day (10am – 4pm). Full day sessions include an hour for lunch where you are welcome to join your fellow attendees and the tutor in our café to purchase a homemade lunch.
Taste Of…
With all materials included and all workshops suitable for beginners, these Wednesday morning sessions provide the perfect introduction to a range of artistic styles and techniques. These sessions usually take place between 10:30am – 12:30am.
Event days
Bringing people together and offering something new – right on your doorstep. Our event days are great fun for all ages. You can see all our upcoming events here
Workshops for Children and Young People
Art Club
Our art, craft and digital sessions are perfect for any young creative. A safe, supportive and inspiring environment – with a strong emphasis on fun and experimentation.
Holiday Workshops
Each holiday we host an exciting selection of themed workshops. They’re all suitable for ages 5+ unless stated (We try to put on at least one 2+ workshop each holiday!). If you’re an adult who’d like to join in, please book an extra place.
You can see all our upcoming workshops for Children and Young People here
Bespoke Workshops
Offering bespoke creative workshops for your special event
Looking for an exciting way to mark that special occasion? To share a great experience with family, friends or colleagues? To fulfil your dream of always wanting to learn that thing?
Rural Arts can design unique workshops for special events including:
- Birthdays
- Anniversaries
- Corporate events
- Children’s parties
- Just because!
Our workshops are led by friendly professional artists, in a supportive and inspiring environment – with a lot of fun thrown in!
Email our Creative Producer (Visual Arts) Sorcha McCole on sorcha@ruralarts.org to find out more!
Want to know more?
If you have any questions or queries about our workshops, or are an artist interested in delivering a workshop with us, please contact our Creative Producer (Visual Arts) Sorcha McCole on sorcha@ruralarts.org.
Check out our full range of exciting workshops and events here.
Facilities
The Peter Sowerby Studio boasts a wide range of professional-grade equipment and resources:
Ceramics
- Rhodes electric kiln with regular bisque and glaze (1120/1220 firings)
- Rhodes pottery wheel
- Ceramic moulds and humps
- Portable slab roller
Printmaking
- Hawthorn etching press
- Mini portable printing press
- Pulley-system drying rack
Use of all equipment and facilities, including the kiln and printing presses, are exclusively available to workshop attendees and members of The Arts Collective with whom we collaborate.
If you are an artist hoping to expand your practise through the use of our facilities, we recommend getting in touch with Rural Arts by emailing sorcha@ruralarts.org.
For information on The Arts Collective please get in touch directly at theartscollective1@gmail.com.
