Join us for an inspiring summer school that explores the theme of ‘Go Green,’ where you will create stunning tactile art with an emphasis on environmental stewardship. Drawing inspiration from nature, you will delve into colour, form, texture, and sculpture using traditional craft techniques to unlock your inner artisan.

Day 1: Colour from Nature Begin your journey with an inspirational talk by Alice about her artistic practice and the techniques you will be exploring. You will dive into natural dyeing, creating your own colour palette from nature’s botany. Forage botanicals from West Dean Gardens for the hapa-zome technique, experiment with pigments through bundle dyeing, and create vibrant botanical patterns. End the day with a meditative experience, painting with natural dye inks for a serene, observational exercise.

Day 2: Stitching Techniques Transform your naturally dyed fabrics into tactile art by learning 6 embroidery stitches, 4 appliqué techniques, patchwork, and quilting. Experiment with both hand and machine stitching to craft a wall hanging full of texture and colour.

Day 3: Sculptural Creations Move from two-dimensional to three-dimensional by applying basic pattern cutting techniques to create mini sculptures. Bring your creations to life with this hands-on exploration of form and structure.

Day 4: Rope Making Discover the art of rope-making to add tactile elements to your artwork or craft unique keyrings, coasters, and decorative pieces.

Day 5 and 6: Refining & Showcasing Develop your new skills and refine your ideas with Alice’s guidance, and complete your artwork for the final showcase, celebrating your creative journey.

Summer School highlights: The Summer School week is an immersive learning experience with more time to develop your creativity and embrace opportunities for creative development beyond your chosen course. A detailed timetable for your Summer School week will be given to you on arrival. This will include:

• Short inspirational talks by tutors and displays of their work
• A short creative experience session in another discipline/media or course
• An optional evening at the Chichester Festival Theatre (if pre-booked)
• An optional lunchtime tour of West Dean Gardens, the historic rooms at West Dean College, or West Dean Tapestry Studio
• A celebration dinner on the last evening themed on ‘going green’. Feel free to respond to the theme if you wish
• Informal end-of-course group reviews and displays of students' work in studios

As evening events are planned as part of the Summer School week, dinner is included in the course fee to enable all students, including non-residents, to participate fully.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply some of the materials including paper, fabric, threads, dye inks and pigments and synthetic stuffing and more.

The College will supply some of the materials including needles, twine, wadding, patten cutting paper, glues, calico and paper and tools to use while on the course.

What students need to bring

• Sketchbooks, pencils/pens
• Inspirational objects, books, photographs, sketches
• Any sewing equipment you prefer such as embroidery hoops, thimbles, needles

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Possible equipment restrictions in tutor absence.

Timetable for Summer Schools

Several evening events are planned throughout the week, a detailed timetable for the summer schools will be given to you on arrival.

Arrival Day

Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students should vacate their rooms by 10am please.

Terms & Conditions