Free creative events for all ages this October

Posted on: Tuesday, October 17, 2023

The world’s largest drawing festival, the Big Draw, returns to Newark and Sherwood this month! There are great events to get involved with during the half term, offering a free creative outlet for local people of all ages.

The events are being organised as part of Open Doors, a three-year programme of arts activity, part of the Heritage and Culture Team at Newark and Sherwood District Council. Open Doors aims to increase creative opportunities for local young people and underserved groups, all thanks to Arts Council England funding which made the Council’s Heritage and Culture offer a National Portfolio Organisation earlier this year.

The Open Doors team are kicking off with Draw Big, led by artist Samantha Peberdy and Open Doors’ Milly, at Clipstone Village Hall on Wednesday 25 October at 10.30am. During this free workshop for children aged 5 and over, a giant floor canvas will be filled with doodles, paint splashes and splodges and participants will explore colour, texture and different materials throughout.

The following day, on Thursday 26 October at 10.30am, Artist Rosny Hayward will host an event at the National Civil War Centre where children 6 years and over will be exploring the musical world of art. During Musical Marks, children will be creating art from listening to music and letting their creativity flow. This fun workshop offers participants the chance to learn new creative skills, working with collage, colour and graphite.

The last of the Open Doors Big Draw events is a Sensory Impressions community workshop with artist Hannah Sawtell. Aimed at all ages 13 and over, participants will create their own unique art piece by experimenting with collage techniques, layering and indented mark making with different textures. This fantastic creative workshop will be held at the National Civil War Centre on Saturday 28 October at 1pm.

Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts, said: “Art is a really important form of expression and a fantastic creative outlet. These events are great opportunities that allow residents, across a range of ages, to get involved and try new techniques.

Find out more about all the activities on offer and book your free place at The Big Draw events at www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com/seedo/events or follow them on Facebook.