Get Crafty with Classes and Workshops at Down Arts Centre

With the Christmas decorations all put away, now is the time to learn new skills, crafts and relaxation techniques with a little help from Down Arts Centre.

There is a wide range of new and returning classes and workshops this term, from silver jewellery to guitar, drawing and painting classes, and introduction to knitting, as well as Tai Chi classes.

First up is a wire workshop with Lindy McMahon, starting on Monday 21 January. This exciting class, which will teach participants to use wire, gemstone beads and beach finds to create gemstone trees, pendants and earrings, lasts for ten weeks and is held from 7pm-9pm.

The following evening, Tuesday 22 January sees the start of a ten week draw and paint class, taking place in the evening from 7pm-9pm. The class is taught by Vincent McDonnell and is suitable for absolute beginners as well as those already more familiar with drawing and painting techniques.

If relaxation is what you’re after, there’s a new Tai Chi class this term starting on Monday 21 January. This lunch time session will take place for ten weeks each Monday from 12noon to 1pm. Led by Petsey Burns, the aim is to enhance the body’s intrinsic energy system.

Besides these new classes, some old favourites are returning—creative writing, pottery, an introduction to knitting and silver jewellery making.

There are also an exciting array of one day craft workshops including ‘Making Silk Paper’ and ‘Pot Early for Spring!’.

‘Making Silk Paper’ is on Saturday 26 January and is facilitated by Cheryl Martin and ‘Pot Early for Spring!’ on Saturday 2 February, will centre on designing and making a terracotta pot for spring plants using texture only. The pots will be fired and collected at a later date and no experience is needed to take part.

These one day workshops run every Saturday with a different class each week.  Full day classes start at 10am until 4pm and include a sandwich lunch. These are a great way to spend a day creating new things.

There’s also plenty for children to do, with a series of one-off art workshops with Lisa Murray for 7 -11 year olds on Saturdays, running from 1pm to 3pm. Choose from a mini theatre workshop on 26 January, a Valentine’s Day themed workshop on 2 February where young people will learn to stencil and print their own decorative love themed garlands, and a mask making workshop on 2 March.

Why not encourage your children or teens to express themselves in dance? Join local choreographer, Jennifer Rooney and guest tutor Natalie Su Robinson to try different styles of dance and explore jazz, contemporary and musical theatre techniques and learn challenging routines. The classes, which start at 6pm, begin on Thursday 7 February and last for eight weeks.

For further information on any of the above events, please contact Box Office on 028 4461 0747. The complete Down Arts Centre programme is available at www.downartscentre.com