Art on the doorstep
Gravesham’s new home for the visual arts is the St George’s Arts Centre conveniently located in Gravesend town centre. With it’s beautiful gallery space and adjacent cafe it compliments the borough’s St Andrew’s Centre and the Blake Gallery facilities. The last few months have seen successful shows from local artists, national touring exhibitions and numerous weekly arts workshops. Our positive geography means we also benefit greatly from links with the the Estuary Festival, England’s Creative Coast initiatives and the emerging Ebbsfleet Garden City cultural development.
Riverside Festival 2026 – Workshop Facilitator Callout
We are looking to appoint up to 3 creatives to run family art & craft workshops at this year’s Riverside Festival which takes place on Saturday 4th July 2026.
The workshops will be based in a marquee in the Fort Gardens, Gravesend, alongside other family activities.
The workshops will run from 11am – 4pm as drop-in sessions rather than time specific workshops. They should therefore be designed with the following in mind:
· Simple, fun and engaging for all ages and abilities
· Quick turnaround, lasting around 5 -10 mins (15 mins max)
· Using low-cost materials
We will provide you with tables and some chairs, although we foresee the majority of participants standing whilst carrying out the activity.
Theme
We are keen for the workshops to have a sense of whimsy, and therefore include any of the following themes of mythical, enchantment, fairytales, whimsical, nature, enchanted forest, eco, woodland, magical etc.
For example…
· Wand Making
· Crown Making
· Willow Dragonflies
· Fairy Doors
· Dream Catcher
· Paint a plant pot etc.
However, the most important part is that the activity is fun and engaging yet simplistic, so we have kept the theme broad and are open to interpretations.
The Role
As the facilitator, you will be responsible for:
· Devising the workshop for 125 participants
· Sourcing materials for 125 participants
· Setting up and clearing away after the session
· Running the workshop and helping participants where appropriate.
· Providing your own help/assistance.
· Providing the Arts and Culture team with a copy of your up-to-date liability insurance and an appropriate a risk assessment before the workshop.
· We also require confirmation of whether you hold a current DBS or not.
The fee
The total fee is £350 which covers both the artist fee and all materials.
How to apply: Submit proposals to artsandculture@gravesham.gov.ukdetailing your proposed craft, materials list and budget, and attach any photos/images if possible. If we haven’t worked with you before, please also provide any details of your experience facilitating drop-in style workshops with large volumes of attendees.
Deadline for Submissions: Monday 25th May 2026 11.59pm
Selection: A selection panel will review submissions anonymously and up to 3 proposals will be chosen. You will be contacted within 2 weeks of the closing date with the panel’s decision.
Criteria: Proposals will be marked on the following criteria in response to the brief:
· Suitability for a variety of ages and abilities
· Simplicity
· Engagement level
· Time
· Suitability of suggested materials
· Materials budget
· Theme
· Feasibility of overall workshop
· Experience of delivering this type of activity
GET CREATIVE – Block Printing on Fabric
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Get Creative – Workshops for Adults
Our programme of monthly creative workshops for adults to learn new skills, enhance existing ones or rekindle the love of an old hobby.
Meet, Learn, Create, Enjoy
Each month we offer you a different activity to try which hopefully you will want to continue with at home.
The workshops are designed to bring people together, learn skills, have fun and connect with each other. We aim for the sessions to be relaxed, friendly and offer a space where people’s creativity can flow. All are welcome (ages 18+ only) with no specific level of skill required.
May: Block Printing on Fabric
A 1.5 – 2-hour workshop using printing blocks to decorate fabric.
Lots of small printing blocks and a selection of fabric squares will be provided to experiment on. The facilitator will show you how to print patterns and overprint designs in different colours. The backgrounds, patterns and pictures can also be coloured in with fabric pastels.
There should be time to try out several patterns and designs on fabric pieces to take home.
Please bring an apron and wear old clothes as printing can get messy. Wear gloves if necessary to protect your hands.
Fabric printing ink and acrylic paint dries fairly quickly but you will need to bring a folder or similar to carry your pieces away. The fabric should then be ironed at home to fix the ink. You can then use the fabric for other textile projects or just admire them...
Ages 18+ only
Workshops must be booked in advance.
Facilitated by Judith De St Croix
Step Out & Innovate - Celebrating World Creativity Day with Mural Art
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
21st April 2026 is World Creativity & Innovation Day. Theme: ‘Step out & Innovate’
Four different artists have created different murals to hang in the St George’s Arts Centre to celebrate World Creativity Day, honouring creativity as a driving force for cultural expression, innovation, and social connection. The project brings together artists to create large-scale wall murals using a variety of mediums, transforming walls into bold visual statements that reflect the power and diversity of creative thinking.
Together, the murals will form a dynamic exhibition celebrating creativity as a vital force that shapes communities, ideas, and the future.
The artists will be on site from Tuesday the 21st – Friday 24th April to create their murals within the gallery space. The gallery will be open to the public during this time so that the creative process can be seen.
GET CREATIVE – A Beginners Guide to Performing with Half-Masks! Gravesham Fringe Special
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Get Creative – Workshops for Adults
Our programme of monthly creative workshops for adults to learn new skills, enhance existing ones or rekindle the love of an old hobby.
Meet, Learn, Create, Enjoy
Each month we offer you a different activity to try which hopefully you will want to continue with at home.
The workshops are designed to bring people together, learn skills, have fun and connect with each other. We aim for the sessions to be relaxed, friendly and offer a space where people’s creativity can flow. All are welcome (ages 18+ only) with no specific level of skill required.
Gravesham Fringe Festival - A Beginners Guide to Performing with half-masks!
Ever wanted to find out what it’s like to be a completely different character! This accessible and fun workshop will be suitable for those with no performance background as well as those already with some drama experience. Using a mix of games and exercises and a set of bespoke latex half masks we will explore how to use our bodies and voices expressively, how to be playful and spontaneous, how to create effective characterisation and simple scenarios and how to work well as part of a creative ensemble. This workshop will be playful, lively and a lot of fun…bring your energy with you!
Facilitator: Jonny Dixon
Ages 18+ only
Workshops must be booked in advance.
Workshop lasts approx. 1.45mins
GET CREATIVE – Singing Mamas - Gravesham Fringe Special
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Get Creative – Workshops for Adults
Our programme of monthly creative workshops for adults to learn new skills, enhance existing ones or rekindle the love of an old hobby.
Meet, Learn, Create, Enjoy
Each month we offer you a different activity to try which hopefully you will want to continue with at home.
The workshops are designed to bring people together, learn skills, have fun and connect with each other. We aim for the sessions to be relaxed, friendly and offer a space where people’s creativity can flow. All are welcome (ages 18+ only) with no specific level of skill required.
Gravesham Fringe Festival – Singing Mamas
Come and sing with Marianna in this workshop singing for your wellbeing. In this Singing Mamas session we will sing a variety of songs, all taught by ear, to make us feel good.
Women of all ages and stages are welcome - bring a baby, a little one or just come by yourself. No prior singing experience is required - we're singing for connection not perfection and if you can talk you can sing! Singing together in this way connects us, boosts those feel good hormones and reduces stress as well as regulating our breathing and heart rates.
We'll sing for around an hour and then have an opportunity at the end to connect over a hot drink - refreshments included.
Facilitator: Marianna Stone
Ages 18+ only
Workshops must be booked in advance.
Workshop lasts approx. 1.5 hours
GET CREATIVE – Vinyl Record Decorating - Gravesham Fringe Special
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Get Creative – Workshops for Adults
Our programme of monthly creative workshops for adults to learn new skills, enhance existing ones or rekindle the love of an old hobby.
Meet, Learn, Create, Enjoy
Each month we offer you a different activity to try which hopefully you will want to continue with at home.
The workshops are designed to bring people together, learn skills, have fun and connect with each other. We aim for the sessions to be relaxed, friendly and offer a space where people’s creativity can flow. All are welcome (ages 18+ only) with no specific level of skill required.
Gravesham Fringe Festival – Vinyl Record Decorating
Join Libbie for a relaxed vinyl record decorating workshop to transform your own 7” record into a unique piece of wall art.
During this 1.5-hour workshop, you will sketch out your design and use an array of acrylic paints and paint pens to bring it to life.
Please come with some inspiration photos to help any potential creative nerves.
Facilitator: Libbie – L Watson Design
Ages 18+ only
Workshops must be booked in advance.
Life Drawing with Andy Hopton
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
Come and join us at the St Georges Arts Centre from 7pm for a 2 hour life drawing class with Artist, Andy Hopton.
We will provide a model, paper and charcoal as well as easels and boards.
Please bring anything else you want to use with you. Models may be male or female.
To book your place please email: andy.hopton@outlook.com or click on this link.
MURALS - An Urban Art Workshop celebrating World Creativity Day
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
In this workshop, the artist, Eduard Sacrest, will be inviting participants to explore painting around themes of creativity and the things that inspire us, whether it’s music, books, our pets, or the little moments and objects that make us feel happy and present.
The session celebrates the everyday things that make each of us unique. Participants will take part in an urban art workshop focused on the stencil technique, where we will design, draw, and cut out our own stencils, and then bring them to life with spray paint. Never used spray paint before? No problem!
This will be a fun and engaging experience. No prior experience is needed, just bring your energy and your ideas, and let’s create together.
Suitable for ages 18+
GET CREATIVE – Mid Century Masterpiece
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Get Creative – Workshops for Adults
Our programme of monthly creative workshops for adults to learn new skills, enhance existing ones or rekindle the love of an old hobby.
Meet, Learn, Create, Enjoy
Each month we offer you a different activity to try which hopefully you will want to continue with at home.
The workshops are designed to bring people together, learn skills, have fun and connect with each other. We aim for the sessions to be relaxed, friendly and offer a space where people’s creativity can flow. All are welcome (ages 18+ only) with no specific level of skill required.
April: Mid Century Masterpiece
In this workshop inspired by a 1951 painting by Ellsworth Kelly, you will paint, cut, collage and use the laws of chance to create unexpected compositions. With free and energetic brushstrokes, you will create your own abstract, mid-century style masterpiece. Guided by Donna (@noama.art), in a friendly, non-judgemental environment.
Open to all, no artistic experience required. This workshop is about curiosity and discovering what we can create when we allow ourselves to play.
All materials will be provided, including paper, non-toxic paints, pencils, scissors, rulers and glue. You are welcome to bring along any found papers that you wish to recycle, these could be packaging papers, paper bags, or any paper substrate that is plain enough to paint on.
At the end of the workshop, you can take your masterpiece(s) home, to infuse some mid-century style to your interior.
Facilitator: Donna - NOAMA Art
Ages 18+ only
Workshops must be booked in advance.
Workshop lasts approx. 1.5 hours.
Celebrating Vaisakhi Exhibition
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Come and absorb the colour and joy of the Seikh celebration of Vaisakhi in this unique and exciting textiles exhibition.
Immerse yourself in the pieces created by participants of the art group at the Sri Guru Nanak Gurdwara Wellbeing Centre led by artist, Mona Whitton. Truly a joyous experience.
Tiny Steps, Distant Places - Photographic Exhibition
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
An exhibition that captures the world through a young photographer's lens.
Aged 7, Varda has been capturing places all over the world through her lens for the past 3 years.
Her collection explores the beauty of architecture, the serenity of nature, the character of restaurant interiors, and the grandeur of cathedrals — all seen from her unique and imaginative perspective.
Wherever we may be in the world - we all share the same planet and the beauty of life.
With a natural eye for detail, light, and composition, her photographs invite viewers to rediscover everyday spaces through the fresh and curious vision of a child.
Workshop: Learn To Use Your Sewing Machine
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
This 2 hour workshop, led by Mona Whitton, will give you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with your sewing machine.
You will thread your machine, adjust the stitches and create a button hole.
By the end of the session you will have made a simple cushion cover.
You will need to bring your own sewing machine and if you have a specific fabric choice, 1/2m of fabric.
Suitable for ages 16+
Workshop: Learn To Use Your Sewing Machine
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
This 2 hour workshop, led by Mona Whitton, will give you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with your sewing machine.
You will thread your machine, adjust the stitches and create a button hole.
By the end of the session you will have made a simple cushion cover.
You will need to bring your own sewing machine and if you have a specific fabric choice, 1/2m of fabric.
Suitable for ages 16+
Mad March Cosplay Exhibition
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
An exhibition by local artist and cosplayer, Andy Hopton aka Mad March Hare.
On display will be five costumes created by Andy based around pop culture phenomena including STAR WARS, WARHAMMER and STEAMPUNK. Rather than directly copy an outfit from any given universe, Andy prefers to create his own while sticking to the aesthetic and “rules” of the given subject.
You will be able to read all about the “story” behind each creation as well as the techniques involved. Using existing garments, 3d printing, scratch building, and improvisation amazing life like costumes can be created.
Andy will also be in the gallery working on his latest project from the Lord of the Rings. You can drop in a chat about the methods and ideas behind the creation. Andy will be joined by his good friend and movie expert Neil. Neil creates scratch built props from action movies using everyday objects and his imagination.
Exhibition of Local Historical Photographs
St Mary's Church Room, Sole Street DA12 3AX
All welcome to enjoy an 'Exhibition of Local Historical Photographs' at St Mary's Church Room.
The exhibition is supporting St Mary's Church Room.
Entry £5, children free.
Enquiries - sally.kimber@btinternet.com and suerowe42@gmail.com
GET CREATIVE – Escape To Happiness Island – Creative Wellbeing Workshop
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
March Workshop
Escape to Happiness Island – Creative Wellbeing Workshop
Step into sunshine with Happy Genny – UK Laughing Champion, wellbeing coach, and creator of Escape to Happiness Island.
In this uplifting session, you’ll enjoy:
Laughter-based mindfulness
Gentle African dance-inspired movement
Creating your own “Happiness Island” collage or drawing
A joyful Boom Boom dance-along (optional but fun!)
Why You’ll Love It
This workshop is all about:
Boosting your mood and energy
Sparking creativity and self-expression
Feeling more confident and connected
Taking home simple happiness tools you can use every day
Why It Works
Did you know? Research shows that laughter, movement, and creative play can:
Reduce stress and anxiety
Lift your mood
Strengthen social bonds
Improve overall wellbeing
No art or dance skills needed – just bring your smile, an open heart, and get ready to escape to your very own Happiness Island!
Ages 18+ only
Workshops must be booked in advance.
SWOP ART! The Art Swap Shop
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
Join us at the St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend, during our International Women’s Day Exhibition (Tuesday 3rd – Sunday 15th March) for our art swap shop, saving you money and helping the environment.
Donate your unwanted/unused arts and craft materials and feel free to take something different away either now or another time.
We welcome good quality donations of paints, brushes, material, wood, clay, tape, paper, fixings, ink, ribbon and other arts and craft supplies.
You can donate your materials any time the gallery is open.
Please see the Arts Assistant on the desk for more information.
International Women's Day Exhibition
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
International Women’s Day takes place on 8th March with the official theme this year being #GiveToGain. We are therefore very excited to be hosting an open call exhibition based on our theme of ‘Celebrating the positives of Giving, Supporting and Inspiring’.
The exhibition features work of different mediums from creatives from the local community.
When we give our time, love and help, support one another, make positive connections, and inspire others, we can create opportunities to thrive and rise, and we want to celebrate that!
Alongside the exhibition, we are inviting visitors to the Arts Centre, to celebrate who or what inspires them.
Simply pick up a card and write down or draw your inspiration then add to our wall of celebration!
ON LOAN - Your Private Art on Public Display
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Introducing On Loan - a unique exhibition to publicly display your favourite private art
Curated by your hosts, The Gravesham Grapevine, On Loan is chance to discover new artists, different perspectives, and show off the diverse tastes that make our local art scene so interesting.
All the work on display has been kindly loaned for the duration of the show and offers an insight into personal interests and passions of local residents.
Gravesham Light Festival 2026
Gravesend Heritage Quarter and Riverside
Light & Life will illuminate the winter streets of Gravesend with a creative mix of glowing installations, music, workshops and immersive experiences.
Featuring the spectacular musical Fire Bird by Emergency Exit Arts, dazzling walkabout performers, and an atmosphere that celebrates creativity and imagination.
This joyful experience has something for everyone, brightening up the winter and bringing people together.
5pm - 8pm in and around Gravesend town centre.
Gravesham Light Festival 2026
Gravesend Heritage Quarter and Riverside
Light & Life will illuminate the winter streets of Gravesend with a creative mix of glowing installations, music, workshops and immersive experiences.
Featuring the spectacular musical Fire Bird by Emergency Exit Arts, dazzling walkabout performers, and an atmosphere that celebrates creativity and imagination.
This joyful experience has something for everyone, brightening up the winter and bringing people together.
5pm - 8pm in and around Gravesend town centre.
ON LOAN - Submission Call Out
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
The Gravesham Grapevine is thrilled to been invited to curate an exhibition at St George's Arts Centre between 3rd Feb and 1st March, 2026.
Introducing ON LOAN - a unique exhibition to publicly display your favourite private art.
Do you have some amazing art tucked away at home that you have purchased or collected? Would you share it with a bigger audience for a month in a professional gallery space?
If you answered yes to both of those questions then the curators of ON LOAN - Private Art on Public Display would love to talk to you.
We're looking to create a 'blockbuster' show in both size and scope, a chance to discover new artists, get inspired by different perspectives, and show off the diverse tastes that make our local art scene so interesting. So, dig out that special piece that makes your heart sing and let’s fill the walls with art that truly matters to us all.
Submission Deadline - Monday 26th January 2026
Our curating team is now on the hunt for unique pieces to feature, so please don’t be shy about reaching out. It’s super easy to connect; just shoot us an email – graveshamgrapevineonline@gmail.com – we’re excited to hear from you!
Open Call: International Women’s Day 2026
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
We are excited to announce, that coinciding with International Women’s Day on 8th March 2026, we will be holding an open call exhibition from Tuesday 3rd – Sunday 15th March at the St George’s Arts Centre.
The official theme for this year’s International Women’s Day Campaign is ‘Giving to Gain’. You can find out more about their theme and campaign here: IWD: International Women's Day 2026 theme is 'Give To Gain'
We are therefore inviting creatives to submit up to 3 pieces of work for consideration based on our theme (inspired by the official IWD theme) of ‘Celebrating the positives of Giving, Supporting and Inspiring’.
When we give our time, love and help, support one another, make positive connections, and inspire others, we can create opportunities to thrive and rise, and we want to celebrate that!
Who or what inspires you?
What can you give to help others?
How can we support one another?
What makes you thrive?
What does ‘giving’ and ‘supporting’ mean to you?
How can we celebrate others?
How do we encourage others?
What can you give? Respect, visibility, protection, a voice, celebration, opportunities, momentum, role models?
Submissions can be in 2D or 3D media including but not restricted to painting, drawing, print, photography, collage, crochet, knitting, felting, sculpture, pottery but must reflect the theme of ‘giving, supporting and inspiring’.
Please only submit work that hasn’t been exhibited with us before.
Please note, this exhibition is open to anyone to submit work.
There will be a small charge of £10 for every piece of work chosen to be part of the exhibition, however the work can be sold and there will be no commission fee charged.
To submit your work, please visit: Open call: International Women's Day Exhibition – Gravesham Borough Council and complete the application form.
Please ensure that you fill out your name and contact details as well as the name of your piece of work, description of the work/materials used, the artist’s name you want shown on your work, and the price of the work or NFS if it’s not for sale.
Submission deadline: 11.59pm on Sunday 8th February 2026.
Please note, we will contact you Friday 20th February at the latest regarding your submissions.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact: artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk
Light & Life Exhibition
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Join us at the St George’s Arts Centre this January for a vibrant exhibition celebrating the theme of Light and Life, which also forms part of the Gravesham Light Festival 2026.
Responding to an open call artist brief, creatives were invited to submit work that explores the connection between light and life - whether through nature, human experience, community, memory, or resilience.
From the first spark of daybreak to the warmth of human connection, light is a universal symbol of hope, clarity, and transformation. It reveals not just the world around us, but also our inner lives.
The exhibition runs from Saturday 3rd January – Sunday 1st February 2026.
3D Pop-Up Christmas Card - A Meet The Maker Workshop
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
Meet the maker, Jonny Dixon will be leading this fun Christmas workshop.
Come and create a unique and quirky 3D Christmas Card for someone special (or keep it to decorate your home).
Suitable for any level of experience/ artistic expertise...you'll be guided to bring your ideas into colourful life.
Suitable for all ages from 8+
A fun and accessible workshop to get you in the festive mood!
Please note, children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an appropriate adult at all times throughout the workshop. Adults do not need to book a place if only assisting the child.
We aim for our workshops to be as inclusive as possible and invite everyone to attend. However, if the participant has additional needs, please contact us in advance via:artsandculture@gravesham.gov.ukso that we can make our facilitators aware.
Photography and Videography may take place at any of our workshops/events for future advertising. We will always make you aware before we take any photographs, and if we intend to take shots other than completed artwork, backs of heads or hands, then we will always ask you to complete a permission form beforehand. Should you not wish to be photographed at all, please inform the member of staff.
Stained Glass Mosiac Christmas Decoration - A Meet The Maker Workshop
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
Join artist, Debbie Burns to make a stained glass mosaic bauble which will add sparkle to your Christmas celebrations!
On a pre-cut glass base, you will use glass pieces to create a bauble using UV resin and grout.
Suitable for ages 16+
A fun and accessible workshop to get you in the festive mood!
We aim for our workshops to be as inclusive as possible and invite everyone to attend. However, if the participant has additional needs, please contact us in advance via:artsandculture@gravesham.gov.ukso that we can make our facilitators aware.
Photography and Videography may take place at any of our workshops/events for future advertising. We will always make you aware before we take any photographs, and if we intend to take shots other than completed artwork, backs of heads or hands, then we will always ask you to complete a permission form beforehand. Should you not wish to be photographed at all, please inform the member of staff.
Crochet Christmas Tree Decoration - A Meet The Maker Workshop
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
Join artist, Melanie Davies to create your own Christmas tree decoration.
All materials will be supplied for you to complete a hanging tree decoration / gift decoration. Experience of crochet techniques not necessary but could be useful.
Suitable for all ages from 16+
We aim for our workshops to be as inclusive as possible and invite everyone to attend. However, if the participant has additional needs, please contact us in advance via:artsandculture@gravesham.gov.ukso that we can make our facilitators aware.
Photography and Videography may take place at any of our workshops/events for future advertising. We will always make you aware before we take any photographs, and if we intend to take shots other than completed artwork, backs of heads or hands, then we will always ask you to complete a permission form beforehand. Should you not wish to be photographed at all, please inform the member of staff.
Henna Hand Art - A Meet The Maker Drop In Session
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
We are pleased to welcome Bonita Bedi to the St George’s Arts Centre on Sunday 7th December.
Bonita will be offering free Henna Hand Art to visitors between 11am and 1pm.
There is no need to book, just turn up and artwork will be created on your hands on a first come first serve basis within the time slot.
Bonita will be situated in the workshop area of the Meet the Maker event.
Henna paste is naturally made, but there is always the risk of allergic reaction to any product of this kind and therefore individuals participate in this activity at their own risk.
Please note
We aim for our workshops to be as inclusive as possible and invite everyone to attend. However, if the participant has additional needs, please contact us in advance so that we can make our facilitators aware.
Photography and Videography may take place at any of our workshops/events. We will always make you aware before we take any photographs/videos, and if we intend to take shots other than completed artwork, backs of heads or hands, then we will always ask you to complete a permission form beforehand. Should you not wish to be photographed/videoed at all, please inform the photographer/videographer.
Nordic Inspired Christmas Decoration - A Meet The Maker Workshop
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Join Maker, Patrick Whitton for a fun Christmas workshop
Using pre-cut wooden slices and moulds you will have the opportunity to make your own natural, Nordic-inspired Christmas Decoration that is sure to enhance your Christmas decor year on year.
Suitable for ages 16+
We aim for our workshops to be as inclusive as possible and invite everyone to attend. However, if the participant has additional needs, please contact us in advance via:artsandculture@gravesham.gov.ukso that we can make our facilitators aware.
Photography and Videography may take place at any of our workshops/events for future advertising. We will always make you aware before we take any photographs, and if we intend to take shots other than completed artwork, backs of heads or hands, then we will always ask you to complete a permission form beforehand. Should you not wish to be photographed at all, please inform the member of staff.
Nutcracker Christmas Characters Workshop
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Join Libbie for a magical Christmas craft workshop to make your own Nutcracker Christmas Characters! Using cardboard tubes, coloured paper, feathers and all the shiny things, you will be able to create up to 3 decorations to bring festive cheer to your home.
Suitable for ages 5+.
Suitable for different ages and abilities, as younger participants can use precut shapes and older participants can cut out their own.
Facilitated by Libbie from L Watson Design
Please note, children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an appropriate adult at all times throughout the workshop. Adults do not need to book a place if only assisting the child.
We aim for our workshops to be as inclusive as possible and invite everyone to attend. However, if the participant has additional needs, please contact us in advance via: artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk so that we can make our facilitators aware.
Photography and Videography may take place at any of our workshops/events for future advertising. We will always make you aware before we take any photographs, and if we intend to take shots other than completed artwork, backs of heads or hands, then we will always ask you to complete a permission form beforehand. Should you not wish to be photographed at all, please inform the member of staff.
Cheeky Elf Workshop
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Create your own cheeky Elf to decorate your home this Christmas.
Design your character, sculpt and paint his/ her face, assemble the body and then give your elf a name, and a 'how to look after me' instruction label!
This will be a fun and accessible 1.5 hour family workshop facilitated by artist Jonny Dixon.
Suitable for ages 7+ and ideal for all abilities including atendees with SEN.
The workshop will involve the assembly of pre-fabricated elements and the sculpture and painting of bespoke faces out of DAS clay to complete a cheeky elf for each attendee.
Support will available for those who require it, as well as creative free reign and encouragement given to those more confident with the craft.
Jonny is an experienced and skilled workshop leader with a background in leading fun, accessible and individual-centred workshops with high quality end results.
Please note, children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an appropriate adult at all times throughout the workshop. Adults do not need to book a place if only assisting the child.
We aim for our workshops to be as inclusive as possible and invite everyone to attend. However, if the participant has additional needs, please contact us in advance via: artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk so that we can make our facilitators aware.
Photography and Videography may take place at any of our workshops/events for future advertising. We will always make you aware before we take any photographs, and if we intend to take shots other than completed artwork, backs of heads or hands, then we will always ask you to complete a permission form beforehand. Should you not wish to be photographed at all, please inform the member of staff.
Get Creative – Papercutting & colour infill workshop wil Pippa Waghorn
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Discover the art of papercutting in this hands-on creative workshop, perfect for beginners and art enthusiasts alike!
In this session, you’ll learn the fundamentals of papercutting – from safely handling tools to designing and cutting your own intricate patterns. Once your design is complete, bring it to life by infilling the cut areas with vibrant coloured papers, transforming your piece into a bold, fully coloured artwork ready to frame or gift.
Guided step-by-step by an experienced instructor, you'll explore both technique and creativity, leaving with a finished piece and the skills to continue papercutting at home.
All materials provided – just bring your imagination!
Workshop facilitated by Pippa Waghorn
Ages 18+ only
Workshops must be booked in advance.
We aim for our workshops to be as inclusive as possible and invite everyone to attend. However, if the participant has additional needs, please contact us in advance so that we can make our facilitators aware.
Photography and Videography may take place at any of our workshops/events. We will always make you aware before we take any photographs/videos, and if we intend to take shots other than completed artwork, backs of heads or hands, then we will always ask you to complete a permission form beforehand. Should you not wish to be photographed/videoed at all, please inform the photographer/videographer.
Wire Sculpting & Stone Painting with Andy Hopton - A Meet The Maker Workshop
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Meet the maker, Andy Hopton will be leading this fun workshop.
Using simple materials to emblazon pebbles and stones with your own colourful designs.
These can then be adorned with colourful and easy to work wire frames so that they can be hung as decorations around your home or in the garden.
Using colourful paint pens you can be inspired by the artworks around you or develop an abstract design that enhances the natural beauty of the pebbles. You may also choose to create trinkets and objects from wire, using simple twisting techniques that will be demonstrated by Andy during this session.
Suitable for all ages from 16+
A fun and accessible workshop!
We aim for our workshops to be as inclusive as possible and invite everyone to attend. However, if the participant has additional needs, please contact us in advance via:artsandculture@gravesham.gov.ukso that we can make our facilitators aware.
Photography and Videography may take place at any of our workshops/events for future advertising. We will always make you aware before we take any photographs, and if we intend to take shots other than completed artwork, backs of heads or hands, then we will always ask you to complete a permission form beforehand. Should you not wish to be photographed at all, please inform the member of staff.
Meet The Makers
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Meet The Maker is back for Christmas!
Are you looking for original and creative pieces that could be the perfect gift to make someone’s Christmas extra special?
Then join us at the St George’s Arts Centre for our Meet the Maker event from the 1st – 11th December.
A great opportunity to visit the arts centre, meet a talented group of like-minded creatives and artists local to Gravesham who design, create and sell their own work.
See them at work, learn about their skills and talk to them about their ideas and artwork.
A great opportunity to see behind the scenes of the artistic mind at work in a creative environment.
A Christmas Fayre with extra flair!
The Makers will be leading workshops for you to take part in to learn new skills and have your very own hand-made pieces on display in your home this Christmas.
All workshops are £5 per person and must be booked in advance
Andy Hopton will be running a wire sculpting and stone painting workshop:
Jonny Dixon will be teaching you how to make 3D pop-up Christmas cards:
https://www.woodville.co.uk/events/3d-pop-up-christmas-card-a-meet-the-maker-workshop/
Grace Akehurst is hosting a felted Christmas Tree workshop:
https://www.woodville.co.uk/events/felted-christmas-tree-a-meet-the-maker-workshop/
LucyAnn Trill will be leading a workshop making polar bear hanging decorations:
https://www.woodville.co.uk/events/felt-polar-bear-hanging-decoration-a-meet-the-maker-workshop/
Mary Dawber will be hosting a felt Christmas bunting workshop:
https://www.woodville.co.uk/events/decorative-felt-bunting-a-meet-the-maker-workshop/
Mona Whitton will be leading a workshop making a stained glass snowman decoration:
https://www.woodville.co.uk/events/stained-glass-snowman-decoration-a-meet-the-maker-workshop/
Melanie Davies is hosting a crochet Christmas decoration workshop:
https://www.woodville.co.uk/events/crochet-christmas-tree-decoration/
Patrick Whitton is hosting a Nordic inspired Christmas decoration workshop:
https://www.woodville.co.uk/events/nordic-inspired-christmas-decoration-a-meet-the-maker-workshop/
Debbie Burns will be leading a workshop making a stained glass Christmas bauble:
Life Drawing with Andy Hopton
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
Come and join us at the St Georges Arts Centre from 7pm for a 2 hour life drawing class with Artist, Andy Hopton.
We will provide a model, paper and charcoal as well as easels and boards.
Please bring anything else you want to use with you. Models may be male or female.
To book your place please email: andy.hopton@outlook.com or click on this link.
Stained Glass Decoration Workshop
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
Come and try your hand at the traditional Copper Foiled Stained Glass method.
In this workshop with artist, Mona Whitton you will work with pre-cut pieces of glass, foiling and soldering them together to create a beautiful decoration.
Suitable for ages 16+
Because of the nature of the materials used, this workshop is not suitable for pregnant or lactating women.
Workshops must be booked in advance.
We aim for our workshops to be as inclusive as possible and invite everyone to attend. However, if the participant has additional needs, please contact us in advance so that we can make our facilitators aware.
Photography and Videography may take place at any of our workshops/events for future advertising. We will always make you aware before we take any photographs, and if we intend to take shots other than completed artwork, backs of heads or hands, then we will always ask you to complete a permission form beforehand. Should you not wish to be photographed at all, please inform the member of staff.