A packed programme for our 25th Anniversary year


Please scroll down the page to see the full range of workshops and talks available.  All workshops must be booked unless stated otherwise.
 

June 2025

Creative Counsel
Framing advice with Anna Lorimer 

Thursday 26 June, 4 – 5pm
FREE
Join local framing expert Anna Lorimer for tricks and tips on framing your artwork for selling and exhibiting your work.

Life Drawing


Thursday 26 June, 6-7.30pm
£10
Develop your skills and enjoy the relaxing benefits of this self-guided life drawing session.
Suitable for all abilities, welcoming beginners and professional artists alike.

July 2025

First Thursday Talk Rugby's Early Photographers

With John Frearson

3 July 1-2pm
£5.00
This talk will provide an insight into early photographic businesses in Victorian and Edwwardian Rugby. Covering twenty Rugby photographers from the 1840s, including the prolific E H Speight and his family, and the interesting stories they had to tell.” 

In Conversation


Wednesday 9 July, 6pm
£5

Join the writer Dr Richard Davey and the artist Chris Orr RA, in a conversation that will explore this visual language and discuss how Chris’s use of it in his drawings and prints brings insights and meanings that expand and contribute to his distinctive narratives.

Dr Richard Davey is a Senior Research Fellow in Historical and Critical studies at Nottingham School of Art and Design. He is an internationally published author on art, having contributed to catalogues on Anselm Kiefer and the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and written books on Tess Jaray RA, Anthony Whishaw RA and Leonard McComb RA.

August 2025

First Thursday Talk - The history and transformation of Houlton School

7 August 1-2pm
£5.00
Join us for an engaging history talk exploring the fascinating history of Houlton Secondary School. From its Rugby Radio origins to its modern-day evolution - learn all about how innovation, aspiration and excellence underly it's history since it's establishment in 1926. 

September 2025

First Thursday Talk - Folklore: telling the history of the common folk

4 September 1- 2 pm
£5.00
.Join local storyteller and author of folk tale books, Tom 'the Tale Teller' Phillips, for a talk that weaves storytelling and discussion together to unpick the truth behind our folk tales and how these tales, despite their sometimes fantastical nature, are the common folk's way of keeping their history alive. Both entertaining and informative, this is a talk unlike any other. 

Stacking Ring Workshop


With Zoë Hodgson
13 September, 10am – 3pm
£65
With guidance from Zoë you can make three silver rings to stack together, using a variety of textures to pattern the surfaces.  Learn how to texture, saw, shape, file, solder and clean up, starting at the design process and ending up with your finished handmade rings.

Willow Weaving - Berry Basket


With Kate Morrell
27 September, 9.30am – 3.30pm
£ 95
Kate will take you through the process of weaving your basket and will help you to achieve it in the time given so everyone goes home with a finished sculpture

Price includes all materials and refreshments

October 2025

First Thursday Talk : Death in the Garden

2 October1-2pm
£5.00
Over the centuries poisonous plants have been used to remove an unwanted partner or rival, as aphrodisiacs, for pest control and the means to foretell the future or speak with the gods. Learn about the mysterious mandrake and how a pot of Basil helped to conceal a savage murder, until… Be warned, many of these plants may well be growing in your garden. 

Creative Counsel
Marketing for Artists, Community Groups and Small Creative Businesses 

Thursday 2 October, 4 – 5pm
FREE

Dive into the world of marketing with local marketing specialist Caroline Barnes, as she unveils a treasure trove of strategies and insights to elevate your personal brand, boost your presence, and showcase your artwork like never before. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a pro and transform your marketing into a masterpiece!

Willow Weaving - Duck Sculpture


With Kate Morrell
18 October, 9.30am – 3.30pm
£ 95
Kate will take you through the process of weaving your Duck and will help you to achieve it in the time given so everyone goes home with a finished sculpture

Price includes all materials and refreshments

November 2025

First Thursday Talk - Precious Strands - history and inspiration for recyling textiles

6 November 1- 2 pm
£5.00

In past centuries textiles were comparatively expensive and were valued and re-used accordingly in most cultures. Today it is not the cost of purchase that may concern us as much as the environmental costs which are becoming more important. This talk explores aspects of the history of recycled textiles around the world and some creative approaches to inspire recycling today.

Two day graphite pencil workshop: Clouded Leopard


With Jamie Boots
Friday 7 & Saturday 8 November,
9.30am – 3.30pm
£90
Subject: Clouded Leopard

Join Jamie for a two-day exploration into the nuanced world of graphite pencil art.  This class delves beyond basic sketching, offering insights into the subtle techniques that breathe life into your creations.  Participants will discover the art of manipulating pencil sharpness, pressure and tones to convey fine details such as fur, skin textures and expressive eyes.   

All materials will be provided to be used for the duration of the class.  Tables are provided but if you prefer to work from your own easel please feel free to bring one.  Any reference material that we use in class is always copyright free so there is no restriction on use.  

Macrame Angel


With  Sally from Knot Sew Simple
Saturday 29 November,
1.30pm – 3.30pm
£25
 

This beginners workshop is a great way to get started with macrame.  You will be given step by step instructions and guidance from Sally in this 2 hour workshop to create what is needed to make an Angel decoration that can be hung and displayed on your Christmas tree at home.  

Each person will be given a kit with everything they need to create an Angel.  The rope used is recycled cotton of the finest quality and eco friendly.  

All materials are provided and worksheets can be taken home. 

Participants could bring fabric scissors with them but not essential.

December 2025

First Thursday Talk - Discover the history of this famous "Roman Road"

4 December 1- 2 pm
£5.00

Learn about this famous 'Roman' road and why it is not only more than one road but was also a road before the Romans were ever thought of.