Event Category: Workshops

  • Under the Apple Tree

    Under the Apple Tree

    Join us in MK Gallery’s Event Space for a unique storytelling and workshop event. Awaken the Green Man from his snooze to tell you a tale and craft your own juicy apple.

    Under the Apple Tree is a project exploring sculpture and storytelling. Developed by artist Alfred Beesley in collaboration with artists and facilitators from Blue Room, an inclusive arts project based at Bluecoat gallery in Liverpool.

    This event is inclusive for all and particularly suitable for children and young adults with learning disabilities, neurodivergence and sensory needs. A comfy breakout area will be provided, and the event will be supported by MK Gallery’s Inclusion team.

    Taking place

    •  1pm, older children, young adults and families
    •  2pm, children and families

    Ticket costs:

    £7 individual, plus companion (18yrs+)
    £10 family ticket

    Alfred Beesley is a Liverpool-based visual artist who creates sculptures exploring the life cycle of plants using papier-mâché, textiles and ceramics. Beesley often describes how he would like audiences to interact with his art, sharing magical scenarios that recall fairytales and folklore. He collaborates with acclaimed storyteller Gav Cross to bring to life his sculptural works for children and families through the legendary character of the ‘Green Man’.

  • Tactile Art Workshop

    Tactile Art Workshop

    Join Artist Lisa Tilley for a creative workshop, designed for people who are visually impaired to develop art works inspired by the current Andy Warhol exhibition.

    The workshop will start with an explanation and audio description of one the works on show. We’ll then experiment with techniques and materials such as stencils, stamp printing and exploration with textures, to develop creative works that can be experienced through touch. The aim of the event is to experiment with materials and techniques in a non-pressured way, that’s enjoyable for all.

    This workshop is tailored for adults who are blind or partially sighted. Companion tickets are free of charge, but should you have any questions, please call our reception on 01908 676 900.
  • Drawing from Life Club – Portrait

    Drawing from Life Club – Portrait

    Our monthly drawing club inviting you to draw from a live model alongside our associate artist Paul Berryman. Sessions change from portrait and figurative. All skill levels are welcome but please not that these sessions are only lightly guided.

    About the sessions
    Paul is an experienced facilitator and tutor who specialises in working from life, and will be leading these sessions on a “lightly guided” basis. Starting each session with some ideas about drawing, the sessions will continue without formal teaching structure other than “checking in” and offering support where requested.

    By avoiding the constraints of a prescriptive workshop environment, these sessions aim to provide value to your practice with more flexible and personal support, or, if you’re happy just having the chance to work from a live model in a professionally lit setup, then this is also for you. Basic materials will be provided including charcoal, graphite, paper, easels and boards.  Please do bring with you any specific art materials you would personally like to use but please note oil paints are not permitted.

    If this session is sold out, please email our Box Office to add your name to the waiting list: info@localhost

    Dates
    Sessions at 15:00 and 19:00

    16 June 2026
    21 July 2026
    15 September 2026
    20 October 2026
    10 November 2026
    8 December 2026

  • Drawing from Life Club – Life

    Drawing from Life Club – Life

    Our monthly drawing club inviting you to draw from a live model alongside our associate artist Paul Berryman. Sessions change from portrait and figurative.

    About the sessions
    Paul is an experienced facilitator and tutor who specialises in working from life, and will be leading these sessions on a “lightly guided” basis. Starting each session with some ideas about drawing, the sessions will continue without formal teaching structure other than “checking in” and offering support where requested.

    By avoiding the constraints of a prescriptive workshop environment, these sessions aim to provide value to your practice with more flexible and personal support, or, if you’re happy just having the chance to work from a nude live model in a professionally lit setup, then this is also for you.

    Basic materials will be provided including charcoal, graphite, paper, easels and boards.  Please do bring with you any specific art materials you would personally like to use but please note oil paints are not permitted.  If this session is sold out, please email our Box Office to add your name to the waiting list: info@localhost

    Dates
    Sessions at 15:00 and 19:00

    30 June, 2026
    28 July, 2026
    22 September, 2026
    27 October, 2026
    17 November, 2026
    15 December, 2026

  • Art Club: Ages 5-8 (January – July)

    Art Club: Ages 5-8 (January – July)

    16.00 – 17.15pm

    Our Tuesday art sessions for children are returning for the new year, aimed at nurturing a love of creativity.

    This term, the focus will be on developing drawing and painting techniques, inspired by our current Andy Warhol exhibition. The sessions will be led by Amy Walsh.

    Children will explore various approaches to portraiture, from figurative to abstract, while enhancing their drawing and painting skills.

    Please note that parents and guardians are not permitted to stay with their children during sessions.

    Dates (Tuesdays)

    6 May 2025
    13 May 2025
    20 May 2025

    3 June 2025
    10 June 2025
    17 June 2025
    24 June 2025

    1 July 2025
    8 July 2025
    15 July 2025
    22 July 2025

  • Art Club: Ages 9-11 (January – July)

    Art Club: Ages 9-11 (January – July)

    17.30 – 18.45pm

    Our Tuesday art sessions for children are returning for the new year, aimed at nurturing a love of creativity.

    This term, the focus will be on developing drawing and painting techniques, inspired by our current Andy Warhol exhibition. The sessions will be led by Amy Walsh.

    Children will explore various approaches to portraiture, from figurative to abstract, while enhancing their drawing and painting skills.

    Please note that parents and guardians are not permitted to stay with their children during sessions.

    Dates (Tuesdays)

    6 May 2025
    13 May 2025
    20 May 2025

    3 June 2025
    10 June 2025
    17 June 2025
    24 June 2025

    1 July 2025
    8 July 2025
    15 July 2025
    22 July 2025

  • Art Club: Ages 8-11

    Art Club: Ages 8-11

    5.30 – 6.45pm

    Our Tuesday art sessions for children are returning this September, aimed at nurturing a love of creativity.

    This term, the focus will be on developing drawing and painting techniques, inspired by our exhibition, Vanessa Bell: A World of Form and Colour, and led by artist Julia Roach.

    Children will explore various approaches to portraiture, from figurative to abstract, while enhancing their drawing and painting skills.

    Please note that parents and guardians are not permitted to stay with their children during sessions.

    Dates
    Tuesdays 24 September, 1 October, 8 October, 15 October, 22 October, 5 November, 12 November, 19 November, 26 November, 3 December, 10 December and 17 December.

    We are now offering a 10% discount when you book in advance for the whole half term. Click the ‘book the whole block’ button and all sessions will be added to your basket.

  • Art Club: Ages 5-8

    Art Club: Ages 5-8

    4 – 5.15pm

    Our Tuesday art sessions for children are returning this September, aimed at nurturing a love of creativity.

    This term, the focus will be on developing drawing and painting techniques, inspired by our exhibition, Vanessa Bell: A World of Form and Colour, and led by artist Julia Roach.

    Children will explore various approaches to portraiture, from figurative to abstract, while enhancing their drawing and painting skills.

    Please note that parents and guardians are not permitted to stay with their children during sessions.

    Dates
    Tuesdays 24 September, 1 October, 8 October, 15 October, 22 October, 5 November, 12 November, 19 November, 26 November, 3 December, 10 December and 17 December.

    We are now offering a 10% discount when you book in advance for the whole half term. Click the ‘book the whole block’ button and all sessions will be added to your basket.

  • Form and Colour: Hand Painting Ceramic Plates Workshop

    Form and Colour: Hand Painting Ceramic Plates Workshop

    10.30am, 2.30pm

    Create your own decorative plate inspired by the dinner service commissioned by Kenneth Clark and painted at Charleston by artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant.

    Without a brief Grant and Bell had the freedom to decorate the plates however they chose. To seek inspiration for your own designs you will have the opportunity to tour our Vanessa Bell: A World of Form and Colour exhibition with artist Lisa Tilley. Having immersed yourself in the works of Bell you will return to the studio where you can share your ideas and with gentle guidance from Lisa decorate your own Bell-inspired plate.

    The workshop fee includes tea and coffee, entry to the exhibition and a welcoming atmosphere. The plates can be ‘fired’ at home in a domestic oven. Instructions will be provided.

    About Lisa
    Lisa is a trained textile designer, artist, maker and Arts Educator who has amassed a library of skills to aid both her practice and community work. She is also a maker of unique bags and accessories made from found and reclaimed materials. Under her brand ‘U Old Bag!’ she takes old items such as luggage, boxes, fabrics, crockery, books and magazines, otherwise discarded, and revamps and combines them to create vibrant, new, functional art that supports the planet.

    Her work has been exhibited in Paul Smith Stores internationally, with the Crafts Council and the National Centre of Craft & Design and featured in The Guardian, Crafts Magazine and Vogue.

  • Form and Colour: Lino Printing Workshop

    Form and Colour: Lino Printing Workshop

    10am

    Whether it’s an introduction to printmaking or practising the print-making skills you already have, join artist Katie Allen for this one-day workshop inspired by the works of Vanessa Bell.

    On arrival you will have the opportunity to visit our exhibition – Vanessa Bell: A World of Form and Colour – with Katie to gather inspiration for your lino designs. After immersing yourself in the art and applied art of this pioneering artist you will return to the studio where Katie will teach you how to safely cut and carve an image or pattern into lino using specialist cutting tools. She will demonstrate how to ink up and print your designs onto special paper or a cloth tote.

    Your lino printing day includes tea, coffee, and a light lunch. At the end of the workshop, you can take home your Bell-inspired designs.

    About Katie
    Katie is a self-confessed, ‘clunky, messy, grainy, scrappy illustrator who loves texture and typography.’ She fostered a love of printmaking while at university.

    Katie has extensive experience working in art education, including workshops for schools and teaching adults at Bedford Arts and Crafts Centre. She is currently an art provider at Living It Up Performing Arts Centre for adults with a learning disability, and a committee member of The Circus of Illustration, which promotes illustration in Bedfordshire.

  • Wreath-making Workshop

    Wreath-making Workshop

    7pm

    Welcome the festive season by joining one of our Christmas wreath-making workshops. Hosted by an expert florist from Wilder Floral (@wilderfloraldesign), you will be guided through a step-by-step process to create a stunning wreath that you can take home and proudly hang on your front door.

    Enjoy a glass of Prosecco with a hot mince pie while you design your unique wreath all from natural materials.

  • Drawing from Life Club: Portrait Drawing

    Drawing from Life Club: Portrait Drawing

    This class is for adults aged 18+

    Our monthly Drawing from Life Club invites you to draw from a live model alongside our associate artist Paul Berryman exploring the art of portraiture.

    All skill levels are welcome but please note that these sessions are only lightly guided.

    About the sessions

    Paul is an experienced facilitator and tutor who specialises in working from life, and will be leading these sessions on a “lightly guided” basis. Starting each session with some ideas about drawing, the sessions will continue without formal teaching structure other than “checking in” and offering support where requested.

    By avoiding the constraints of a prescriptive workshop environment, these sessions aim to provide value to your practice with more flexible and personal support, or, if you’re happy just having the chance to work from a live model in a professionally lit setup, then this is also for you.

    Basic materials will be provided including charcoal, graphite, paper, easels and boards.

    Please do bring with you any specific art materials you would personally like to use but please note oil paints are not permitted.

    If this session is sold out, please email our Box Office to add your name to the waiting list: info@localhost

    Dates

    Tuesday 16 January, 3 – 5pm, 7 – 9pm
    Tuesday 20 February, 3 – 5pm, 7 – 9pm
    Tuesday 19 March, 3 – 5pm, 7 – 9pm
    Tuesday 16 April, 3 – 5pm, 7 – 9pm
    Tuesday 21 May, 3 – 5pm, 7 – 9pm
    Tuesday 18 June, 3 – 5pm, 7 – 9pm
    Tuesday 16 July, 3 – 5pm, 7 – 9pm
    Tuesday 17 September, 3 – 5pm, 7 – 9pm
    Tuesday 19 November, 3 – 5pm, 7 – 9pm
    Tuesday 17 December, 3 – 5pm, 7 – 9pm