Tactual Explorations

Workshops

Workshops will be held during the exhibition, encouraging museum and gallery workers, school teachers, students, children and other visitors to explore some of the techniques behind the exhibits; as well as introducing tactile drawing methods for visually impaired people and for anyone who is interested in learning these methods. Most of the workshops are suitable for children; please check the ‘Age range’ information on each workshop description.

All workshops are free; however advance booking is essential as places are limited. Please book a place by emailing event@tactual.org.uk.

Escorts and assistance dogs are welcome.

Please see the Artists page for Workshop Facilitators’ biographies.

Workshop 1: Drawing by touch

Tom Ainsworth
Saturday, 30 September 2006
11am – 1pm
Participants will use the processes and actions of drawing (creating, sharing and developing) to investigate the relationship between tactile and visual information. Drawings will be based upon objects concealed from view, thus requiring the hand to act as a lens – focusing on the otherwise hidden information. The workshop is aimed at all ages, and at all levels of drawing ability.
Places are limited to 15 participants
Age range: All

Workshop 2: Access to art: Whose responsibility anyway?

Caglar Kimyoncu
Sunday, 1 October 2006
11am – 1pm
As an artist, how do you think about your audience? As a curator, how do access issues influence choices about venue, schedule and formats? Is it part of your initial concept, or something you add on at the end? There are over ten million disabled people in the UK, representing a huge potential audience that is often ignored.
This workshop looks at some of the myths about making art accessible, and explores creative solutions (cheap, easy, fun) to reach a wider audience.
Places are limited to 15 participants
Age range: Adult

Workshop 3: Tactual drawing and mark making

Carolyn Alexander
Sunday, 1 October 2006
1pm – 3pm
This workshop explores the idea of lines and shapes that can be experienced by the fingers instead of the eyes. Initially, a drawing is scraped into a thin layer of clay including any amount of tone, line or texture desired using a variety of found objects. Once completed, the participant will be assisted in making a cast of the drawing, which when separated will leave them with a tactile drawing on the plaster. The participants can then choose whether to paint the drawing in anyway they like or leave it pure and untouched.
Places are limited to 15 participants
Age range: All ages above 7

Workshop 4: 3D Collage

Louise Atkinson
Thursday, 5 October 2006
11am – 1pm
The workshop will focus on creating 3D installation using 2D imagery. Participants will create sculptures for a collaborative installation using waste material such as cardboard and packaging. Scupltures will be made using 2D images, including collage by Braques and Piccaso, as inspiration. Participants will also be introduced to other artist’s working in a similar genre such as Kurt Schwitters with ‘Merzbau’. Participants are encouraged to bring along some cardboard.
Places are limited to 15 participants
Age range: Adults

Workshop 5: Sensory Stories

Amy Hirst
Friday, 6 October 2006
12pm – 2pm
This workshop explores different tactile experiences and how they inspire imaginations or trigger memory and use the touch and feel of these materials / objects to tell a story.
Places are limited to 20 participants
Age range: Adults (16 +)

Workshop 6: Tactile Drawing

Lynn Cox
Friday, 6 October 2006
2pm – 4pm
This workshop introduces people to techniques of drawing with yarns, wool, string, ribbons and wire through paper, plastic, cloth and tapestry canvas. By the end of the workshop participants will have made their own drawing which they can take away with them.
The workshop is appropriate for those of all age’s from3 upwards and is particularly suitable for those with a visual impairment.
Places are limited to 15 participants.
Age range: All ages above 3