The Big Draw, the world’s biggest drawing festival, returns to Northumberland this October half-term with the theme Drawn Together.
As part of its creative engagement programme, The Maltings (Berwick) Trust is collaborating with Northumberland Libraries and Allanbank Arts to deliver an exciting set of workshops for all ages, in Berwick, Hexham, Wooler, Blyth and Morpeth. Ranging from children’s story-spinning to adults’ artistic investigation, this year’s workshops invite participants to think, create and have fun with drawing together.
Councillor Wendy Pattison at Northumberland County Council said: “This is the 6th year Northumberland Libraries have collaborated with The Maltings on The Big Draw Festival. Over that period we have delivered creative & inspirational workshops for children and young people across the County.
This year the range of the workshops and the focus on books truly links to libraries. We are delighted to work with Allanbank Arts this year, with a choice of workshops for ages ranging 3- 14+ years.”
Justine Miller, from Allanbank Arts said: “Allanbank Arts are delighted to be delivering workshops for The Big Draw this year and we feel that the theme ‘Drawn Together’ couldn’t be a more perfect fit for our organisation which prides itself on inclusivity through the medium of art.
We have worked with The Maltings on many occasions and have always loved that our collaborations are about making art accessible and enjoyable for all. The hope is that by also working with Northumberland Libraries for this project a whole new audience of all ages across our region will be able to join the fun.”
About the workshops:
“But excuse me that is my book”
Based on the much-loved book by Lauren Child, this collaborative workshop for children aged 3 – 8 years old with their parents/carers will involve storytelling, collage, mini-beast drawing, and lots of fun!
Morpeth Library: Wednesday 29 October | 10.30am – 12pm
Blyth Library: Wednesday 29 October | 2.30pm – 4pm
Wooler Library: Friday 31 October | 10.30am – 12pm
“October, October” Katya Balen
A workshop for 8 – 13 year olds based on the environmental themes and accompanying illustrations in the book. Using simple printing techniques, we will work together to explore how to use images to tell a story.
Hexham Library: Thursday 30 October | 10.30am – 12pm
Words inspired by Jenny Holzer
A workshop for teens and adults based on the work of American artist Jenny Holzer. What do I want to say? How can I say it with art? We will examine Jenny Holzer’s work together and explore ways to give our words a big impact!
Berwick Library: Friday 31 October | 2.30pm – 4pm
All workshops are free to book. We welcome cash donations at the workshops (from £3). For more information and to book tickets, click here.