Many chances for children to get creative at Ballina Arts Centre
November 10th is the start of a six-week family Origami workshop for young adults aged 12 years and older and their parents.
Whether your child wants to express themselves through art, get busy with a sewing needle, make digital illustrations, create their own storybook, animate using clay, create origami artwork, or design Anime characters, Ballina Arts Centre has a workshop for that. The centre's Children’s Art Education programme is underway, and in addition to providing opportunities for children, the workshops give young adults and entire families the chance to get creative.
November 3rd is the start of a six-week Crafts and Sewing class, with Roser Sanchez. The workshops will introduce children aged six and older to simple and easy sewing skills. They will learn how to safely hold a needle, thread it, and practice basic stitches, as well as creating a finger puppet, stuffed key ring, simple game, or a house decoration. Classes take place on Tuesdays from 4pm to 5pm.
November 4th sees the return of the weekly art workshops with Ciara O’Hara and Monika Brzózka. With a focus on fun, children are encouraged to express themselves by exploring a range of materials and creative techniques. The programme of six weekly workshops is open to children aged five years and older. There are two classes to choose from, every Wednesday at 3.40 pm and 5pm respectively, and all materials are provided.
A bookmaking course, for children aged eight to 12 years, will take place on Saturday mornings, from 1 to 2.30pm for seven weeks, from November 7th. This hands-on workshop enables children to create their own storybook. Each week, through a mix of guided writing and art activity, children will learn about story and character, plot and structure, and how to make their story come alive through words and illustrations. Each child will then present their finished piece to the group.
November 10th is the start of a six-week family Origami workshop for young adults aged 12 years and older and their parents. Working with skilled origami instructor Danny McMonagle, participants will learn both simple and complex folding techniques, as well as how to understand about diagram and instructions, while creating their own models. Classes will take place from 5 to 7 pm and all materials will be supplied.
There are more opportunities for families to be creative together on November 14th and December 12th when the centre's Family Art Workshops take place from 2 to 3pm. Working with artist Ciara O’Hara - and using the centre's current exhibitions for inspiration - families can create their own collaborative artwork. They will use a range of materials and employ collage, mark making and painting to create a unique piece to take home.
On November 21st, as part of the centre's Embers Children’s Film Festival, children aged five to 10 years will be able to take part in a Clay Animation workshop, with 2D animation artist Niall O’Hara. Niall has over 15 years of international production experience and has worked with Hahn Film, Cologne Cartoon, Trinkompany, and BIG Animation. Fruits and drinks are provided.
On the same day, Ballina Arts Centre entre will host an Anime Character Design workshop with Wayne O’Connor. Wayne has worked with schools, libraries and arts organisations around the country hosting workshops in Comic Making, Animation, Storytelling and Digital Art, as well as Character, Book and Game design. This workshop is for young adults aged 12 years and older. See the website for more details of the ‘Embers’ workshops and events.
With so much to choose from, there is something to interest everyone, but places are limited so book now to avoid disappointment. Bookings can be made via the arts centre's website or by calling the box office on 096-73593.
