755 Educators providing Courses

swarthmore education centre

The spirit of the Centre’s aims has remained unchanged for over 100 years: Swarthmore seeks to inspire lives through friendly learning within a commitment to equality of opportunity Swarthmore is a centre for lifelong learning, community projects and family learning sessions as well as the courses and activities. Our main aim is to encourage people who want to learn but might not feel comfortable in more formal educational institutions. We work on a friendly, human scale. Many volunteers currently support the Centre’s work, and we welcome their contributions of time and energy. The Centre was founded by members of the Quaker movement in 1909 with the aim of including and involving people in learning activities and making sure that people were treated with equality and respect. Two members of the Society of Friends remain on our democratically elected ‘Council’ of Trustees, made up of Centre members and representatives of community organisations with shared aims. Swarthmore is a not-for-profit registered charity, and a company limited by guarantee. Our Grade II Listed Building has a fascinating history and is made up of six four-story terraced houses with additional dance and art studios to the rear. We have specialist facilities for pottery, jewellery, stained glass and sculpture, and the atmosphere is intentionally homely and informal. We also work within the local community on negotiated projects, including arts and ‘Skills for Life’ programmes. Many groups and individuals make use of the Centre as a community resource, providing facilities for a wide variety of local groups. Swarthmore attracts a social mix of people who come to the Centre because of their shared interests in learning rather than their background. We offer room hire at competitive rates, and welcome the public to use our café facilities. If you would like more information about the centre, SWARTHMORE’S CENTURY; A LEEDS EXPERIMENT IN ADULT EDUCATION, 1909–2009 by Tom Steele is an authoritative look into our history.

anna thomson design

nina newman ceramics

My name is Nina Elliot-Newman. I am a Brighton based mum and studio ceramicist. I have always had a love of art and nature ever since I was very small. In my twenties I studied Graphics and Illustration at the University of Brighton. In more recent years I have had my photography published by the National Trust and have lectured at the University of the Arts and University of Brighton. I create beautiful handmade, slab-built ceramic pieces inspired by the colours and shapes found in nature. I also deliver workshops for children and adults, inspiring others to grow a love of art and clay. I strongly believe in the power of art and nature for wellbeing and am passionate about passing on my love of both.

naked clay ceramics

Inspired by the natural colours and textures of the earth, Naked Clay Ceramics is a collection of quiet, tactile, minimal style tableware and homeware in black stoneware and white porcelain. Using a combination of handbuilding and slip casting, everything is made by hand in my studio in Bedfordshire. At high temperatures the clay dances in the kiln. When they leave the kiln these pieces don’t conform to the symmetrical perfection and uniformity found in factory made items. Each is individual and unique. The pieces are fired with no glaze on the outside so that the feel of the natural, fired clay can be appreciated. I hope that tactile connection brings an opportunity to pause, breathe and savour a small moment in the hustle and bustle of life. I hand make a limited number of items 3-4 times a year, available online and at events. These small batches are crafted with care, knowing that each item will be an intentional and valued addition to someone’s home or collection.

studio 432

welcome

cassia mayos ceramic

kiln cambridge.

kiln cambridge has been set up by a group of artists to help make the arts more accessible to more people in an affordable way. Our vision is to create a place where ideas and friendships flourish in a supportive artists' community. By sharing our resources and space, we make it possible for our members to enjoy all the benefits of their own studio, whilst in a superbly equipped and collaborative environment. Sharing makes the best use of valuable space and supports the protection of the environment. We are a members’ ceramics studio set up from scratch for working potters and professional artists. Our studio, beautifully designed with a Scandinavian touch and the highest quality equipment, occupies a large, open space off Newmarket Rd, and is within 10 mins cycling from the centre of Cambridge.

art space g41

As a Community Interest Company, we are inclusive, accessible and accepting. We are a non-profit, whose aim is to grant the local community access to a variety of art forms. By booking our classes, or buying from our shop, you are helping to fund classes and workshops for a wide range of people. From sewing to wheel throwing, kids to veterans, we believe that time spent creating is therapeutic, allowing us to become more mindful.

libra court

heathersweetmoon

I am self-taught ceramic sculptor. My passion for painting and sculpture began as a young child and is still my main obsession in life, a means of expression, my therapy, my greatest love. I add a quirky, sometimes humourus twist to my female forms and my animal sculptures. I work from my imagination preferring to avoid realism at all costs! My work is hand built useing coiling or slabbing techniques. After fireing my pieces are finished using crackle glaze, underglaze or stains which are wiped back to emphasise textures. I use grogged earthenware and stoneware handbuilding clay. I sometimes paint fantasy designs with acrylics and also teach in my home studio in Worcester. I am living my dream. My work has been exhibited in UK galleries including Guildford House, Birmingham, Bowes Museum, Gloucester, Wolverhampton, Worcester and many more. I also exhibit my sculptures at the annual Showborough House sculpture exhibition, Twyning, Tewkesbury. I have worked with different media over the years in the wedding industry making wacky bride and groom wedding sculptures. I was commissioned by the BBC to surprising chef Ainsley Harriott, with a caricature of himself on the TV show Ready, Steady, Cook. I have also discussed my huge, wacky sculptures on TV whilst exhibiting them in Bowes Museum, County Durham. A big thrill for me was being commissioned to create small sculptures to be photographed for the front cover of Vogue Italia. Another TV commission was lool a like clay figures for celebrities Matt and Emma Willis. I sculpted a large chocolate wedding centrepiece for actor/singer Gareth Gates.