Press Release: Unlocking Your Potential in 2018

Posted on 16th January 2018

100+ New Short Courses announced by West Dean College of Arts & Conservation

'Explore the changing colours, textures and shapes as Spring turns into Summer and the longer, lighter days allow more time for creativity' Alison Baxter, Head of School of Arts

Basket making to botanical drawing, photography to furniture making, the 400 (including 109 new) Spring/Summer 2018 Short Courses just released by West Dean College of Arts & Conservation have something for anyone with a desire to unlock their creative potential this year. In the beautiful surroundings of the West Sussex countryside, everybody, from complete beginner to seasoned practitioner, can learn to create, craft and grow under the tuition of expert professionals in their fields.

New and exciting Short Courses for this year include: Experimental Surface Drawing, Mark-Making with award-winning tutor Merna Liddawi, Sketchbooks for Beginners with Kate Boucher, Shibori techniques for textile artists Summer School, Glass bead making courses and stone carving with Paula Haughney.

Students can cultivate photography skills with UK Landscape Photographer of the Year 2017, Benjamin Graham, create bespoke furniture, learn experimental and traditional metalworking methods with award-winning artist silversmith Abigail Brown, write a short story on a weekend or week-long course with published tutors or learn how to plan and plant the perfect garden. This is all among many other crafts and disciplines and the tuition of talented professionals who are passionate about their field and sharing their skills. From traditional crafts such as pottery and painting, to more modern practices of film and animation, West Dean's Short Courses can provide a thrilling and enriching experience for anyone. Gain key insights from the best artisans and artists from around the world; find out how to make your poetry sing and your gardens flourish.

The Spring/Summer Short Course programme runs from April to September 2018 and includes over 400 courses. Courses range from one to seven days in duration and are priced from £55. Over 100 new courses and 21 new tutors have been introduced into the programme, along with a range of specially curated themes and events. West Dean has the unique advantage of being set within the breath-taking South Downs National Park, allowing participants of the Short Courses to enjoy an unrivalled learning environment, and with the opportunity to stay in historic West Dean House, home to the College,, the experience is not a fleeting one. Edward James, the Surrealist patron and poet, founded the College, ensuringhis beautiful house and estate in West Sussex would support crafts education for future generations.

The Spring/Summer Short Courses at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation mark the continuation of this legacy, and homage to this fact is paid by many of the Short Courses containing a Surrealist aspect. Unlock your potential by learning or expanding skills in beautiful and intriguing crafts. View Spring/Summer 2018 Short Course Brochure.

Use the easy online course-search to skip straight to a preferred subject, tutor or available dates: For more information please visit: https://www.westdean.org.uk/study

Featured Courses

Chris Keenan - Form, function and family - wheel thrown porcelain

Jake Spicer - Spectacular drawing with The Drawing Circus

Janice Gunner - Indigo dyed Shibori textiles

Rachel Siegrid - Grow your own cut flowers for pleasure or profit

Merna Liddawi - Experimental surface - drawing and mark-making

Kate Boucher - Sketchbooks for Beginners

Paula Haughney - Stone carving

Abigail Brown - learn experimental and traditional metalworking

Notes To Editors

• West Dean College of Arts & Conservation was founded in 1971 by the Surrealist patron, Edward James, who was recently recognised by BBC Arts as the 'the greatest patron of art of the early 20th century'.

• The College is part of The Edward James Foundation (Charity No. 1126084), also comprising West Dean Gardens, West Dean Estate and West Dean Tapestry Studio.

• All photography is free to use for editorial purposes.

• West Dean College is situated on the A286, six miles north of Chichester and within easy access of Portsmouth, Guildford, Brighton and London.

For media enquiries, including high-resolution digital images, review and filming opportunities contact:

Freya Simms or Phoebe Ladenburg
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