Park Life - Events & Workshops
‘Park Life’, the summer exhibition by members of Stroud Artists Cooperative (SAC), is accompanied by a vibrant programme of artist-led events and workshops throughout August. With a mix of free events, drop in family activities, and pre-booked workshops for adults, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Many thanks to all the organisers and artists for making this programme possible - see below for details and booking links.
Saturday 1 August, 2.30pm: Artist’s Talk with Raphy Mendoza: ‘You the Artist’ (free, no need to book)
An informal artist talk and conversation about leadership and identity. All welcome. Free entry, hot and cold drinks available to buy in the Museum’s mini foyer cafe.
Sunday 2 August, 2pm – 4pm: Exhibition Opening Party (drop-in, free)
Come and celebrate SAC’s summer show and share stories of your favourite parks and green spaces. All welcome, free entry but donations appreciated for drinks. A chance to meet some of the artists and hear about their work.
Saturday 8 August, 2pm – 4pm (drop-in, free): Meet the Artists Diane Young & Wedad Alamin
Sunday 9 August, 2pm – 4pm (drop-in, free): Stained Glass Demonstration with Sarah Davis
Sarah Davis, a local stained glass artist, will be demonstrating this traditional craft in the Gallery. Her work is inspired by nature, including wildlife and plants, whether in local fields and parks, or further afield. Sarah’s stained glass varies from small decorative hangings to windows and panels that can be installed in buildings. Detailed painting is often used to enhance the colours and textures of the glass before assembly using leading or copper foiling methods.
Tuesday 11 August, 10.30am – 1.30pm (£25/£22, booking required): Botanical Garden Workshop
Led by botanical artist Karen Green, you will be guided in observational drawing, pen work using traditional stippling technique and shown how to slowly build up layers of watercolour and accurately mix your colours to complete a beautiful botanical painting. For adults. Book online here or call 01453 763394.
Saturday 15 August, 2pm – 4pm (drop-in, donations welcome): Collage Art Drop-in Family Workshop: Action Stations Ready!
Families with children of all ages are invited to get creative with collage, print and vibrant art. Let out your inner artist! With artists Clare Lewis Knight and Sarah White.
Sunday 16 August, 10am – 1pm (free, booking required): Park Plein Air - Lakeside
Come and enjoy painting and drawing by the lake in Stratford Park. Session led by accomplished local artist Chris James. For adults, all abilities welcome. Some basic materials can be provided but please bring your own art kit if you can. Booking required - book online here or call 01453 763394.
Sunday 16 August, 2pm - 4pm (free, booking required): Park Plein Air - Bandstand
Come and enjoy painting and drawing in the open air, amidst the beautiful trees by Stratford Park’s Bandstand. Enjoy music from the Band as you work. Session facilitated by accomplished local artist Chris James. Some basic materials can be provided but please bring your own art kit if you can. For adults, all abilities welcome. Booking required - book online here or call 01453 763394.
Sunday 16 August, 2pm – 4pm (drop-in, free): Meet the Artists with Michelle Field
Saturday 22 August, 10.30am - 3pm, (£50, booking required): Adventures in Bookbinding Workshop
Magalie, from Brilliant Magpie Bookbinding, will guide you through the process of making a unique handmade notebook or sketchbook, ideal for note-taking or sketching. We will use Magalie's gorgeous papers for the text block, and you will be able to choose from a selection of her own hand-decorated papers for the covers. For adults, all abilities welcome. Book online here or call 01453 763394.
Sunday 23 August, 2pm – 4pm (drop-in, free): Meet the Artists with Barbara Imrie
Saturday 29 August, 1pm – 4pm (£35, booking required): Treescapes: Oil Pastel Workshop
Unleash your creativity in a treescape oil pastel workshop with Rose-Marie MJ. Learn key oil pastel techniques and experiment with textures and colours to craft vibrant, luminous trees. Perfect for all levels with materials provided, you’ll receive a hands-on demonstration, personal guidance by Rose and will be part of a relaxed, inspiring atmosphere. Walk away with a finished piece and new techniques to keep exploring nature in colour. For adults. Booking required - book online here or call 01453 763394.
Sunday 30 August, 1pm - 2pm (free, no need to book): Talk by Adrian Oldman: Stratford Park Trees
Adrian Oldman witnessed the campaign to save Stratford Park trees in 1988 to 1990. He will tell you the story about a community which came together to protect nature. Free, no need to book, donations welcome.
Sunday 30 August, 2pm – 4pm (drop-in, donations welcome): Lino Printing Family Drop-in Workshop
Join Jo Howe and Wedad for some lino printing magic. A family workshop, with space for up to 10 children at a time – please ask at Reception when you visit.
Monday 31 August, 2pm – 4pm (drop-in, donations welcome): Closing Party
Last chance to see! Drop in and join the artists for a last look at ‘Park Life’, swap stories about your summer and enjoy drinks in the Gallery. Free, donations welcome.
Banner image by Rose-Marie MJ.
