Creative Explorers Basecamp

Join Blueway Art Studio in the heart of Shackleton country and draw inspiration from our local creative heroes, Mary, Kathleen and legendary Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton.

Over 3 days we will experiment with eco-practices to create our own materials, handmade books and a series of prints. Whilst learning from the past, the children will explore their sense of place and look to the future through our eco-activities.

We will begin with eco-printing on paper, where young people learn the basics of natural dyeing and ink-making. We will use these materials over the following 2 days to make covers for our books and use the ink for drawing. We will also explore letterpress printing, letterpress is a really immersive, engaging activity where we compose individual pieces of type, upside down & backwards. It encourages problem-solving skills and kids love it, how often do you get to print on a 1942 letterpress?

  • Each young person will walk away with their own handmade book or journal, ink they made themselves, and a series of prints.
  • They will explore their own creativity in a supportive and friendly environment
  • They will explore how to work collaboratively in a creative team.
  • They will develop their own design thinking process as they try drawing, mark-making and different print techniques such as printing on a 1942 letterpress.
  • They will explore their sense of place, heritage and climate change
  • Limited places available

Our workshops focus on the individual experience and voice of the young person rather than the end product (though that is always lovely to see!). In each workshop, we gently help the participants to tease out topics and problems so they can develop plans; experiment with colour, texture, and form; and produce creative outcomes that fill them with pride.
Just as important as the artwork they create is the confidence they gain in their own abilities as they become comfortable with exploring fresh ideas and sensory experiences and using their imaginations!

Creative Explorers Basecamp will be facilitated by Angelina Foster and Emily Rainsford of Blueway Art Studio. Angelina has extensive experience in developing child-led creative experiences. She is trained to support active learning thanks to her certifications in TAP (Teacher-Artist-Partnership) and Narrative 4 Story Exchange Facilitation. She has researched the creative practices of the Shackleton family and believes there are huge lessons for young people, from a man, more famous for his process and leadership than reaching his goals!

Please note there is a minimum enrollment required to run this program, if this number is not met and the camp cannot run you will receive a full refund. Blueway Art Studio does not refund fees paid by participants who subsequently cancel their place in a course.
Cancellations are accepted up to 14 days prior to the start of camp with a €30 cancellation fee. Bookings canceled within 14 days of the camp start date are non-refundable.
Please add each child’s name and age in the notes when booking, including the email and mobile number of a guardian.

FAQs

What’s included in the price?

All materials will be provided. Young people may wish to bring leaves, flowers or bark from their own wanderings. They may also wish to bring their own art, photos, writing such as songs or poetry to incorporate into books but there is really no need to bring anything but their imaginations.

What should I wear?

We recommend kids wear clothes that can get dirty and they must wear closed-toe shoes.

How accessible is the workshop?

Some standing and crouching is required. Please indicate any other accessibility requirements at the booking stage and I will be happy to accommodate them where possible.

Workshop Details:

Level:

Ages 10 years to 15 yrs. Deferred until Summer 2023, vouchers available on link below

Duration:

3 days (10:30am – 1.30pm daily)

Location:

Blueway Art Studio

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