Workshops

We host a busy and varied programme of creative workshops, led by expert art and craft tutors. All abilities are welcome – whether you're an artist who wants to brush up on your skills, or a beginner wishing to learn something new.

The creative classes are run as either one-off sessions or as a series of half-day workshops over 6 weeks. The workshops cover a wide range of creative activity, such as watercolours, pastels, oils, acrylics, clay sculpture, art journals, ink, drawing, printing & stitching, embroidery, mixed media, felting and willow work. It's a great way to get creative in a beautiful building, with like-minded people and talented, supportive tutors.

To book your place, call 01460 54973 or email workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk leaving your telephone number.

Atmospheric Landscapes - Oil and Cold wax painting
Jul
18
to 3 Sept

Atmospheric Landscapes - Oil and Cold wax painting

Would you like to create expressive landscapes easily?
Do you want to cover large areas quickly, experiment, try new techniques and produce beautiful paintings, using just a squeegee, soft roller and mark making tools?
Then this course of developmental sessions is for you!

These workshops are run by Bev Purdue, fine art tutor.

10.00 - 13.00
Friday 18 July, Saturday 26 July
Saturday 16 August, Saturday 30 August
Wednesday 3 September

We recommend that participants attend all five sessions: £180.
But, if you can’t attend one, you can pay £36 per session.
Please book all your sessions in advance, as we cannot guarantee places later.

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Coloured Pencils
Jul
24
to 28 Aug

Coloured Pencils

Linda Hampson’s popular summer ‘coloured pencil’ 6-week course

6-week course July, 24, 31 August 7, 14, 21, 28
Thursdays, 10am - 1pm

Cost: £90 for 6 sessions

To book, please ring 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk

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Beginner's Dip Pen Calligraphy - New Workshop
Aug
2

Beginner's Dip Pen Calligraphy - New Workshop

If you've always wanted to learn calligraphy but felt daunted and a little overwhelmed not knowing how to begin then this is the class for you! This is Modern Calligraphy using a traditional dip pen with ink. In this two-hour class, you will learn the techniques necessary to produce beautiful lettering. A workbook will be provided and is yours to take home and keep practising. By the end of the session, you will have completed a mini-project producing gift tags and bookmarks. Your tutor, Nicki, will give you individual support as you learn this wonderful skill. A pop-up shop will be available at the class should you wish to purchase supplies to continue your new-found hobby. You don't need to bring anything - just yourself and lots of enthusiasm but feel free to bring an apron if you wish. All materials supplied by ND Calligraphy are vegan and cruelty-free.

£35, including all materials

To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk

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Exploring Techniques with Acrylics
Aug
5
to 26 Aug

Exploring Techniques with Acrylics

For Abstracts; Semi-Abstracts and Impressionist Landscapes

This course is led by enthusiastic artist and tutor Stephen Jenkinson. It is ideal for everyone - for those who are completely new to the techniques that Stephen introduces, and  those who have attended previous standalone workshops and want to refresh and develop their painting skills further. Experience the whole painting process: from preparation, through applying layers of pure vibrant colour and producing striking images with beautiful effects, to finishing your final images for mounting and framing.  

Small Group Course - Maximum participants: 8

10:30 – 14:00

4 sessions on August 5, 12, 19, 26; each session 3.5 hours

£90 per course plus £10 for materials to the tutor on the first day.

To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk

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Creative Writing
Sept
5
to 17 Oct

Creative Writing

Write stories based on your memories and life experiences. You will learn how to write so that other people will want to read your words. 

We will cover

Where to start,  structuring your work, what to include and what to leave out, and fictional techniques. 

6-week course on Fridays: Sept 5, 19, 26, Oct 3, 10, 17

10am - 12pm

Cost: £105 for 6 sessions

To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk

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Watercolours
Sept
9
to 14 Oct

Watercolours

Watercolour classes with tutor Nicky Clarke

Tuesdays: Sept 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct 7, 14

Morning session: 10am - 12pm
Afternoon session: 1pm - 3pm

£20 per session

To book, contact Nicky directly on: 01460 281773 or email randnclarke@hotmail.co.uk

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Drawing and painting
Sept
10
to 15 Oct

Drawing and painting

Painting is about ‘looking’ and drawing exercises our ‘looking’ skills and our awareness.

We will draw and paint on this course. Drawing exercises will designed to help us ‘see’ but painting is where we are aiming!

Beginners and experienced are all welcome to a relaxed class where everyone is encouraged and supported to work on individual choices and their own personal artistic development.

6 week course: Sept 10, 17, 24 Oct 1, 8, 15

Wednesdays 9:45am - noon

£132 for 6 sessions

To book, contact Juliet directly on: 01278 795364 or email: julietfarnese@gmail.com

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Loose Acrylic Florals
Sept
10
to 15 Oct

Loose Acrylic Florals

Learn to paint gorgeous, illustrative floral pictures in acrylics in these monthly sessions suitable for beginners. Let your imagination flow as you explore a loose and expressive style.

Cost: £95 for 6 weeks
Sept 10, 17, 24, Oct 1, 8, 15

1 - 3pm

To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk

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Drawing and painting
Oct
29
to 3 Dec

Drawing and painting

Painting is about ‘looking’ and drawing exercises our ‘looking’ skills and our awareness.

We will draw and paint on this course. Drawing exercises will designed to help us ‘see’ but painting is where we are aiming!

Beginners and experienced are all welcome to a relaxed class where everyone is encouraged and supported to work on individual choices and their own personal artistic development.

6 week course: Oct 29, Nov 5, 12, 19, 26, Dec 3

Wednesdays 9:45am - noon

£132 for 6 sessions

To book, contact Juliet directly on: 01278 795364 or email: julietfarnese@gmail.com

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Loose Acrylic Florals
Oct
29
to 3 Dec

Loose Acrylic Florals

Learn to paint gorgeous, illustrative floral pictures in acrylics in these monthly sessions suitable for beginners. Let your imagination flow as you explore a loose and expressive style.

Cost: £95 for 6 weeks
Sept 10, 17, 24, Oct 1, 8, 15

1 - 3pm

To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk

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Watercolours
Nov
4
to 9 Dec

Watercolours

Watercolour classes with tutor Nicky Clarke

Tuesdays: Sept 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct 7, 14

Morning session: 10am - 12pm
Afternoon session: 1pm - 3pm

£20 per session

To book, contact Nicky directly on: 01460 281773 or email randnclarke@hotmail.co.uk

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Introduction to Mixed Media Art Journaling
Jul
5

Introduction to Mixed Media Art Journaling

This class is not about ‘keeping a journal’ in the normal written sense, it is more of a process of creating all kinds of ‘no rule" art, that includes collage, painting, sketching, and maybe some words or quotes, within the pages of a book.

Saturday 5 July 10.00am - 2.30pm

Cost: £45, plus £5 for materials to the tutor on the day

To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk

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Willow Obelisk
Jul
5

Willow Obelisk

Our willow obelisk course is perfect for anyone looking to add a unique and natural look to their outdoor space.

You will learn how to craft your own willow obelisk using locally sourced willow.

Cost: £40 (all materials included)

To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk

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Introduction to Mixed Media Art Journaling
Jun
28

Introduction to Mixed Media Art Journaling

This class is not about ‘keeping a journal’ in the normal written sense, it is more of a process of creating all kinds of ‘no rule" art, that includes collage, painting, sketching, and maybe some words or quotes, within the pages of a book.

Saturday 28 June 10.00am - 2.30pm

Cost: £45, plus £5 for materials to the tutor on the day

To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk

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Exploring  Techniques with Acrylics
Jun
21

Exploring Techniques with Acrylics

This workshop is ideal for everyone - very practical, with easy-to-follow demonstrations and ample time to practise and develop a range of painting skills; or simply expand your armoury of  techniques. You’ll be painting straightaway, using these techniques, to create striking images.  This is a small group session, so you get plenty of individual attention and encouragement along with practical advice and helpful tips; and you’ll get results you can be proud of.

£45, plus £5 for materials paid to tutor on the day

To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk

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Watercolours
Jun
16

Watercolours

Watercolour classes with tutor Nicky Clarke

Tuesdays: June 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22

Morning session: 10am - 12pm
Afternoon session: 1pm - 3pm

£20 per session

To book, contact Nicky directly on: 01460 281773 or email randnclarke@hotmail.co.uk

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Pastels
Jun
5
to 10 Jul

Pastels

Linda Hampson’s ever popular pastel workshops.

6-week course on Thursdays: June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 3, 10

10am - 1pm

£90 for 6 sessions

To book please ring 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk

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Memoir writing
Jun
4

Memoir writing

Write stories based on your memories and life experiences. You will learn how to write so that other people will want to read your words. 

We will cover

Where to start,  structuring your work, what to include and what to leave out, and fictional techniques. 

5-week course on Fridays: June 6, 13, 20, 27,  July 4

10am - 12pm

Cost: £95 for 5 sessions

To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk

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Drawing and painting
May
28

Drawing and painting

Painting is about ‘looking’ and drawing exercises our ‘looking’ skills and our awareness.

We will draw and paint on this course. Drawing exercises will designed to help us ‘see’ but painting is where we are aiming!

Beginners and experienced are all welcome to a relaxed class where everyone is encouraged and supported to work on individual choices and their own personal artistic development.

6 week course: June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9

Wednesdays 9:45am - noon

£132 for 6 sessions

To book, contact Juliet directly on: 01278 795364 or email: julietfarnese@gmail.com

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Local Landscapes in Oils: the Power of Light
May
24

Local Landscapes in Oils: the Power of Light

Join the overall winner of the 2023 Ilminster Arts Centre Open Exhibition, to explore using oils to create atmospheric and expressive landscapes. In this course Annie Musgrove will focus on how to use light in the landscape to add interest and drama.

Cost: £50, plus £5 for materials payable on the day.

To book please ring 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk

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Oil and Cold wax - A different approach to painting
May
17

Oil and Cold wax - A different approach to painting

Cold wax is a versatile medium mixed with oil paints and applied with unconventional tools. Both landscape and figurative painters around the world find that the addition of cold wax medium offer unique and exciting effects.

This workshop, run by Bev Purdue, is especially suited to those who prefer learning new techniques and playfully experimenting with colour and texture. No previous experience is required, just come and be surprised by what you create!

10.30 - 2.30pm

£55, and £12 to tutor on the day for materials

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Drawing and painting
Apr
23

Drawing and painting

NOW FULLY BOOKED

Painting is about ‘looking’ and drawing exercises our ‘looking’ skills and our awareness.

We will draw and paint on this course. Drawing exercises will designed to help us ‘see’ but painting is where we are aiming!

Beginners and experienced are all welcome to a relaxed class where everyone is encouraged and supported to work on individual choices and their own personal artistic development.

5 week course: April 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21

Wednesdays 9:45am - noon

£22 per session

To book, contact Juliet directly on: 01278 795364 or email: julietfarnese@gmail.com

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Watercolours
Apr
22

Watercolours

Watercolour classes with tutor Nicky Clarke

Tuesdays: April 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20

Morning session: 10am - 12pm
Afternoon session: 1pm - 3pm

£20 per session

To book, contact Nicky directly on: 01460 281773 or email randnclarke@hotmail.co.uk

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Time to Write
Apr
18
to 21 Apr

Time to Write

Write the stories only you can write in this class. Tap into your creativity by responding to weekly writing prompts in class, underpinned by writing craft advice.

6-week course on Fridays: April 25,  May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

10am - 12pm

Cost: £105 for 6 sessions

To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk

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Pastels
Apr
17
to 21 Apr

Pastels

NOW FULLY BOOKED

Linda Hampson’s ever popular pastel workshops.

6-week course on Thursdays: Apr 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22

10am - 1pm

£90 for 6 sessions

To book please ring 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk

View Event →
Loose Acrylic Florals
Apr
16
to 7 May

Loose Acrylic Florals

Learn to paint gorgeous, illustrative floral pictures in acrylics in these monthly sessions suitable for beginners. Let your imagination flow as you explore a loose and expressive style.

Cost: £95 for 6 weeks
Apr 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21

1 - 3pm

To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk

View Event →
Mixed Media Art Journaling
Apr
14

Mixed Media Art Journaling

This class is not about ‘keeping a journal’ in the normal written sense, it is more of a process of creating all kinds of ‘no rule" art, that includes collage, painting, sketching, and maybe some words or quotes, within the pages of a book.

6 sessions: April 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22
Thursdays, 1.30pm - 3pm

Cost: £95 for 6 sessions

To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk

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Oil and Cold wax- A different approach to painting
Apr
12

Oil and Cold wax- A different approach to painting

Cold wax is a versatile medium mixed with oil paints and applied with unconventional tools. Both landscape and figurative painters around the world find that the addition of cold wax medium offer unique and exciting effects.

This workshop is especially suited to those who prefer learning new techniques and playfully experimenting with colour and texture. No previous experience is required, just come and be surprised by what you create!

10.30 - 2.30pm

£55 and £12 to tutor on the day for materials

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Oil and Cold wax- A different approach to painting
Mar
22

Oil and Cold wax- A different approach to painting

Cold wax is a versatile medium mixed with oil paints and applied with unconventional tools. Both landscape and figurative painters around the world find that the addition of cold wax medium offer unique and exciting effects.

This workshop is especially suited to those who prefer learning new techniques and playfully experimenting with colour and texture. No previous experience is required, just come and be surprised by what you create!

10.30 - 2.30pm

£55 and £12 to tutor on the day for materials

View Event →
Willow Obelisk
Mar
15

Willow Obelisk

Our willow obelisk course is perfect for anyone looking to add a unique and natural look to their outdoor space.

You will learn how to craft your own willow obelisk using locally sourced willow.

Cost: £40 (all materials included)

To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk

View Event →
Time to Write   
Feb
28
to 3 Mar

Time to Write   

Write the stories only you can write in this class. Tap into your creativity by responding to weekly writing prompts in class, underpinned by writing craft advice.

6-week course on Fridays: Feb. 28,  March 7,14, 21, 28, April 4.

10am - 12pm

Cost: £105 for 6 sessions

To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk

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Loose Acrylic Florals
Feb
26
to 3 Mar

Loose Acrylic Florals

Learn to paint gorgeous, illustrative floral pictures in acrylics in these monthly sessions suitable for beginners. Let your imagination flow as you explore a loose and expressive style.

Cost: £95 for 6 weeks
Feb 26, Mar 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr 2

1 - 3pm

To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk

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Watercolours
Feb
25
to 3 Mar

Watercolours

Watercolour classes with tutor Nicky Clarke

Tuesdays: Feb 25, Mar 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr 1

Morning session: 10am - 12pm
Afternoon session: 1pm - 3pm

£22 per session

To book, contact Nicky directly on: 01460 281773 or email randnclarke@hotmail.co.uk

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Oil and Cold wax- A different approach to painting
Feb
19

Oil and Cold wax- A different approach to painting

Cold wax is a versatile medium mixed with oil paints and applied with unconventional tools. Both landscape and figurative painters around the world find that the addition of cold wax medium offer unique and exciting effects.

This workshop is especially suited to those who prefer learning new techniques and playfully experimenting with colour and texture. No previous experience is required, just come and be surprised by what you create!

10.30 - 2.30pm

£55 and £12 to tutor on the day for materials

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An introduction to Paper Quilling
Jan
18

An introduction to Paper Quilling

Philippa's Introduction to Paper Quilling workshop is designed to be an enjoyable hands-on 'taster' session for groups of up to ten people.  The basic workshop lasts 2 - 3 hours, and includes the following elements: 

- An introduction to quilling and its history

- Examples of antique and contemporary quilling

- Basic techniques of paper coil making and creation of simple shapes

- The assembly of shapes to create a variety of quilled motifs.

By the end of the workshop, each participant will have made a quilled design to take away with them.  This typically takes the form of a small picture or greetings card.

Cost: £40 (plus £5 to the tutor on the day for materials)

To book please ring: 01460 54973

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Short Stories and Flash Fiction
Jan
10
to 13 Jan

Short Stories and Flash Fiction

Discover your creativity through writing short stories and flash fiction and find out how to make your writing shine. The course will cover how to start and keep going, story shapes and structure, point of view, and characterisation. 

Each week there will be writing prompts, time to share work and feedback so you can discover your writing super-skills

6-week course on Fridays: Jan 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb 7, 14

10am - 12pm

Cost: £105 for 6 sessions

To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk

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Pastels
Jan
9
to 13 Jan

Pastels

Linda Hampson’s ever popular pastel workshops.

6-week course on Thursdays: Jan 9, 16, 23, 30, Feb 6, 13

10am - 1pm

£90 for 6 sessions

To book please ring 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk

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