LADYBIRDS, dragonflies and woodlice are among the minibeasts set to take shape as you’re invited to get creative with a free community arts project in Mossley.
Friends of The Vale is launching a six-week series of workshops to create colourful three-dimensional bugs for the arts centre’s community garden.
Starting this Wednesday, October 21, the free Wednesday Welcome sessions will see participants work with Mossley artist Mel Roberts to turn repurposed and found materials into a collection of unusual garden creatures.
Using materials including wire, resin and textiles, those taking part will have the chance to develop new crafting skills, share ideas and meet other people while helping transform the outdoor space.
There is no set design to follow, with participants encouraged to bring their own ideas about the bugs they would like to make.
Mel is a freelance artist best known for creating giant walkabout puppets for Global Grooves, The Vale’s resident carnival arts organisation.
Her creations, which regularly appear at street events across Tameside and beyond, include Ukrainian Carnival Queen Sofiya, Nandi the bull, Manny the dancer and a cheeky green-faced Christmas elf.
Jane Harris, community engagement lead at The Vale, said: “Come along, have fun, meet others and make something wonderfully unusual! This is a really fun and engaging project for the autumn months and the creations will become part of a colourful display in our community garden.
“Participants will work both individually and collectively to build an impressive collection of minibeasts. Essentially, it’s a chance to explore materials, learn skills and techniques and be part of creating something wonderful to bring cheer to our garden area.”
The project is part-funded by the UK Government through the Economic Development and Regeneration Flexible Grant programme and Greater Manchester Arts funding.
The workshops are part of The Vale’s wider programme of community activities.
Its free Saturday morning sessions, called Our Space, also invite people of all ages to enjoy the community gardens through seasonal activities including planting, building and making.
The Wednesday Welcome workshops run from October 21 to November 25, from 12.30pm to 3pm at The Vale in Mossley.
Sessions are free and open to all adults, with no previous experience needed. Donations are welcome.