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.

Willow Angels
Jan
3

Willow Angels

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

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

Cost: £30 (all materials included)

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
Jan
4

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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Watercolours
Jan
7
to 11 Feb

Watercolours

Watercolour classes with tutor Nicky Clarke

Tuesdays: Jan 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb 4, 11

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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Drawing and painting
Jan
8
to 12 Feb

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: Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, 12

Wednesdays 9:45am - noon

£22 per session

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

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Loose Acrylic Florals
Jan
8
to 12 Feb

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
Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, 12

1 - 3pm

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

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Pastels
Jan
9
to 13 Feb

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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Art Journaling
Jan
9
to 13 Feb

Art Journaling

Art journaling is a process of collage, writing & drawing.

A mindful class that allows you to experiment and try new things to create a wonderful book of memories to enjoy for years.

6 sessions: Jan 9, 16, 23, 30, Feb 6, 13
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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Short Stories and Flash Fiction
Jan
10
to 14 Feb

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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Oil and Cold wax- A different approach to painting
Jan
11

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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Oil and Cold wax- A different approach to painting
Feb
1

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
Feb
21

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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Watercolours
Feb
25
to 1 Apr

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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Drawing and painting
Feb
26
to 2 Apr

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: Feb 26, Mar 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr 2

Wednesdays 9:45am - noon

£22 per session

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

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Loose Acrylic Florals
Feb
26
to 2 Apr

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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Pastels
Feb
27
to 3 Apr

Pastels

Linda Hampson’s ever popular pastel workshops.

6-week course on Thursdays: Feb 27, Mar 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr 3

10am - 1pm

£90 for 6 sessions

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

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Art Journaling
Feb
27
to 3 Apr

Art Journaling

Art journaling is a process of collage, writing & drawing.

A mindful class that allows you to experiment and try new things to create a wonderful book of memories to enjoy for years.

6 sessions: Feb 27, Mar 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr 3
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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Time to Write   
Feb
28
to 4 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: 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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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

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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 →
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

View Event →
Willow Obelisk
Apr
19

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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Felting
Dec
20

Felting

Felt Making, wet or dry - all techniques available! Suitable for complete beginners or the more experienced.

All day workshop, 3rd Friday of the month.
10am - 3pm

Upcoming sessions: Dec 20

Cost: £30 per session

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

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Local Landscapes in Oils: the Power of Light
Nov
22

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: £55

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

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Felting
Nov
15

Felting

Felt Making, wet or dry - all techniques available! Suitable for complete beginners or the more experienced.

All day workshop, 3rd Friday of the month.
10am - 3pm

Upcoming sessions: Nov 15, Dec 20

Cost: £30 per session

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

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Loose Acrylic Florals
Nov
5

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
Nov 6, 13, 20, 27, Dec 4, 11

1 - 3pm

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

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Willow Reindeer
Nov
2

Willow Reindeer

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

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

Cost: £80 (all materials included)

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

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Exploring Acrylic Techniques
Oct
23

Exploring Acrylic Techniques

Acrylics - Experimenting with Colour, Composition and new Techniques

A series of three separate day workshops on Wednesday October 23, Saturday November 30, Saturday December 14

£40 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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Felting
Oct
18

Felting

Felt Making, wet or dry - all techniques available! Suitable for complete beginners or the more experienced.

All day workshop, 3rd Friday of the month.
10am - 3pm

Upcoming sessions: Oct 18, Nov 15, Dec 20

Cost: £30 per session

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

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Willow Pig
Oct
5

Willow Pig

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

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

Cost: £60 (all materials included)

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

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Felting
Sept
20

Felting

Felt Making, wet or dry - all techniques available! Suitable for complete beginners or the more experienced.

All day workshop, 3rd Friday of the month.
10am - 3pm

Upcoming sessions: Sep 15, Oct 20, Nov 17, Dec 15

Cost: £30 per session

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

View Event →
Art Journaling
Sept
12
to 23 Sept

Art Journaling

Art journaling is a process of collage, writing & drawing.

A mindful class that allows you to experiment and try new things to create a wonderful book of memories to enjoy for years.

6 sessions: Sept 12, 19, 26, Oct 3, 10, 17
Thursdays, 1.30pm - 3pm

Cost: £95 for 6 sessions

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

View Event →
Pastels
Sept
12
to 23 Sept

Pastels

Linda Hampson’s ever popular pastel workshops.

6-week course on Thursdays: Sept 12, 19, 26, Oct 3, 10, 17

10am - 1pm

£90 for 6 sessions

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

View Event →
Loose Acrylic Florals
Sept
11
to 23 Sept

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 11, 18, 25, Oct 2, 9, 16

1 - 3pm

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

View Event →
Acrylics
Sept
11
to 23 Sept

Acrylics

Acrylic classes over 6 sessions - all levels welcome with Juliet Farnese

6 week course: Sept 11, 18, 25, Oct 2, 9, 16

Wednesdays 9:45am - noon

£105 for 6 sessions

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

View Event →
Watercolours
Sept
10
to 23 Sept

Watercolours

Watercolour classes with tutor Nicky Clarke

Tuesdays: Sept 10, 17, 24, Oct 1, 8, 15

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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Exploring Ink
Sept
7

Exploring Ink

In the workshop you will discover the many variations that ink provides, leading to expressive and exciting results.

Cost: £40 per session

To book, please phone 01460 54973 or email workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk leaving your phone number.

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Plants and Pollinators
Aug
28

Plants and Pollinators

CANCELLED

Children’s workshop

10-12pm

Discover plants that are irresistible to important insects. Draw and paint these using real life examples of the flowers and plants, venturing into 3D if you want.

Ages 10-12

Cost £5

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Beautiful Bugs
Aug
19

Beautiful Bugs

CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP

Looking at bugs and their beautiful wings, bodies to create 2D and 3D bugs in a variety of materials. Ages 5-9 Cost £5

Tutor: Margaret Micklewright

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Exploring Acrylics
Aug
13
to 19 Aug

Exploring Acrylics

Acrylics - Experimenting with Colour, Composition and new Techniques

4-week course on August 13, 20, 27, September 3

Tuesday 9.45am - 1.00pm

cost: £75 plus £15 for materials

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

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An introduction to Oil and Cold Wax painting
Aug
10

An introduction to Oil and Cold Wax painting

Cold wax is a versatile medium which is mixed with traditional oil paints and applied with unconventional tools, with not a paint brush in sight!

£55 plus £10 for specialist materials to tutor on the day.

Tutor: Bev Purdue

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

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Oil and Cold Wax painting: taking it further
Aug
5

Oil and Cold Wax painting: taking it further

CANCELLED

An Ideal follow on from the Introduction to Oil and Cold Wax Painting Workshop.

This workshop will explore shapes, tone, lines and colour relationships and preferred palette and look at ways in which you can present your finished works of art to express more of your individual style!

£62 plus £10 for specialist materials to tutor on the day.

Tutor: Bev Purdue

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

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Photography
Aug
1
to 12 Aug

Photography

CANCELLED

DSLR photography course for beginners, refreshers and those wishing to take more control of their cameras, moving away from the Automatic setting.

6 sessions: October 4, 11, 25, November 1, 8, 22

Fridays, 1pm - 3pm

Cost: £95 for 6 sessions

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

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Coloured Pencils
Aug
1
to 5 Aug

Coloured Pencils

THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULL

Linda Hampson’s popular summer ‘coloured pencil’ workshops

5-week course August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Thursdays, 10am - 3pm

Cost: £75 for 5 sessions

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

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Exploring Acrylic Techniques
Jul
27

Exploring Acrylic Techniques

Step into the colourful world of acrylics! Join us for an exciting workshop titled "Exploring Acrylic Techniques".

July 27

10.30am - 2.30pm

cost: £35 plus £5 for materials to tutor on the day

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

View Event →
Oil and Cold Wax painting: taking it further
Jul
24

Oil and Cold Wax painting: taking it further

An Ideal follow on from the Introduction to Oil and Cold Wax Painting Workshop.

This workshop will explore shapes, tone, lines and colour relationships and preferred palette and look at ways in which you can present your finished works of art to express more of your individual style!

£62 plus £10 for specialist materials to tutor on the day.

Tutor: Bev Purdue

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

View Event →