Get creative with the kids during break
As the Easter holidays approach, RUTH MILLINGTON, author of ‘This Book Will Make You an Artist’, reports on the best family-friendly art and crafts activities
Ikon Gallery, March 29, 11am-3pm
Stirchley Printworks is taking over Ikon Gallery with a giant bucket of LEGO. Rather than building with it, children will be invited to print pictures, using the blocks to create original designs for posters or cards on a mini printing press. This fun, accessible and hugely popular workshop has been devised for the whole family to enjoy. Ikon also has an Art Explorer guide, available to pick up from the front desk, to accompany its current contemporary art exhibitions. Aimed at all ages, the event is free (suggested donation £5). No need to book. Children must be accompanied at all times.
JOIN ‘WIND IN THE WILLOWS’ Selly Manor, March 25 to April 5
Hop on down to Selly Manor for a range of activities inspired by Wind in the Willows. Families are invited to join Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad to play games in the garden, take part in an egg hunt and get creative with some Easter-themed crafts. Plus, children can visit the Tudor manor for dressing up and a family trail. Adults £5, concessions £4, children £3, Family (2+3) £15, under-3s free. Booking strongly recommended.
MAKE MIND-CONTROLLED ART Thinktank, April 4-6
Cinematica is an exciting new digital project that allows families to create ‘mind-controlled’ art. Led by digital artist Rosa Francesca, Thinktank visitors can wear a special headband that will connect their brainwaves with a drawing machine. This drop-in activity is included in the price of admission.
BUILD WITH THE BRICK PEOPLE MAC, April 4, 10am-3.15pm
The BRICK People will be offering a wide range of LEGO-related activities. There will be mosaic and raceway building, as well as a timed tower and small model builds. There will also be a selection of official and unofficial LEGO creations by The BRICK People and the wider LEGO hobbyist community. Pay what you choose. Timed slots
10am-3.15pm must be booked.
DECORATE A TEA SET Aston Hall, April 6, 10am -1pm
Join ceramic artist Nessa Grimes to decorate tea set items inspired by those in the museum’s collection. From tea cups and pots to milk jugs, children will be invited to paint and glaze clay creations before they are fired in a kiln. Part of Aston Hall’s monthly Art Club, the pieces will be available to collect at the next session on Saturday, May 4. Or little artists can loan their work to the Tea Set Trail and see it on display at Aston Hall! This drop-in session is free.
CRAFT SPRING FLOWERS Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens, April 3, 11am-12 noon
In this workshop, children will discover Hapa Zome, a fun and creative way of connecting art and nature. Originally from Japan, it involves pounding leaves, flowers and other natural materials onto fabric and paper to create colourful and beautiful patterns. After being introduced to Hapa Zome with a demonstration from an artist, children can experiment, taking inspiration from the gardens, and create their own minimasterpiece to take home. Tickets, £6.50, include entry to the gardens.