Arts and craft courses

We run an exciting programme of arts and craft courses and workshops each year in the gallery. We also hold talks, and other events at various times of the year. For more information and bookings, please call the Inspired by… gallery on 01439 772737 or go to our EventBrite page where online booking is available.

A 10% discount is offered on up to four workshops in a calendar year for our Inspired by... gallery Supporters.

All of our events and workshops have Covid-19 mitigation measures in place, with smaller class sizes, which make for an enjoyable and relaxed experience.

Wire Sunflowers for the Garden with Anna Roebuck (14 August, 10am – 5pm)

Learn various wire forming techniques and create a wonderful everlasting sunflower for your garden or as indoor décor for your home. The workshop is suitable for anyone and is a nice way to learn basic metalwork and jewellery making skills. You’ll get a handout to remind you of how to do the basics as well as suggestions for suppliers so you can make more at home. We'll all start with learning the basic technique, creating a couple of small stylized flowers before going on to create a smaller sunflower (the small sunflower head is approximately 15cm in diameter). In the afternoon, we'll create a larger flower which will be a wonderful feature for your garden (the large sunflower head will be approximately 30cm in diameter). Minimum age 18. 
Cost: £60 includes all basic materials. Booking essential.

Painting with Acrylics (15 August, 19 September, all 10.30am – 4.30pm)

Small-group workshops focusing on acrylic paint, a forgiving medium for beginners and more experienced artist alike. James will demonstrate his methods and you’ll leave at the end of the day with your own painting. Minimum age 14 (14-16 year olds must be accompanied by an adult; 16-18 year olds require a consent form). Wheelchair accessible.
Cost: £49 including all materials and equipment. Advance booking essential.

Awakening the writer within (22 August, 24 October, all 1pm – 4.30pm)

Be inspired to write by the sights and sounds of the North York Moors. Janet Dean and Clara Challoner Walker lead a writing workshop using the landscape, flora, fauna and art to stimulate your poetry and prose. Beginners and more experienced writers welcome. Minimum age 18. Sorry, no dogs. Wheelchair accessible.
Cost: £25 (paper and pens provided). Booking essential.

Woodland Watercolours with Peter Reynolds (5 September, 10.30am – 4.30pm)

For the beginner to the more experienced, you will create your own piece of artwork using nature as inspiration. Learn various painting and mark making techniques using watercolour and acrylic paints. Participants need to bring all materials. Please check for details when booking. Minimum age 18. 
Cost: £45 Booking essential. Book here for 24 July and book here for 5 September.

Meet the Artist: Margaret Chalmers (11 and 19 September, 11.30am – 1pm and 2pm – 3.30pm)

Margaret will be in the gallery to discuss her practice and answer your questions.
Cost: Free entry. No booking required.

Felted Vessel Workshop (2 October, 10.15am – 3.45pm)

Join Margaret Chalmers for a workshop making a beautiful and useful seamless vessel in the traditional centuries-old way, using British wool. Inspiration can be found in the exhibition, and there will be examples in class for ideas, and to handle. Materials are provided but you will need to bring some basic equipment. (For full list please see Eventbrite at time of booking). Minimum age 16.
Cost: £60 (including materials). Booking essential.

Meet the Artists: Beverley and Peter Hicks (9 October, 2 – 4pm)

Introductory speeches at 2pm followed by the opportunity to chat with Beverley and Peter about their new exhibition.
Cost: Free entry. No booking required.

Tour and Talk: Beverley and Peter Hicks (23 October, 11.45am – 12.15pm; 1.15pm – 1.45pm; 2pm – 2.30pm)

Join Peter and Beverley Hicks to discuss their work and practice for this informative but informal tour of the exhibition. Gallery open to ticket holders only during these times.
Cost: £5 Booking essential.

Meet the Artist: Peter Hicks (28 October, 1 – 3pm)

Join Peter Hicks for an informal chat and glimpse into his working practice and the use of sketchbooks.
Cost: Free entry. No booking required.