Get Creative This Spring at Down Arts Centre

If you’re looking to get more creative this spring, then look no further than Down Arts Centre where weekly arts and craft classes are just beginning.

If you’ve always wanted to learn or improve your dressmaking skills, then Beginner’s Dressmaking is the course for you. Not only will you be taught how to use a sewing machine, you will be taught to read a pattern and understand the symbols used. Tutor, Naomi Whan will provide the patterns and all participants will get to experiment with making different garments to set you on your way to creating your own perfect outfits. The course starts on Thursday 2 May from 10.30am to 1pm.

The Singers’ Circle returns with classes on Wednesday evenings from 1 May, 7.30pm-9.30pm or Thursday afternoons from 2 May, 2pm-4pm. No previous experience is necessary as the group is always looking for new voices. A wide range of songs will be taught by ear, so there’s no need to worry if you can’t read music.

The Hand Knitted Sock workshop which begins on Thursday 2 May from 7pm-9pm for six weeks, will teach knitters how to make beautiful traditional folk style socks, including how to create folk patterns in the round. As well as learning new techniques, participants will receive an original sock pattern to take away and finish at home.

Musicians and would be musicians are well catered for this spring, with guitar lessons beginning on Thursday 2 May. The beginners class is from 6.30pm-7.30pm while the improvers class is from 7.30pm-8.30pm with both classes taught by Paul McMordie. The relaxed and informal setting will help all students to gain valuable playing experience while having fun.

If you have ever fancied making your own piece of unique silver jewellery, now you can, under the expert guidance of tutor Diane Lyness on Tuesday mornings from 10am-1pm, starting Tuesday 7 May for eight weeks. Each participant will be taught traditional jewellery making techniques such as piercing, soldering, rolling, annealing and filing. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Whether you’re a novice with a paintbrush or just want to learn more techniques, Draw and Paint is the class for you. Led by Vincent McDonnell, this popular course returns on Tuesday 7 May from 7pm-9pm. For those who prefer an earlier time, this year there is an additional class on Mondays, starting on 13 May from 10am-12noon.

And if all this wasn’t enough, the Sewing Club, the Wire Work class and Tai Chi also return for another six week session—taking us all the way into summer.

To enquire about one of the classes or other activities and events taking place this season at Down Arts Centre, contact Box Office on 028 4461 0747.