Neo Artists Bolton presents Printmaking Taster Workshops

Saturday 7th April 10am – 4pm

‘Photo Screenprint’ Denis Whiteside

This workshop session is an introduction to the process of creative screenprinting using photo stencils. During the session students will participate in a six-hour workshop covering each step of the photo screen process, including photo emulsion coating and U/V exposure to positives.

Under expert tuition you will gain hands on experience, learning how to make stencils, register paper and create layered prints to take home.

Saturday 21^st April 10am – 4pm

‘Monoprint’ Ian Irvine

Monoprints are the simplest and most direct form of printmaking, being only one step removed from drawing and painting. There are various methods and approaches using rollers, brushes, pencils, turps, rags and any combination. On this one-day taster you will see various methods demonstrated and, because it is a quick process, produce some prints of your own on the day. Inks, rollers and plastic or metal plates will be provided on the day, but you can bring any painting or drawing materials yourself.

Saturday 19^th May 10am – 4pm

‘Introduction to gum Arabic transfer’ Anita Henderson

A brief introduction and demonstration will take you through the process of transforming photocopied images into atmospheric prints. This will be followed by the opportunity to experiment with this rewarding technique.

Saturday 23^rd & 30^th June 10am – 1pm

‘Collagraph and Mixed Media Printmaking’ Lisa Moore

Two part course – Collagraph is an experimental form of printmaking, which involves adding layers of texture to a surface and cutting away areas of a surface, which makes it possible to combine both relief and intaglio printmaking methods in one print.

It is a very expressive and exciting form of printmaking and can produce some amazing images.

Saturday 14^th & Sunday 15^th July 10am – 1pm

‘Relief Printmaking including Caustic Soda etching on Lino’ Lisa Moore

Two part course – Relief printmaking is one of the most accessible forms of printing that can be done at home without the need of expensive equipment or a press. During this taster workshop you will learn the basics of relief printmaking using lino. You will also be shown the more advanced skill of caustic soda etching.

Creative Textiles course

Bolton Central Library, Le Mans Crescent, BL1 1SE

8 week course starting Saturday 5th may 2012, 10.30am-1pm

Fee: £31.00 or free to those on means tested benefits

A practical textiles course designed to encourage learners to develop their own inspirational flair. An opportunity to learn a variety of inspiring textiles techniques including hand embroidery, embellishment and applique, which can be applied as decoration on garments, accessories and home furnishings.

To book your place contact Susan Danaei at the WEA on 07810 415765

Voluntary Arts Week starts soon

From 12 – 20 May, Voluntary Arts Week will celebrate the wide range of amateur arts and craft activity taking place across the UK. Voluntary Arts Week is the perfect time to celebrate and get more people involved in your creative activity. There are several ways to take part:

• Run a special event during the week to encourage more people to join you in your activities. Have a look on the Voluntary Arts Week website for more ideas and advice. You can also list your event and download posters to help publicise what you’re up to – www.voluntaryartsweek.org or promote and existing event or activity. Send details to info@voluntaryartsweek.org.

• Be part of our ‘What’s in your Window?’ campaign

From 12 to 20 May 2012, we’re asking individuals, groups and organisations across the UK to show off their creative talents in a range of windows across the country. A free ‘What’s in your Window?’ poster is available on the Voluntary Arts Week website to go alongside your display.

Encompass Fine Art Exhibition

Artists Sharon Forrest (2011 Bolton Open 1st prize winner), Stuart Hine, Siobhain Moakes and Tracie Shaylor (2011 NW NADFAS winner) currently studying towards an MA Fine Art Degree at the University of Bolton have collaborated to curate the forthcoming exhibition ‘Encompass’ featuring work from a number of prominent emerging and international artists.

Contributing artists are: David Mach, Ian Irvine, Kerry Phippen, Robyn Woolston, Jason Simpson, Amanda Rae, Ed Pien, Adrian Moakes, Pete Marsh, Valerie Hallliwell and Denis Whiteside

Alan Buckingham, Senior Lecturer at the university said: “This particular group of graduates have collected together a strong selection of artists to show with them for the interim MA exhibition, in a highly ambitious decision to extend the boundaries and the possibilities of this show. Each student is at a critical point in their careers- midway through their postgraduate study and already producing work to a very high standard, – and as you will see, their work justifiably sits amongst the work of other well known artists in this show. They have worked so hard to get to this point and I wish them every success in this venture.”

The group will present the exhibition ‘Encompass’ at the Grade ll listed Falcon Mill, Bolton which has recently undergone major refurbishment. The group shares the same ethos of collaboration and regeneration as the mill developer Wayne Nicholas.

A private view will be held on Friday 18th May 2012 6pm-9pm. The exhibition then runs until Sunday 17th June 2012 and will open to the public Friday-Sunday 12pm-5pm culminating on the weekend of Bolton Arts Festival. Admission is free

Encompass Fine Art Exhibition, Bolton

Venue: Falcon Mill, Handel Street, Bolton BL1 8BL

Opening times: Friday 18th May 6-9pm Preview Evening, thereafter open weekly Friday to Sunday 12pm-5pm only

‘Encompass’, takes place at Grade II listed building Falcon Mill in the Halliwell area of Bolton. As well as showcasing work from innovative emerging artists, the exhibition will feature work from established artists such as Denis Whiteside, Ed Pien and Peter Marsh. ‘Encompass’ will also exhibit work from MA Fine Art students from the University of Bolton.

The theme of ‘Encompass’ is suggestive and open ended, allowing for a rich variety of interpretations and styles of work.

Visit http://www.encompassartexhibition.blogspot.co.uk for more information.