My day-long workshops are designed to educate, stimulate and entertain. The aim being to promote sculpture and art through workshops and demonstrations, particularly for young people. The emphasis is on diversity, participation and learning. Block carving (using breeze blocks) is often used and is a very popular method with all ages. Breeze blocks are soft and easy to carve and, as such, safe to use.

 

Family Sculpture day is held on the front lawn of Chelmsford Museum. It is an all day event promoting sculpture and encouraging young and old to try their hand at 3D workshops. Experienced artists are in attendance and the event is free!

 

The photographs on this page were taken at workshops at a local school and with SWANS (Sometimes We All Need Support) in Maldon. The tiled sculpture (left) was made from individual tiles, each made by a different person.

 

I have been running workshops in mask making (examples left) and these have proved very popular with all age groups. We work in foam, which has great possibilities for moulding. This can result in reliefs and 3D work. The development of more masks, such as those for Colchester Museum, is definitely on the cards.

 

I run regular workshops at a Family Centre in Chelmsford and at the local school in Southminster during half-term holidays and throughout the summer break, all of which can be quite a challenge! These workshops are often themed - as with the masks shown here.

 

I am also in regular attendance at the "KICK UP THE ARTS" event at Danbury Youth Camp & Activities Centre and you can often find me at Mersea Youth Camp also.

 

In summer 2002 I completed a series of workshops at the "FUN IN THE PARK" day in Hylands Park, near Chelmsford.

 

The hope for the future is to offer opportunities to other artists and young people to work alongside each other on various projects bringing together a wide range of people and talents.

 

 

 

 

Michael Barter

Workshops