Devon Libraries Host Nature-Inspired Creative Workshops This February Half-Term
Five libraries in Devon are encouraging everyone to craft with nature this February half-term. Developing new skills and perspectives through artist-led, affordable workshops for all ages. From using paint made from plants or lino printing to celebrating wildlife with cardboard creations, people are invited to explore their connection to the natural world.
Libraries Unlimited, through Arts Council England funding, are working with local artists to support creativity in libraries.
Tavistock, Okehampton, Teignmouth, St Thomas, and Chagford libraries are all hosting half-term family-friendly events. Artist James Lake is leading paper and cardboard sculpture making in Teignmouth and Tavistock. Megan Dowsett will uncover the creative possibilities of plants, showcasing their unique pigment and fibre properties at St Thomas, Okehampton and Tavistock. While Chagford welcomes Devon Tipping to facilitate a project to create symbolic lino print creatures.
Rae Hoole, Creative Communities Producer from Libraries Unlimited, shared: “We are really looking forward to welcoming people into our libraries this half-term to explore nature! During the winter, it’s so important to maintain a connection to the wonder and creativity the natural world inspires. It’s such a great wellbeing resource! We’re excited to have such talented artists share new perspectives and teach new skills in our libraries.”
Book workshop tickets online via: https://bit.ly/FebruaryHalfTermLibraryWorkshops
What’s On:
Tavistock Library
Paper and Cardboard Sculpture - James Lake
Saturday 14th February, 12 pm and 2 pm - 4 pm
Monday 16th February, 10 am - 12 pm
Free drop-in workshops, Suitable for ages 4+
Join James to create paper and cardboard multi-coloured leaves and branches to form a tree.
Painting with Nature - Megan Dowsett
Tuesday 17th February, 10 am - 12.30 pm
Free drop-in workshop, Suitable for families
Explore paints and pigments from the most ordinary plants while learning more about the natural world.
Chagford Library
Creatures of Change - Devon Tipping
Thursday 19th February, 10.30 am - 1 pm
£2 + booking fee, Open to all ages, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult
Using lino printing, create a symbolic creature to reflect your connection to nature, hopes for a fairer future - all while learning a new creative skill.
St Thomas Library, Exeter
Woven in Nature - Megan Dowsett
Wednesday 18th February, 10 am - 12.30 pm
£2 + booking fee, Suitable for ages 4+
Try out paints made from everyday plants and vegetables, learn to make cord from nettles and dandelions and even create woven hanging decorations from cord created during the session.
Teignmouth Library
Paper and Cardboard Sculpture Workshop - James Lake
Wednesday 18th February, 10 am - 12 pm and 2 pm - 4 pm
£3/£1 + booking fee, Suitable for ages 5+
Wednesday 25th February, 10 am - 12 pm
£3 + booking fee, Suitable for ages 18+
James invites you to take a closer look at the incredible wildlife of Teignmouth’s Coombe Valley Local Nature Reserve. Help showcase the beauty of local habitats by creating your own small-scale cardboard masterpiece.
Okehampton Library
Woven in Nature - Megan Dowsett
Monday 16th February, 1 pm - 3.30 pm
£2 + booking fee, Suitable for ages 4+
Learn to make cord from nettles and dandelions and create woven hanging decorations. Try out paints made from everyday plants and vegetables, draw with charcoal and learn about natural pigments.
