Workshops

Aubergine Arts : Workshops


In this time of lockdown and social distancing we believe it is more important than ever to maintain strong networks of support for autistic adults by actively engaging with the autistic community and creating opportunities for creative development and social connection. We aim to develop ways to adapt the Aubergine Cafe in Riverside into a versatile and accessible platform for creative expression, amplifying autistic voices, making the arts accessible to previously underserved communities such as the local community here in Riverside. We want to challenge the norm in the arts to be more inclusive of neurodiverse creators and audiences. We also want to document the experiences of the autistic community during this unique and unprecedented time in our history in a series of exhibitions featuring the work of autistic artists.

New Workshops: brought to you by Aubergine Disability Wakes and National Emergencies Trust.

Aubergine Cafe is proud to announce that we are working with Disability Wales & the National Emergencies Trust to bring you more free online and in-person events for autistic adults this Spring from March to June.


With this new programme of events, we want to contribute to the wellbeing of autistic adults at this difficult time, with opportunities to learn practical skills while reducing social isolation through creativity and community.


You can look forward to:

  • More creative workshops hosted by autistic artists.
  • Wellbeing and self-advocacy workshops.
  • Bicycle maintenance classes and guided cycle rides 


Also, coming soon

  • Virtual cooking classes
  • A weekly peer support group


Many thanks to Disability Wales and the National Emergencies Trust for their support.


If you have any questions about the workshops please get in touch at aarwn@auberginecafe.co.uk

Aubergine Presents : Lessons in Self Advocacy with Monique Craine


5 pm, Tuesday 13th of April on Zoom


This session brought to you by Disability Wales and the National Emergencies Trust is designed to empower autistic people to find ways to advocate for their different needs, be that at home with family members, in the workplace or when using the NHS or other services. 


Monique is a Neurodivergent Rights campaigner, a qualified life coach, neuro-linguistic programming and hypnotherapy practitioner. Having first researched these topics to teach herself these valuable life skills she now runs courses enabling other neurodivergent people to learn the techniques so that we too can achieve positive change for ourselves and the world around us.


The aim of the session is to empower ourselves as autistic adults by developing our understanding of the difference between advocating for our own needs and advocating for the needs of the wider autistic community, knowing how to ask for specific types of support or help and being able to make the right adjustments for ourselves in future.


Topics we’ll cover include


  • The social model of disability vs the medical model: Why autism is classed as a disability despite bringing strengths as well as weaknesses?
  • What kind of barriers do we as autistic people face? E.g. negative perceptions from others, hostile environments, lack of adaptations or reasonable adjustments, low self-confidence/low self-esteem
  • When and how to ask for the right kind of help and when to try new management techniques
  • How to define your difficulties and barriers in a positive way.
  • The difference between autism advocacy and self-advocacy


To find out more and to sign up please visit the Eventbrite page using the button below. It's free to sign up.


If you have any questions or concerns please send them to our Events Coordinator : aarwn@auberginecafe.co.uk


See you there

Sign Up!

Aubergine Presents : Maximising Autistic Potential


These online life skills workshops brought to you by Disability Wales and the National Emergencies Trust are suitable for all levels of proficiency from cooking your first meal or leaving the house alone to getting the job of your dreams.


The workshop covers two sessions.


  • Session 1 at 5 pm - 7 pm on Thursday, March 25th
  • Session 2 at 5 pm - 7 pm on Thursday, April 1st.


Monique is a Neurodivergent Rights campaigner, a qualified life coach, neuro-linguistic programming and hypnotherapy practitioner. Having first researched these topics to teach herself these valuable life skills she now runs courses enabling other neurodivergent people to learn the techniques so that they too can achieve positive change for themselves and the world around them


Topics covered in session one include:


  • Understanding goals/what are goals, why we need goals.
  • Setting realistic goals - writing a personal mission statement & a personal SWOBT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, barriers, threats) to ensure your goals are realistic and healthy.
  • Identifying your own goals, and where you are now so you can work positively forward
  • Breaking down tasks into manageable chunks
  • Staying on track - monitoring your mission statement every time a life change occurs.


Session 2 is designed to help you to better access society and the workplace. Monique will be teaching useful skills which are relevant in a variety of different settings such as:


  • Managing sensory barriers – transport, offices, phone calls, communicating face-to-face.
  • Self-advocacy and confronting ableism.
  • We’ll end with a relaxation/mindful meditation session.


To find out more and to sign up please visit the Eventbrite page using the button below. It's free to sign up.


If you have any questions or concerns please send them to our Events Coordinator : aarwn@auberginecafe.co.uk


See you there

Sign Up!

Aubergine Presents Joy Is: A Neurodivergent Writing Workshop with Mollie Russell 


As promised we are bringing you more creative workshops with neurodivergent artists thanks to support from Disability Wales and National Emergencies Trust. 


First up we have Joy Is: A Neurodivergent Writing Workshop with Mollie Russell. 2pm, Saturday 20th of March


This workshop focuses on the concept of autistic joy and how we can use it to write poetry. Autistic joy poetry has the potential to not only be an enjoyable way to muse on our favourite senses and hobbies but to challenge the mainstream narrative that autistic experiences are wholly negative.

This workshop will provide relaxed group discussion of the objects and experiences that bring us joy, examples of positivity in poetry, and writing prompts suitable for both beginners and more experienced writers. Activities planned for the workshop include group mind-mapping of what autistic joy means to us, creating a list of poem writing prompts to explore individual joy, and a final group poem that defines autistic joy for the group. 


As well as being a fun or therapeutic form of expression, writing about joyful experiences encourages the participants to engage their senses and thoughts in a mindful way.


Each participant will need something to write with (digital or on paper). Some example poems for the workshop will be compiled into a resource pack to be sent out in advance and will also be shared on-screen during the workshop.


Mollie Russell is an autistic poet that has been writing, performing and facilitating poetry for five years. Some of you will recognise Mollie as the host of our Open Mic Poetry Nights. She studied Creative Writing and English Literature at the University of Winchester and has published in magazines such as the Emma Press and Strix Leeds. She writes on a wide variety of odd subjects, including autism, family, and some really terrible horror films. 


To find out more and to sign up please visit the Eventbrite page using the button below. It's free to sign up.


If you have any questions or concerns please send them to our Events Coordinator : aarwn@auberginecafe.co.uk


See you there


Sign Up!

Aubergine Presents: Guided Cycling with SpokesPerson


If you’re an autistic adult in Cardiff join us for free guided cycle rides with Aubergine and SpokesPerson. These sessions are a part of our project to reduce social isolation and improve access to travel and exercise for autistic adults. These are perfect if you want to gain confidence on the road or get to know Cardiff better. There will be group sessions for up to 8 cyclists (restrictions permitting) and one-to-one sessions for those who want a more personalised experience. 


Schedule of Rides:


  • Sunday, 28th March - 3 pm - One to One Cycle Ride
  • Sunday 11th April - 3pm - One to One Cycle Ride
  • Sunday 18th April - 3pm - One to One Cycle Ride
  • Sunday 25th April - 3pm - Group Cycle (One to One as Backup)
  • Sunday 23rd May - 3pm - Group Cycle (One to One as Backup)
  • Sunday 20th June - 3pm - Group Cycle (One to One as Backup)


The session will consist of an hour of cycling, led by Willoughby Zimmerman of SpokesPerson, designed to be at a slow and steady rate. Willoughby will contact you before the ride by email or text to arrange a meeting spot. Willoughby will plan a route based on your needs - for example, where you often need to travel, the types of roads you need/want to travel on, and your cycling goals. 


After the session, there will be time for follow up questions. Attendees will be given all necessary information a few days before the session. 


One-to-one rides will be personalised to your preferences, such as whether you would like music, to cycle next to or behind Willoughby, and how much you feel comfortable speaking during the ride. If you are interested in a one-to-one cycling session with Willoughby please email aarwn@auberginecafe.co.uk to request a place. Places are limited. 


*Please note that group rides will be contingent on lockdown restrictions and we must reserve the right to cancel these sessions with at least 48 hours notice if up to date restrictions still will not allow outdoor gatherings. In the event that Group cycles are cancelled, we will instead hold One-to-One rides in their place as a backup. If Group Rides go ahead then those who are signed up to the backup One-to-One rides are welcome to join in the Group Rides but unfortunately, we cannot do both. I hope that makes sense 


To find out more and to sign up please visit the Eventbrite page using the button below. It's free to sign up.


If you have any questions or concerns please send them to our Events Coordinator : aarwn@auberginecafe.co.uk


See you there


Sign Up!

Aubergine Presents: Get to Know Your Bike! with SpokesPerson


Thanks to support from Disability Action Wales, Aubergine is proud to present a new series of cycling workshops in partnership with SpokesPerson, a Cardiff based Community Interest Company who work with marginalised people including disabled and neurodivergent folks to create better access to cycling and help us get safely and confidently on our bikes.


Schedule of Workshops


  • Get to Know Your Bike! Introduction - 5pm - 23rd of March
  • Get to Know Your Bike! Puncture Class - 5pm - 20th of April
  • Get to Know Your Bike! Gears Class - 5pm - 18th of May
  • Get to Know Your Bike! Brakes Class - 5pm - 15th of June


These free online cycle maintenance classes along with one-to-one guided riding sessions are part of our project to make cycling safe, comfortable, and accessible to all. SpokesPerson works with all levels of cyclists to help you feel confident on your bike and on the road, giving you advice that meets your skills and experience without presumption or condescension.


Founder and Managing Director of SpokesPerson, Willoughby Zimmerman (he/him) created SpokesPerson in 2019 after working in bike shops for 12 years. Previously at Brixton Cycles, his move to Cardiff sparked an interest in combining his cycling expertise and social justice goals to create SpokesPerson.


The series of online workshops will walk you through the most important parts of understanding your bike. Each workshop, run by Willoughby, will include a recap of the previous session and explain bike vocabulary at a beginners level.


These workshops are designed to be taken as a full course of four sessions however, you are welcome to only attend one or some of the online workshops and you will not need to have attended previous workshops in order to understand the content. You will receive a tool pack in the post containing everything you need to take part and start getting to know your bike. 


To find out more and to sign up please visit the Eventbrite page using the button below. It's free to sign up.


If you have any questions or concerns please contact Aarwn (he/they) the events coordinator at aarwn@auberginecafe.co.uk


See you there


Sign Up!

New Workshops!

We are thrilled to announce that our new workshop programme, created for autistic adults by autistic adults, is now open for signups! 

We’ve called on the talents and expertise of neurodivergent artists in Wales to bring you a series of 15 exciting new workshops exploring autistic creativity in a wide range of forms including:


Once again we are grateful for the support of the Arts Council of Wales for giving us the opportunity to work with neurodivergent artists in Wales to bring you these workshops uniquely designed for and by the autistic community

 

The workshops will take place on Zoom between November 18th and January 15th. These are open to all abilities so whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced creator. They are free to attend but places on each workshop are limited and will be booked on a first come first serve basis. 

 

Please read the workshop summaries and requirements carefully before signing up. 

 

At the conclusion of the workshops participants are invited to share their creations at an ‘afterparty’ in which we will have a chance to talk about our experiences and share our discoveries and creations in a relaxed and inclusive environment.

 

Click the link to book your place : https://form.jotform.com/202872901808054

 

See you there

Workshop List

FURTHER DETAILS CAN BE FOUND BELOW


Beginning and Ending: Poetry for New Writers - 18th November, 25th November


Making Mandalas: Drawing for Meditation - 27th November


Exploring Abstract Art - 24th November, 1st December, 8th December


Write your own Superhero: Creating Characters - 28th November, 5th December


Christmas Card Illustrations - 4th December


Writing the Self through Pictures: Autobiographical writing and imagery - 11th December


Decoupe: Art and Writing for Sensory Seekers - 12th December


 Making Mobiles: Kinetic Sculpture - 19th December


Free Movement for Wellbeing - 5th January, 12th January


 Introduction to Colour Pencil Drawing - 8th January

Rhestr Gweithdai

GELLIR SYLWADAU MANYLION PELLACH ISOD


Dechrau a Diweddu: Barddoniaeth i Awduron Newydd - 18fed Tachwedd, 25ain Tachwedd


Gwneud Mandalas: Arlunio ar gyfer Myfyrdod - Tachwedd 27ain


Archwilio Celf Haniaethol - 24ain Tachwedd, 1af Rhagfyr, 8fed Rhagfyr


Ysgrifennwch eich Archarwr eich hun: Creu Cymeriadau - 28ain Tachwedd, 5ed Rhagfyr


Darluniau Cerdyn Nadolig - 4ydd Rhagfyr


Ysgrifennu'r Hunan trwy Lluniau: Ysgrifennu a delweddaeth hunangofiannol - 11eg Rhagfyr


Decoupe: Celf ac Ysgrifennu ar gyfer Ceiswyr Synhwyraidd - 12fed Rhagfyr


Gwneud Symudun: Cerflun Cinetig - 19eg Rhagfyr


Symudiad Rhydd er mwyn Lles - 5ed Ionawr, 12fed Ionawr


Cyflwyniad i Arlunio Pensil Lliw - 8fed Ionawr

Gweithdai Newydd!

Mae'n bleser gennym gyhoeddi bod ein rhaglen gweithdy newydd, a grëwyd ar gyfer oedolion awtistig gan oedolion awtistig, bellach ar agor ar gyfer cofrestru!

Rydyn ni wedi galw ar ddoniau ac arbenigedd artistiaid niwroamrywiol yng Nghymru i ddod â chyfres o 15 gweithdy newydd cyffrous i chi sy'n archwilio creadigrwydd awtistig mewn ystod eang o ffurfiau gan gynnwys:


Unwaith eto rydym yn ddiolchgar am gefnogaeth Cyngor Celfyddydau Cymru am roi'r cyfle inni weithio gydag artistiaid niwro-amrywiol yng Nghymru i ddod â'r gweithdai hyn atoch sydd wedi'u cynllunio'n unigryw ar gyfer a chan y gymuned awtistig

 

Bydd y gweithdai yn cael eu cynnal ar Zoom rhwng Tachwedd 18fed a Ionawr 15fed. Mae'r rhain yn agored i bob gallu felly p'un a ydych chi'n ddechreuwr llwyr neu'n grewr profiadol. Maent yn rhad ac am ddim i'w mynychu ond mae lleoedd ar bob gweithdy yn gyfyngedig a byddant yn cael eu bwcio ar sail y cyntaf i'r felin. 

 

Darllenwch grynodebau a gofynion y gweithdy yn ofalus cyn cofrestru.

 

Ar ddiwedd y gweithdai gwahoddir cyfranogwyr i rannu eu creadigaethau mewn ‘ôl-barti’ lle byddwn yn cael cyfle i siarad am ein profiadau a rhannu ein darganfyddiadau a’n creadigaethau mewn amgylchedd hamddenol a chynhwysol.

 

Cliciwch yma i archebu'ch lle. https://form.jotform.com/202872901808054

 

Welwn ni chi yno

Workshop Summaries


  • Beginning and Ending: Poetry for New Writers

    with Mollie Russell


    Number of Sessions: 2

    Session 1: 2pm-4:30pm, 18th November 

    Session 2: 2pm-4:30pm, 25th November


    Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (including breaks)


    Summary

    ‘As an autistic poet, my aim is to share poems that are mostly (if not exclusively) written by autistic poets, as I believe representation is very important and it can be very affirming to see others in the community working and creating.’

     

    In this workshop writer Mollie Russell (she/her) will guide you through the process of creating a poem over 2 sessions. These sessions are designed with beginners or inexperienced writers in mind, and they will be split into three key activities over the 2 sessions.

     

    Session 1 will be about generating ideas. Here we’ll cover the main components of what makes a poem a "poem" focussing on poetry basics, reading poems for inspiration and finding ideas in personal experiences. We will have some discussion of writing poems about autism specifically, incorporating the five senses and using our unique perspectives in writing, but you will not be limited to this topic if you would prefer to write about other things. We’ll explore rhythm, rhyme and voice. We’ll end with a free writing exercise.

     

    In session 2 we’ll move into writing as a poet. We’ll begin with some more freewriting exercises and examples, then move on to a discussion on what it means to write in a poetic way, and Mollie will help you to turn your freewriting exercises into poems.

    We’ll also look at the importance of editing a poem. Mollie will give you some tips for editing, proofreading and redrafting introducing you to ways of approaching a first draft that allow us to see it in a new light. We’ll try this as a group by workshopping a poem written by Mollie and then have a go at editing your own work. We will finish up the session with a chance to share your poems with the group (if you want to) as well as feedback from Mollie about where you can take your poetry next..


    What you’ll need: 

    Something to write with (pen and paper or device)

    You will receive a resource pack by email containing example poems for inspiration.

  • Making Mandalas

    With Liv Hann


    Number of Sessions: 1

    1pm - 4pm, 27th November


    Duration: 3 hours (Including breaks)

     

    Summary

    ‘Any time you focus your mind on doing one thing your mind can relax, when you are mindful of what you are doing, and only that thing, it is a form of meditation’

    Freelance artist and graphic designer Liv Hann will lead us in a meditative art workshop where we  will create our own  personal mandala designs. A mandala is a piece of art inside a circle. Mandalas are traditionally created as an aid to meditation. In this case the outcome aims to be a graphic depiction of the creator's personal inner universe! 

    In the first hour Liv will introduce you to the art of mandalas and ask you to choose four words to express your intentions, as well as  a main colour which will form your ground.  

    In the next half-hour we will focus on making the foundation for your mandala. During this time Liv will screenshare herself drawing using an ipad, to guide you through setting the foundation lines.  

    We will then take a short break for 10 minutes.  

    Over the next hour we will add detail to our mandalas, creating personalised designs within the foundation lines. Liv will offer examples of designs for you to be inspired by or help you to create your own images so that in the end you have a graphic depiction of your own personal universe. We will draw things we love, things we identify with, stuff that makes us smile and learn some freestyle lettering and pattern techniques.  

    The key thing here is not to judge your art. Don’t worry about it, just have fun. Create your mandala the way you want to live your year. It’s not about how it looks as much as it is about the willingness to be childlike in the healthiest sense of the word. The open-minded exploration and deep honesty of the child can come out in the art – and is often what makes it beautiful and personal. 

    We will take another 10 minute break and then carry on developing our mandalas for a further half hour. At the end of the session we’ll take some time to allow everyone to share their work if they’d like to. 


    What you’ll need: 

    A compass for drawing circles or a circular object to draw around such as a plate 

     A drawing medium (pencil and paper, canvas and paint, graphics software, etc)


    You’ll receive a craft pack by post including

    Coloured pencils

    An Eraser

    An HB pencil 


  • Exploring Abstract Art

    With Rowan Walsh


    Number of Sessions: 3

    Session 1: 2pm-4pm, Tuesday, 24th November 

    Session 2: 2pm-3:30pm, Tuesday 1st December, 

    Session3: 2pm-3:30pm, Tuesday, 8th December 


    Duration: 

    Session 1: 2 hours (including breaks)

    Session 2: 1 hour and 30  minutes (including  breaks)

    Session 3: 1 hour and 30 minutes (including  breaks)

     

    Summary

    In this workshop spread over 3 weekly sessions, visual artist Rowan Walsh (They/Them) will guide you through the basics of abstract art, a diverse genre of art which uses the visual language  of shape, form, color and line to create a picture which can exist independently from any visual reference in the real world. Abstract art offers a world of creative freedom, unconstrained by the usual rules of figurative art. 

    Session 1 will be an introduction to abstract art, addressing how some neurodivergent people struggle with abstract art because of its broad & unstructured nature but how understanding & unlearning what we think are the 'rules' of art can help unlock tools for self-expression & be beneficial for well-being. 

    After some discussion & addressing any concerns or questions people may have, we will do an exercise where we all paint and draw along to a piece of music, immersing ourselves in the experience.. Rowan will guide you as we go.

    Session 2 will be about exploring art in everyday life & finding tools for abstract art in the world around us; household objects, natural objects, objects we might throw out & reusing art we aren't happy with to create new art. We will use some household objects that can be obtained cheaply as well as paint to experiment with. 

    In session 3 we will explore the concept of realism versus abstraction and work on letting go of the expectation that the subject of your work must look as it does in reality. Surrendering control is an important theme in abstract art. Surrendering control means using your tools minimally & allowing the art to make itself. To do this we will try drawing or painting real life objects in unconventional ways, exploring abstract techniques such as paint-throwing, ink-blowing, moving the canvas rather than the tools, and doing what some may consider to be just making a mess. However, this 'mess' is actually just catharsis (letting it all out) through art. 


    What you’ll need: 

    Some pencils for sketching, 

    Something to cover your work surface (things might get messy)

    Some household objects or utensils you can use as unconventional painting tools 

    Any of your own art materials you’d like to use to make your abstract piece really unique.


    You will receive a craft pack including

    Wooden craft sticks

    Multi-Purpose Vinyl Gloves

    Selection of unconventional painting tools (sponge, toothbrush)

    An Acrylic Painting Starter Set with an art pad, canvasboard, brushes, a palette & some acrylic paints

  • Christmas Card Illustration

    With Liz Ponting


    Number of Sessions: 1

    1pm - 4pm, 4th December


    Duration: 3 hours (including breaks)


    Summary 

    As lockdown continues into the holiday season there’s never been a better time to send a personalised message to our loved ones to wish them happy holidays and let them know we’re thinking of them in these difficult times.

     

    In this workshop professional illustrator and graphic designer Liz Ponting (she/her or they/them) will demonstrate how to create beautiful festive illustrations for Christmas cards using fineliners. This workshop is open to all ability levels so you do not have to be an experienced artist to take part. 

     

    With Liz to guide us we’ll begin by choosing a reference image and transferring the outline onto our drawing paper. Then we will begin to outline the different elements within the image using the fineliner pen. We will explore different techniques for creating detail and shading using the pen including hatching and dot-work. 

     

    Later in the workshop Liz will demonstrate how your illustrations can be turned into personalised festive greetings cards by scanning/photographing the image and printing it onto cards. The workshop will focus on drawing techniques but colour can be added to your illustrations if you’d like. Liz will run through some of your options for adding colour at the end of the session.

     

    By the end of the workshop you will have an elegant A4 size pen line illustration perfect for Christmas Cards.


    What you’ll need: 

    You will receive a craft pack including:

    1 Fine Liner Drawing Pen

    1 8B Graphite Pencil

    1 Biro Pen

    2 Sheets of Drawing Paper

    4  Paper Clips

    1 x Eraser

    2 Sheets of Scrap Paper

  • Write your Own Superhero: Creating Characters

    With Lis Parsons


    Number of Sessions: 2

    Session1: 2pm-4:30pm, 28th November, 

    Session2: 2pm-4:30pm, 5th December


    Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes each (Including breaks)

     

    Summary

    ‘Typical superheroes are young, able bodied, belong to majority groups and are very American in terms of ethics and morals. They are celebrated for their physical strength, agility, and combat skills, but how about creating some truly diverse superheroes with a wider range of skills and physical abilities?’

     

    In this workshop writer and theatre maker Lis Parsons (they.them) will guide you through writing your own superhero, along with a sidekick and nemesis with the aid of some prompts and character sheets. The first session we will use these prompts to create some diverse superhero characters that reflect our own life experiences and values. We will also create a sidekick, a villain or adversary and a world for them to inhabit. 

     

    A follow-up session will allow us to develop a storyline and some dialogue between these characters in the form of a short screenplay or even a storyboard. You might want to draw sketches of your characters to help you to visualise them. Maybe a group of heroes from different creators will emerge but you can work on your own if you’d prefer. 

     

    You don't have to be an expert in superhero lore to enjoy these sessions, maybe just someone who wants to see themselves reflected in an amazing character. You can be as traditional or alternative as you’d like with your world and characters. Don’t feel constrained to making a superhero character either. There will be opportunities to share suggestions and ideas with Lis and the group. 


    What you’ll need: 

    Something to write with (pen and paper or a device)

     

    You will receive a resource pack by email including prompts and character sheets.

  • Writing the Self through Pictures: Imagery and Autobiographical Storytelling

    With Hari Raelyn


    Number of Sessions: 1

    2pm-3:30pm, 11th of December


    Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes (Including breaks)

     

    Summary

    In this workshop writer and theatre maker  Hari Raelyn (they/them) will explore how we can use writing and imagery as an empowering tool to express our life experiences to others

     

    “A lot of the classic metaphors that neurotypicals use can seem alien to us neurodivergent folk. So what happens when we make up our own? What do your experiences look like? What images live alongside the stories you want to tell? Not all ND individuals like or feel comfortable using metaphors, but many of us have a rich connection to colour and sense and story that allows us to create more abstractly than others. It wasn’t until I started doing poetry classes that I realised not everyone thinks triangles are inherently yellow. We’ll mind-map some ways of describing and illustrating our experiences - be they metaphorical ones or literal ones associated with that experience.”

     

    We will begin with a 4-minute free-writing session as a warm-up before going into the class. We'll talk about the importance of choosing a form that suits you, highlighting how the way we choose to tell our stories doesn’t have to suit anyone but us, and that we can be uncompromising in the way we express ourselves. We'll do another free-writing exercise inviting you to express yourselves in prose or poetry or script.

     

    We’ll then talk about the importance of protecting yourself emotionally when creating work and about choosing moments that are important to us, and how creating these narratives here in safe spaces can empower us to have our voices heard more readily in daily life. We'll take a few minutes to brainstorm some ideas about things you’d like to write about, and then make notes on a specific experience you'd like to focus on during the class.

     

    Finally we’ll take some time around 10 minutes at the end of the session just to allow the group to write. You can create as much or as little as you’d like to in that time, and then we’ll come together and give feedback about how we found the experience and discuss the high-points and challenges of creating work, and troubleshoot the difficulties that may have come up as they were working. (I won’t force anyone to read their work, it will just be for you).. 

     

    There will be space within the class to talk about the experience and challenge of writing, as well as some time to share work if you would like to do so. 


    What you’ll need: 

    Something to write with (pen and paper or a device)

  • Decoupe: Art and Writing for Sensory Seekers

    With Lois Arcari


    Number of Sessions: 1

    2pm-3:30, 12th December


    Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes (including breaks)

     

    Summary 

    Writer and disability advocate Lois Arcari (she/her) will guide you in exploring how to combine art and writing in a poem presented as a tactile visual collage or découpé (DAY-coo-PAY) a writing style used by the beat-poet and artist William S Burroughs and even David Bowie.

     

    We will begin by cutting up magazines, newspapers, flyers, junk mail or any other chosen materials then placing them into containers. We will shake/stir/rattle the containers, then open them up to see what words and phrases spill out. We will take about 5 minutes to choose our favorite ones, then another 10 minutes to match them all together in the form of a poem. Once the poems are created, I will invite you to read yours aloud if they so wish. Then we will have time to decorate the blank page with art.

     

    This will be an interesting workshop for sensory seekers in particular, because it makes writing a more tactile experience. The multi modal activity will allow artists to explore art while concentrating on their writing, and vice versa for writers, demonstrating how the two work together. Since the options the material brings forth may be very broad, we will provide some thematic prompts for those who are less comfortable with open ended activities. 


    We will anchor this workshop in the sensory experience so we encourage you to use your favorite sensory items to create a meditative environment. Incorporate your favorite smells and sounds and tastes and wear your most comfortable clothing. We encourage you to explore how your environment feels to you in the moment, and try to come up with a poem that reflects on that.  

     

    Lois will invite you to explore the sensory input of virtual activities in new ways and allow you to integrate creativity with self care. Even those who are sensory avoiders will pick up on this quite acutely and the final poems may explore a broad range of emotions that more concrete prompts may not: particularly as some of us find sensory inputs easier to understand than our own emotions


    What you’ll need: 

    Essential: 

    Glue

    Scissors

    Sketch/printer paper of any size. 

    A bowl or any type of suitable container: e.g small cardboard or tupperware box. 

    At least 2 pages of magazines, newspapers, flyers or any form of junk mail. Any letters or handwritten pieces.

     

    Optional items: 

    pens, 

    Paper

    Ink, paints, crayons or other chosen art materials

  • Making mobiles: Kinetic Sculpture

    With AJ Stockwell


    Number of Sessions: 1

    1pm -4pm, 19th December


    Duration: 3 hours (Including breaks)


    Summary

    “A hanging mobile is a type of kinetic sculpture made from different elements that are weighted to create balance. The artist Alexander Calder was famous for his intricate mobile designs. In this workshop we will make simple hanging mobiles that use this principle feature of balance.

     

    In this session professional sculptor and conceptual artist AJ Stockwell (She/Her) will guide you through making linear abstract mobiles that can be hung on a wall or window. This workshop will be of interest to people interested in craft, visual storytelling, problem solving and simple engineering. 

     

    Participants can expect to make a series of hanging mobiles using craft materials These will be made from wooden hoops and dowels (provided in your craft pack) that will hang on thread attached to a central pole. This session will introduce you to using colour and shapes to create rhythm and using different recycled materials to add texture and weight, for example, hanging different coloured paper circles to make the shape of a wave.

     

    Later in the session you will be invited to use these techniques to tell a story visually using the structure of a hanging mobile like a page in a visual journal. For example, this could be, telling the story of their daily walk to or an abstract representation of the sea using different blue materials.


    What you’ll need: 

    Recycled materials that can be easily cut up (e.g. foil, cardboard, plastic sweet wrappers), 

    Sewing needle 

    Thread

    String

    Scissors.(If you have difficulty using sewing needles then sticky tape can be used instead of a sewing needle)

     

    You will receive a craft pack by post including

    1 wooden hoop

    1 wooden dowel

    2 silver craft bells

    2 sheets A4 black card

    2 sheets A4 white card

    2 sheets A4 coloured card

    2 sheets A4 pastel coloured card

    1 skein embroidery thread

    1 large eye embroidery needle 

    1 HB pencil

  • Free Movement for Wellbeing

    With Krystal Lowe


    Number of Sessions: 2

    Session 1: 10am-11:30, 5th January, 

    Session 2: 10am-11:30, 12th January


    Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes (including breaks)


    Summary 

    In these sessions professional dancer and choreographer Krystal Lowe (she/her) will explore movement and dance as a medium of expression and its impact on physical and mental wellbeing. With the help of deep breathing and imagery she will lead you through a series of free movements to allow the body to feel loose and relaxed.


    Throughout this 90 minute workshop there will be a warm up, followed by practitioner-led movements to finish with some free movement tasks to allow participants the freedom to explore their own imagination and to create movements that reflect how you feel in your mind and body in that moment. 


    This workshop is suitable for all levels and abilities. It is  not a conventional ‘dance class.’ You don’t have to have loads of mobility and perfect rhythm or poise. It’s about exploring the way your body moves and how you can use that movement in expressive ways. The goal is that by the end of the workshop you will have discovered your own unique ways of using movement to express emotion and release tension and you will leave the sessions feeling energized for the day ahead.


    What you’ll need: 

    Comfortable, loose fitting clothing, 

    Drinking water

    A clear safe space to move around in with good air supply.

  • Introduction to Coloured Pencils

    With Sofie Lansdown


    Number of Sessions: 1

    1pm-4pm, 8th January


    Duration: 3 hours (Including breaks)

     

    Summary

    In this workshop self-taught illustrator Sofie Lansdown (she/her) will guide you through a concise introduction to the medium of coloured pencils, and demonstrate how you can use this medium to create beautiful multifaceted works of art. We will focus on exploring traditional coloured pencil techniques, such as blending, layering and burnishing in order to achieve this.

     

    This workshop is open to complete beginners through to people who have some experience in other mediums, who are interested in trying something new. You are free to choose whatever you want as subject matter but those who would like more of a guided experience can follow along with Sofie as she brings to life a pair of realistic owl eyes.

     

    We will begin with a short presentation introducing the unique qualities of the medium of colour pencils along with the effect of different surfaces and techniques. Then we will begin a practical demonstration which you will be able to follow along with or take inspiration from. There will be a Q&A throughout and a ten minute break halfway through the session. We will end with a Q&A with Sofie. 


    What you’ll need: 

    Low tack tape (or normal sellotape - for sellotape, it is recommended that you first stick it to an item of clothing (e.g. jeans) to remove some of the stickiness, remove it, then tape it to the corners of your work. This is to prevent the pastelmat from being damaged by the removal of the tape once the artwork is finished)

     

    You will receive a materials pack in the post  including:

    a 20cm x 14cm Pastelmat sheet 

    Five Faber Castell Polychromos pencils

    Coloured pencil swatch 

    Digital workshop guide pdf (this is helpful as a visual step-by-step guide if needed, but is not necessarily needed for the session)

  • Dechrau a Diweddu: Barddoniaeth i Awduron Newydd

    gyda Mollie Russell


    Nifer y Sesiynau: 2

    Sesiwn 1: 2 pm-4: 30pm, 18ain Tachwedd

    Sesiwn 2: 2 pm-4: 30pm, 25ain Tachwedd


    Hyd: 2 awr 30 munud (gan gynnwys egwyl)

     

    Crynodeb

    ‘Fel bardd awtistig, fy nod yw rhannu cerddi sydd wedi’u hysgrifennu gan feirdd awtistig yn bennaf (os nad yn gyfan gwbl), gan fy mod yn credu bod cynrychiolaeth yn bwysig iawn a gall fod yn gadarnhaol iawn gweld eraill yn y gymuned yn gweithio ac yn creu.’

     

    Yn y gweithdy hwn bydd yr awdur Mollie Russell (hi) yn eich tywys trwy'r broses o greu cerdd dros 2 sesiwn. Mae'r sesiynau hyn wedi'u cynllunio gan ystyried dechreuwyr neu ysgrifenwyr dibrofiad, a chânt eu rhannu'n dri gweithgaredd allweddol dros y 2 sesiwn.

     

    Bydd sesiwn 1 yn ymwneud â chynhyrchu syniadau. Yma byddwn yn ymdrin â phrif gydrannau'r hyn sy'n gwneud cerdd yn "gerdd" sy'n canolbwyntio ar hanfodion barddoniaeth, darllen cerddi am ysbrydoliaeth a dod o hyd i syniadau mewn profiadau personol. Byddwn yn cael rhywfaint o drafodaeth ar ysgrifennu cerddi am awtistiaeth yn benodol, gan ymgorffori'r pum synhwyrau a defnyddio ein safbwyntiau unigryw yn ysgrifenedig, ond ni fyddwch yn gyfyngedig i'r pwnc hwn pe byddai'n well gennych ysgrifennu am bethau eraill. Byddwn yn archwilio rhythm, odl a llais. Byddwn yn gorffen gydag ymarfer ysgrifennu rhydd.

     

    Yn sesiwn 2 byddwn yn symud i ysgrifennu fel bardd. Byddwn yn dechrau gyda fwy o ymarferion ac enghreifftiau o ysgrifennu rhydd, yna symud ymlaen i drafodaeth ar yr hyn y mae'n ei olygu i ysgrifennu mewn ffordd farddonol, a bydd Mollie yn eich helpu i droi eich ymarferion ysgrifennu rhydd mewn i cerddi.

    Byddwn hefyd yn edrych ar bwysigrwydd golygu cerdd. Bydd Mollie yn rhoi rhai awgrymiadau ichi ar gyfer golygu, prawfddarllen ac ailddrafftio gan eich cyflwyno i ffyrdd o fynd at ddrafft cyntaf sy'n caniatáu inni ei weld mewn goleuni newydd. Byddwn yn rhoi cynnig ar hyn fel grŵp trwy weithdy cerdd a ysgrifennwyd gan Mollie ac yna rhoi cynnig ar olygu eich gwaith eich hun. Byddwn yn gorffen y sesiwn gyda chyfle i rannu'ch cerddi gyda'r grŵp (os ydych chi eisiau) yn ogystal ag adborth gan Mollie ynghylch ble y gallwch chi fynd â'ch barddoniaeth nesaf.


    Beth fydd ei angen arnoch chi: 

    Rhywbeth i ysgrifennu ag ef (beiro a phapur neu ddyfais)

    Byddwch yn derbyn pecyn adnoddau trwy e-bost sy'n cynnwys cerddi enghreifftiol er mwyn ysbrydoliaeth.


  • Gwneud Mandalas

    Gyda Liv Hann


    Nifer y Sesiynau: 1

    1pm - 4pm, Tachwedd 27ain


    Hyd: 3 awr (Gan gynnwys seibiannau)

     

    Crynodeb

    ‘Unrhyw bryd y byddwch yn canolbwyntio eich meddwl ar wneud un peth y gall eich meddwl ymlacio, pan fyddwch yn ymwybodol o’r hyn yr ydych yn ei wneud, a dim ond y peth hwnnw, mae’n fath o fyfyrdod’

     

    Bydd yr artist llawrydd a dylunydd graffig Liv Hann yn ein harwain mewn gweithdy celf myfyriol lle byddwn yn creu ein dyluniadau mandala personol ein hunain. Mae mandala yn ddarn o gelf y tu mewn i gylch. Yn draddodiadol, crëir Mandalas fel cymorth i fyfyrio. Yn yr achos hwn nod y canlyniad yw bod yn ddarlun o fydysawd mewnol personol y crëwr!

     

    Yn yr awr gyntaf bydd Liv yn eich cyflwyno i'r grefft o mandalas ac yn gofyn ichi ddewis pedwar gair i fynegi'ch bwriadau, yn ogystal â phrif liw a fydd yn ffurfio'ch tir.


    Yn ystod yr hanner awr nesaf byddwn yn canolbwyntio ar wneud sylfaen i'ch mandala. Yn ystod yr amser hwn bydd Liv yn rhannu ei hun yn darlunio gan ddefnyddio ipad, i'ch tywys trwy osod y llinellau sylfaenol.


    Yna byddwn yn cymryd hoe fach am 10 munud.


    Dros yr awr nesaf byddwn yn ychwanegu manylion at ein mandalas, gan greu dyluniadau wedi'u personoli o fewn y llinellau sylfaen. Bydd Liv yn cynnig enghreifftiau o ddyluniadau i chi gael eich ysbrydoli gan, neu eich helpu i greu eich delweddau eich hun fel bod gennych chi ddarlun graffig o'ch bydysawd personol eich hun yn y diwedd. Byddwn yn darlunio pethau rydyn ni'n eu caru, pethau rydyn ni'n uniaethu â nhw, pethau sy'n gwneud i ni wenu a dysgu rhai technegau llythrennu a phatrwm dull rhydd.


    Y peth allweddol yma yw peidio â barnu eich celf. Peidiwch â phoeni amdano, dim ond cael hwyl. Creu eich mandala y ffordd rydych chi am fyw eich blwyddyn. Nid yw'n ymwneud â sut mae'n edrych cymaint ag y mae am barodrwydd i fod yn blentynnaidd yn ystyr iachaf y gair. Gall archwiliad meddwl agored a gonestrwydd dwfn y plentyn ddod allan yn y gelf - ac yn aml dyna sy'n ei wneud yn brydferth ac yn bersonol.


    Byddwn yn cymryd egwyl arall o 10 munud ac yna'n parhau i ddatblygu ein mandalas am hanner awr arall. Ar ddiwedd y sesiwn, byddwn yn cymryd peth amser i ganiatáu i bawb rannu eu gwaith os hoffent wneud hynny.


    Beth fydd ei angen arnoch chi: 

    Cwmpawd ar gyfer lluniadu cylchoedd neu wrthrych crwn i amlinellu o’i gwmpas fel plât

    Cyfrwng lluniadu (pensil a phapur, cynfas a phaent, meddalwedd graffeg, ac ati)

     

    Byddwch yn derbyn pecyn crefft trwy'r post gan gynnwys

     Pensiliau lliw

    Rhwbiwr

    Pensil HB

  • Archwilio Celf Haniaethol

    Gyda Rowan Walsh


    Nifer y Sesiynau: 3

    Sesiwn 1: 2 pm-4pm, dydd Mawrth, 24ain Tachwedd

    Sesiwn 2: 2 pm-3: 30pm, dydd Mawrth 1af Rhagfyr,

    Sesiwn3: 2 pm-3: 30pm, dydd Mawrth, 8fed Rhagfyr


    Hyd:

    Sesiwn 1: 2 awr (gan gynnwys egwyl)

    Sesiwn 2: 1 awr a 30 munud (gan gynnwys egwyl)

    Sesiwn 3: 1 awr a 30 munud (gan gynnwys egwyl)

     

    Crynodeb

    Yn y gweithdy hwn wedi'i ledaenu dros 3 sesiwn wythnosol, bydd yr artist gweledol Rowan Walsh (Nhw) yn eich tywys trwy hanfodion celf haniaethol, genre amrywiol o gelf sy'n defnyddio'r iaith weledol siâp, ffurf, lliw a llinell i greu llun a all fodoli'n annibynnol ar unrhyw gyfeiriad gweledol yn y byd go iawn. Mae celf haniaethol yn cynnig byd o ryddid creadigol, heb ei gyfyngu gan reolau arferol celf ffigurol.


    Bydd Sesiwn 1 yn gyflwyniad i gelf haniaethol, gan fynd i'r afael â sut mae rhai pobl niwro-amrywioll yn cael trafferth gyda chelf haniaethol oherwydd ei natur eang a di-strwythur, ond sut y gall deall a dad-ddysgu beth yw 'rheolau' celf yn ein barn ni helpu i ddatgloi offer ar gyfer hunanfynegiant a bod yn fuddiol ar gyfer llesiant.


    Ar ôl trafodaeth a mynd i’r afael ag unrhyw bryderon neu gwestiynau gan bobl, byddwn yn gwneud ymarfer lle byddwn i gyd yn paentio ac yn darlunio at ddarn o gerddoriaeth, gan ymgolli yn y profiad. Bydd Rowan yn eich tywys wrth i ni fynd.


    Bydd sesiwn 2 yn ymwneud ag archwilio celf ym mywyd beunyddiol a dod o hyd i offer ar gyfer celf haniaethol yn y byd o'n cwmpas; gwrthrychau cartref, gwrthrychau naturiol, gwrthrychau y gallem eu taflu allan ac ailddefnyddio celf nad ydym yn hapus hefo i greu celf newydd. Byddwn yn defnyddio rhai gwrthrychau cartref y gellir eu cael yn rhad yn ogystal â phaent i arbrofi â nhw.


    Yn sesiwn 3 byddwn yn archwilio'r cysyniad o realaeth yn erbyn haniaeth ac yn gweithio ar ollwng y disgwyliad bod yn rhaid i bwnc eich gwaith edrych fel y mae mewn gwirionedd. Mae ildio rheolaeth yn thema bwysig mewn celf haniaethol. Mae ildio rheolaeth yn golygu defnyddio'ch offer cyn lleied â phosibl a chaniatáu i'r gelf wneud ei hun. I wneud hyn byddwn yn ceisio darlunio neu baentio gwrthrychau bywyd go iawn mewn ffyrdd anghonfensiynol, gan archwilio technegau haniaethol fel taflu paent, chwythu inc, symud y cynfas yn hytrach na'r offer, a gwneud yr hyn y mae rhai yn ei ystyried yn fel gwneud llanastr. Fodd bynnag, dim ond catharsis (gadael y cyfan allan) trwy gelf yw'r 'llanast' hwn mewn gwirionedd.


    Beth fydd ei angen arnoch chi:

    Rhai pensiliau ar gyfer braslunio,

    Rhywbeth i orchuddio'ch arwyneb gwaith (gallai pethau fynd yn flêr)

    Rhai gwrthrychau cartref neu offer y gallwch eu defnyddio fel offer paentio anghonfensiynol

    Unrhyw un o'ch deunyddiau celf eich hun yr hoffech eu defnyddio i wneud eich darn haniaethol yn wirioneddol unigryw.

     

    Byddwch yn derbyn pecyn crefft gan gynnwys

    Ffyn crefftau pren

    Menig Vinyl Amlbwrpas

    Dewis offer paentio anghonfensiynol (sbwng, brws dannedd)

    Set Cychwyn Peintio Acrylig wedi'i osod gyda pad celf, bwrdd cynfas, brwsys, palet a rhai paent acrylig

  • Darlun Cerdyn Nadolig

    Gyda Liz Ponting


    Nifer y Sesiynau: 1

    1pm - 4pm, 4ydd Rhagfyr


    Hyd: 3 awr (gan gynnwys egwyl)

     

    Crynodeb

    Wrth i’r cyfnod atal barhau i mewn i'r tymor gwyliau, ni fu erioed amser gwell i anfon neges wedi'i phersonoli at ein hanwyliaid i ddymuno gwyliau hapus iddynt a rhoi gwybod iddynt ein bod yn meddwl amdanynt yn yr amseroedd anodd hyn.

     

    Yn y gweithdy hwn bydd y darlunydd proffesiynol a dylunydd graffig Liz Ponting (hi neu nhw) yn dangos sut i greu lluniau Nadoligaidd hyfryd ar gyfer cardiau Nadolig gan ddefnyddio fineliner. Mae'r gweithdy hwn yn agored i bob lefel gallu felly nid oes rhaid i chi fod yn arlunydd profiadol i gymryd rhan.

     

    Gyda Liz i'n tywys, byddwn yn dechrau trwy ddewis delwedd a throsglwyddo'r amlinelliad i'n papur lluniadu. Yna byddwn yn dechrau amlinellu'r gwahanol elfennau yn y ddelwedd gan ddefnyddio'r ysgrifbin fineliner. Byddwn yn archwilio gwahanol dechnegau ar gyfer creu manylion a chysgodi gan ddefnyddio'r ysgrifbin gan gynnwys llinellu a dot-waith.

     

    Yn ddiweddarach yn y gweithdy bydd Liz yn dangos sut y gellir troi eich lluniau yn gardiau cyfarch Nadoligaidd wedi'u personoli trwy sganio / tynnu llun o'r ddelwedd a'i hargraffu ar gardiau. Bydd y gweithdy'n canolbwyntio ar dechnegau lluniadu ond gellir ychwanegu lliw at eich lluniau os hoffech chi. Bydd Liz yn rhedeg trwy rai o'ch opsiynau ar gyfer ychwanegu lliw ar ddiwedd y sesiwn.

     

    Erbyn diwedd y gweithdy bydd gennych ddarlun llinell ysgrifbin maint A4 sy'n berffaith ar gyfer Cardiau Nadolig.


    Beth fydd ei angen arnoch chi:

    1 Ysgrifbin ‘fineliner’

    1 Pensil Graffit 8B

    1 Biro

    2 Daflen o Bapur Lluniadu

    4 Clip Papur

    1 x Rhwbiwr

    2 Daflen o Bapur Sgrap

  • Ysgrifennwch eich Archarwr Eich Hun: Creu Cymeriadau

    Gydag Lis Parsons


    Nifer y Sesiynau: 2

    Sesiwn1: 2 pm-4: 30pm, 28ain Tachwedd,

    Sesiwn2: 2 pm-4: 30pm, 5ed Rhagfyr


    Hyd: 2 awr 30 munud yr un (Gan gynnwys egwyl)


    Crynodeb

    ‘Mae archarwyr nodweddiadol yn ifanc, heb-anableddl, yn perthyn i grwpiau mwyafrifol ac yn Americanaidd iawn o ran moeseg a moesau. Fe’u dathlir am eu cryfder corfforol, ystwythder, a’u sgiliau ymladd, ond beth am greu rhai archarwyr gwirioneddol amrywiol gydag ystod ehangach o sgiliau a galluoedd corfforol? ’


    Yn y gweithdy hwn bydd yr awdur a gwneuthurwr theatr Lis Parsons (nhw) yn eich tywys trwy ysgrifennu eich archarwr eich hun, ynghyd â sidekick a dihiryn gyda chymorth rhai awgrymiadau a thaflenni cymeriad. Y sesiwn gyntaf byddwn yn defnyddio'r awgrymiadau hyn i greu rhai cymeriadau archarwyr amrywiol sy'n adlewyrchu ein profiadau a'n gwerthoedd bywyd ein hunain. Byddwn hefyd yn creu 'sidekick', dihiryn neu wrthwynebydd a byd iddynt fyw ynddo.


    Bydd sesiwn ddilynol yn caniatáu inni ddatblygu llinell stori a rhywfaint o ddeialog rhwng y cymeriadau hyn ar ffurf sgrinlun byr neu hyd yn oed bwrdd stori. Efallai yr hoffech chi dynnu brasluniau o'ch cymeriadau i'ch helpu chi i'w delweddu. Efallai y bydd grŵp o arwyr o wahanol grewyr yn dod i'r amlwg ond gallwch weithio ar eich pen eich hun os yw'n well gennych.


    Nid oes rhaid i chi fod yn arbenigwr ar lên archarwyr i fwynhau'r sesiynau hyn, efallai dim ond rhywun sydd eisiau gweld ei hun yn cael ei adlewyrchu mewn cymeriad anhygoel. Gallwch chi fod mor draddodiadol neu amgen ag yr hoffech gyda'ch byd a'ch cymeriadau. Peidiwch â theimlo eich bod wedi'ch cyfyngu i wneud cymeriad archarwr chwaith. Bydd cyfleoedd i rannu awgrymiadau a syniadau gyda Lis a'r grŵp.


    Beth fydd ei angen arnoch chi:

    Rhywbeth i ysgrifennu ag ef (beiro a phapur neu ddyfais)


    Byddwch yn derbyn pecyn adnoddau trwy e-bost gan gynnwys awgrymiadau a thaflenni cymeriad.


  • Ysgrifennu'r Hunan trwy Lluniau: Delweddu ac Adrodd Straeon Hunangofiannol

    Gyda Hari Raelyn


    Nifer y Sesiynau: 1

    2 pm-3: 30pm, 11eg o Ragfyr


    Hyd: 1 awr a 30 munud (Gan gynnwys egwyl)

     

    Crynodeb

    Yn y gweithdy hwn bydd yr awdur a'r gwneuthurwr theatr Hari Raelyn (nhw) yn archwilio sut y gallwn ddefnyddio ysgrifennu a delweddaeth fel offeryn grymuso i fynegi ein profiadau bywyd i eraill

     

    “Gall llawer o’r trosiadau clasurol y mae pobl niwro-nodweddiadol yn eu defnyddio ymddangos yn estron i ni fel pobl niwro-amrywiol. Felly beth sy'n digwydd pan fyddwn ni'n ffurfio ein rhai ein hunain? Sut olwg sydd ar eich profiadau? Pa ddelweddau sy'n byw ochr yn ochr â'r straeon rydych chi am eu hadrodd? Nid yw pob unigolyn N-A yn hoffi neu'n teimlo'n gyffyrddus yn defnyddio trosiadau, ond mae gan lawer ohonom gysylltiad cyfoethog â lliw a synnwyr a stori sy'n caniatáu inni greu'n fwy haniaethol nag eraill. Hyd nes i mi ddechrau gwneud dosbarthiadau barddoniaeth y sylweddolais nad yw pawb yn credu bod trionglau yn felyn yn eu hanfod. Byddwn yn mapio rhai ffyrdd o ddisgrifio a darlunio ein profiadau - boed yn rhai trosiadol neu'n rhai llythrennol sy'n gysylltiedig â'r profiad hwnnw. "

     

    Byddwn yn dechrau gyda sesiwn ysgrifennu rhydd 4 munud er mwyn cynhesu cyn mynd i mewn i'r dosbarth. Byddwn yn siarad am bwysigrwydd dewis dull sy'n addas i chi, gan dynnu sylw at y ffaith nad oes rhaid i'r ffordd rydyn ni'n dewis adrodd ein straeon weddu i unrhyw un ond ni, ac y gallwn ni fod yn ddigyfaddawd yn y ffordd rydyn ni'n mynegi ein hunain. Byddwn yn gwneud ymarfer ysgrifennu rhydd arall bydd yn eich gwahodd i fynegi eich hun mewn rhyddiaith neu farddoniaeth neu sgript.

     

    Yna byddwn yn siarad am bwysigrwydd amddiffyn eich hun yn emosiynol wrth greu gwaith ac am ddewis eiliadau sy'n bwysig i ni, a sut y gall creu'r naratifau hyn mewn lleoedd diogel ein grymuso i sicrhau bod ein lleisiau'n cael eu clywed yn haws ym mywyd beunyddiol. Byddwn yn cymryd ychydig funudau i daflu rai syniadau yr hoffech chi ysgrifennu amdanynt, ac yna gwneud nodiadau ar brofiad penodol yr hoffech chi ganolbwyntio arno yn ystod y dosbarth.

     

    Yn olaf, byddwn yn cymryd oddeutu 10 munud ar ddiwedd y sesiwn er mwyn caniatáu i'r grŵp ysgrifennu. Gallwch greu cymaint neu gyn lleied ag yr hoffech chi yn yr amser hwnnw. Yna byddwn ni'n dod at ein gilydd i roi adborth ar sut y daethon ni o hyd i'r profiad a thrafod uchafbwyntiau a heriau creu gwaith, a datrys yr anawsterau efallai fod wedi codi fel yr oeddent yn gweithio. (Wna i ddim gorfodi unrhyw un i ddarllen eu gwaith, achos mae’r gwaith ar eich cyfer chi).

     

    Bydd lle yn y dosbarth i siarad am brofiad a her ysgrifennu, ynghyd â rhywfaint o amser i rannu gwaith os hoffech chi wneud hynny.

     

    Beth fydd ei angen arnoch chi:

    Rhywbeth i ysgrifennu ag ef (beiro a phapur neu ddyfais)

  • Decoupe: Celf ac Ysgrifennu ar gyfer Ceiswyr Synhwyraidd

    Gyda Lois Arcari


    Nifer y Sesiynau: 1

    2 pm-3:30, 12fed Rhagfyr


    Hyd: 1 awr a 30 munud (gan gynnwys egwyl)

     

    Crynodeb

    Bydd yr awdur a’r eiriolwr anabledd Lois Arcari (hi) yn eich tywys wrth archwilio sut i gyfuno celf ac ysgrifennu mewn cerdd a gyflwynir fel collage gweledol cyffyrddadwy neu découpé (DAY-coo-PAY) arddull ysgrifennu a ddefnyddir gan y bardd William S Burroughs a hyd yn oed David Bowie.

     

    Byddwn yn dechrau trwy dorri cylchgronau, papurau newydd, taflenni, post sothach neu unrhyw ddeunyddiau eraill a ddewiswyd a'u rhoi mewn cynwysyddion. Byddwn yn ysgwyd / troi / ratlo'r cynwysyddion, yna eu hagor i weld pa eiriau ac ymadroddion sy'n gorlifo. Byddwn yn cymryd tua 5 munud i ddewis ein hoff rai, yna 10 munud arall i'w paru i gyd gyda'i gilydd ar ffurf cerdd. Unwaith y bydd y cerddi wedi'u creu, fe'ch gwahoddaf i ddarllen eich un chi ar lafar os dymunant. Yna bydd gennym amser i addurno'r dudalen wag gyda chelf.

     

    Bydd hwn yn weithdy diddorol i ceiswyr synhwyraidd yn benodol, oherwydd mae'n gwneud ysgrifennu yn brofiad mwy cyffyrddol. Bydd y gweithgaredd aml-foddol yn caniatáu i artistiaid archwilio celf wrth ganolbwyntio ar eu hysgrifennu, ac i'r gwrthwyneb i awduron, gan ddangos sut mae'r ddau yn gweithio gyda'i gilydd. Gan y gall yr opsiynau a gyflwynir gan y deunydd fod yn eang iawn, byddwn yn darparu rhai awgrymiadau thematig i'r rheini sy'n llai cyfforddus â gweithgareddau penagored.

     

    Byddwn yn angori'r gweithdy hwn yn y profiad synhwyraidd felly rydym yn eich annog i ddefnyddio'ch hoff eitemau synhwyraidd i greu amgylchedd myfyriol. Ymgorfforwch eich hoff arogleuon a synau a chwaeth a gwisgwch eich dillad mwyaf cyfforddus. Rydym yn eich annog i archwilio sut mae'ch amgylchedd yn teimlo i chi ar hyn o bryd, a cheisio llunio cerdd sy'n adlewyrchu ar hynny.

     

    Bydd Lois yn eich gwahodd i archwilio mewnbwn synhwyraidd gweithgareddau rhithwir mewn ffyrdd newydd ac yn caniatáu ichi integreiddio creadigrwydd â hunanofal. Bydd hyd yn oed y rhai sy'n osgoi synhwyrai yn sylwi ar hyn yn eithaf dwys ac efallai y bydd y cerddi olaf yn archwilio ystod eang o emosiynau nad yw ysgogiadau mwy concrit efalla yn: yn enwedig gan fod rhai ohonom yn ei chael yn haws deall mewnbynnau synhwyraidd na'n hemosiynau ein hunain.

     

    Beth fydd ei angen arnoch chi:

    Hanfodol: 

    Glud

    Siswrn

    Braslun / papur argraffydd o unrhyw faint.

    Bowlen neu unrhyw fath o gynhwysydd addas: e.e. cardbord bach neu flwch llestri.

    O leiaf 2 dudalen o gylchgronau, papurau newydd, taflenni neu unrhyw fath o bost sothach. Unrhyw lythyrau neu ddarnau mewn llawysgrifen.

     

    Eitemau dewisol:

    beiros,

    Papur

    Inc, paent, creonau neu ddeunyddiau celf eraill a ddewiswyd

  • Gwneud symydun: Cerflun Cinetig

    Gyda AJ Stockwell


    Nifer y Sesiynau: 1

    1pm-4pm, 19eg Rhagfyr


    Hyd: 3 awr (Gan gynnwys egwyl)

     

    Crynodeb

    “Mae symudun yn fath o gerflun cinetig wedi'i wneud o wahanol elfennau pwysol i greu cydbwysedd. Roedd yr arlunydd Alexander Calder yn enwog am ei ddyluniadau symudol cywrain. Yn y gweithdy hwn byddwn yn gwneud symudun syml sy'n defnyddio'r brif nodwedd hon o gydbwysedd.

     

    Yn y sesiwn hon bydd y cerflunydd proffesiynol ac artist cysyniadol AJ Stockwell (Hi) yn eich tywys trwy wneud symudun haniaethol llinol y gellir eu hongian ar wal neu ffenestr. Bydd y gweithdy hwn o ddiddordeb i bobl sydd â diddordeb mewn crefft, adrodd straeon gweledol, datrys problemau a pheirianneg syml.

     

    Gall cyfranogwyr ddisgwyl gwneud cyfres o ddyluniadau symudol gan ddefnyddio deunyddiau crefft. Bydd y rhain yn cael eu gwneud o gylchoedd pren a hoeleni pren (a ddarperir yn eich pecyn crefft) a fydd yn hongian ar edau ynghlwm wrth bolyn canolog. Bydd y sesiwn hon yn eich cyflwyno i ddefnyddio lliw a siapiau i greu rhythm a defnyddio gwahanol ddeunyddiau wedi'u hailgylchu i ychwanegu gwead a phwysau, er enghraifft, hongian cylchoedd papur o wahanol liwiau i wneud siâp ton.

     

    Yn ddiweddarach yn y sesiwn fe'ch gwahoddir i ddefnyddio'r technegau hyn i adrodd stori yn weledol gan ddefnyddio strwythur symudun fel tudalen mewn cyfnodolyn gweledol. Er enghraifft, gallai hyn fod yn, adrodd stori eu taith gerdded feunyddiol i'r môr neu gynrychiolaeth haniaethol o'r môr gan ddefnyddio gwahanol ddefnyddiau glas.


    Beth fydd ei angen arnoch chi:

    Deunyddiau wedi'u hailgylchu y gellir eu torri i fyny yn hawdd (e.e. ffoil, cardbord, deunydd lapio melysion),

    Nodwydd gwnïo

    Edau

    Llinyn

    Siswrn. (Os ydych chi'n cael anhawster defnyddio nodwyddau gwnïo yna gellir defnyddio tâp gludiog yn lle nodwydd gwnïo)

     

    Byddwch yn derbyn pecyn crefft trwy'r post gan gynnwys

    1 cylchyn pren

    1 hoelbren

    2 gloch crefft arian

    2 ddalen cerdyn du A4

    2 ddalen cerdyn gwyn A4

    2 ddalen cerdyn lliw A4

    2 ddalen cerdyn lliw pastel A4

    1 edau brodwaith skein

    1 nodwydd brodwaith llygad mawr

    1 pensil HB

  • Symudiad Rhydd er mwyn Lles

    Gyda Krystal Lowe


    Nifer y Sesiynau: 2

    Sesiwn 1: 10 am-11: 30, 5ed Ionawr,

    Sesiwn 2: 10 am-11: 30, 12fed Ionawr


    Hyd: 1 awr a 30 munud (gan gynnwys egwyl)

     

    Crynodeb

    Yn y sesiynau hyn bydd y dawnsiwr a choreograffydd proffesiynol Krystal Lowe (hi) yn archwilio symudiad a dawns fel cyfrwng mynegiant a'i effaith ar les corfforol a meddyliol. Gyda chymorth anadlu dwfn a delweddaeth bydd yn eich arwain trwy gyfres o symudiadau rhydd i ganiatáu i'r corff deimlo'n rhydd ac yn hamddenol.

     

    Trwy gydol y gweithdy 90 munud hwn bydd siawns i cynhesu, ac yna symudiadau dan arweiniad ymarferwyr i orffen gyda rhai tasgau symud rhydd i ganiatáu rhyddid i gyfranogwyr archwilio eu dychymyg eu hunain ac i greu symudiadau sy'n adlewyrchu sut rydych chi'n teimlo yn eich meddwl a'ch corff yn y foment honno.

     

    Mae'r gweithdy hwn yn addas ar gyfer pob lefel a gallu. Nid yw’n ddosbarth ‘dawns’ confensiynol. ’Nid oes yn rhaid i chi fod â llwyth o symudedd a rhythm neu poise perffaith. Mae'n ymwneud ag archwilio'r ffordd y mae'ch corff yn symud a sut y gallwch chi ddefnyddio'r symudiad hwnnw mewn ffyrdd mynegiannol. Y nod yw y byddwch chi, erbyn diwedd y gweithdy, wedi darganfod eich ffyrdd unigryw eich hun o ddefnyddio symudiad i fynegi emosiwn a rhyddhau tensiwn a byddwch yn gadael y sesiynau'n teimlo'n llawn egni am y diwrnod i ddod.

     

    Beth fydd ei angen arnoch chi:

    Dillad cyfforddus, llac sy'n ffitio,

    Dwr yfed

    Lle diogel clir i symud o gwmpas ynddo gyda chyflenwad aer da.

  • Cyflwyniad i Bensiliau Lliw

    Gyda Sofie Lansdown


    Nifer y Sesiynau: 1

    1 pm-4pm, 8fed Ionawr


    Hyd: 3 awr (Gan gynnwys egwyl)

     

    Crynodeb

    Yn y gweithdy hwn bydd y darlunydd hunan-ddysgedig Sofie Lansdown (hi) yn eich tywys trwy gyflwyniad cryno i gyfrwng pensiliau lliw, ac yn dangos sut y gallwch chi ddefnyddio'r cyfrwng hwn i greu gweithiau celf amlochrog hardd. Byddwn yn canolbwyntio ar archwilio technegau pensil lliw traddodiadol, fel asio, haenu a bwrneisio er mwyn cyflawni hyn.

     

    Mae'r gweithdy hwn yn agored i ddechreuwyr llwyr drwodd i bobl sydd â rhywfaint o brofiad mewn cyfryngau eraill, sydd â diddordeb mewn rhoi cynnig ar rywbeth newydd. Rydych chi'n rhydd i ddewis beth bynnag rydych chi ei eisiau fel pwnc ond gall y rhai a hoffai gael mwy o brofiad dan arweiniad ddilyn ynghyd â Sofie wrth iddi ddod â phâr o lygaid tylluanod realistig yn fyw.

     

    Byddwn yn dechrau gyda chyflwyniad byr yn cyflwyno rhinweddau unigryw cyfrwng pensiliau lliw ynghyd ag effaith gwahanol arwynebau a thechnegau. Yna byddwn yn cychwyn arddangosiad ymarferol y byddwch yn gallu ei ddilyn ynghyd â neu gymryd ysbrydoliaeth oddi wrth. Bydd sesiwn holi-ac-ateb drwyddi ac egwyl ddeng munud hanner ffordd trwy'r sesiwn. Byddwn yn gorffen gyda sesiwn holi-ac-ateb gyda Sofie.

     

    Beth fydd ei angen arnoch chi:

    Tâp tac isel (neu sellotape arferol - ar gyfer sellotape, argymhellir eich bod yn gyntaf yn ei lynu wrth eitem o ddillad (ee jîns) i gael gwared ar rywfaint o'r gludiogrwydd, ei dynnu, yna ei dapio i gorneli eich gwaith. Mae hyn yn atal y pastelmat rhag cael ei niweidio trwy dynnu'r tâp unwaith y bydd y gwaith celf wedi'i orffen)

     

    Byddwch yn derbyn pecyn deunyddiau yn y post gan gynnwys:

    Taflen Pastelmat 20cm x 14cm

    Pum pensil Polychromos Faber Castell

    Swatch pensil lliw

    Canllaw gweithdy digidol pdf (mae hwn yn ddefnyddiol fel canllaw cam wrth gam gweledol os oes angen, ond nid oes ei angen o reidrwydd ar gyfer y sesiwn)

At a glance

Our quick guide to what's on this month
Mon
Tue
Wed
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Fri
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Sun

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Here you can get an idea of what is involved in each of our workshops and what you’ll need to take part. 

Workshop Summaries

01

Sending Hugs

2pm, Friday 28th August


With Cindy Ward

3D Sculptural Greetings Cards for Lockdown

The phrase ‘sending hugs’ is being thrown around a lot in these times of social distancing but artist Cindy Ward has come up with a way to actually send a hug in the post or send a hug out to the world from your windowsill. In this workshop Cindy will show you how to create an innovative three-dimensional take on greetings cards for these extraordinary times we are living through. 


What you’ll need: 

Paint, crayons or whatever you’d like to decorate your hug-sculpture. All other materials will be provided in a pack which we can send to you by post.

02

Pebble Art

2pm, Friday 14th of August


With Cindy Ward

Visual artist Cindy Ward guides you through the versatile and uniquely tactile medium of pebble painting. Create beautiful miniature works of art with little more than a corrector pen, some sharpies and a smooth pebble. Perfect for paperweights and ornaments, pebble art makes a wonderful quirky gift. 


What you’ll need: 

A smooth, flattish pebble around 6-10cm wide, some acrylic paint, a pencil and sharpie pens, a black fineliner pen, and a whiteout/corrector pen. If you’d like to transfer a design onto your pebble from a photograph or drawing, we’d recommend a soft pencil, some transfer paper and some tracing paper as well. 

03

Poems: Words and Ideas

2pm, Thursday 13th and Thursday 20th of August


With Francesca Kay

‘Poems are just lists of things.’ 

Poet and printmaker Francesca Kay shares an introduction to writing poetry, showing easy ways to start writing, and exploring the joy of words and ideas.


What you’ll need: 

Pen & Paper

04

Telling Your Story

2pm, Tuesday, August 25th


With Duncan Hallis

This session is all about YOU! 

We'll be looking at how you can draw upon your own experiences to make art, performance and writing! 

Everyone has a story, ESPECIALLY you!


What you’ll need: 

Pen & Paper.


05

Improv & Play

2pm, Friday, August 21st


With Duncan Hallis

We'll be playing games (lots of them!) and trying out activities that get you thinking like a kid again!

The focus is fun! And freedom to take some chances in a low-risk safe space!

Bring your imagination!


What you’ll need: 

Pen & Paper, 3 random objects of your choosing.

06

Making Sounds

2pm, Monday, August 17th


With Duncan Hallis

Let’s make some noise! 

This will be a crash-course in making audio content, including: voice acting for radio and animation, writing scripts for audio, and producing your own content!


What you’ll need: 

Pen & Paper, a microphone (this could be built into your device or headphones, or separately connected - Just something that lets us hear you!).

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