We’ve had a wonderful term of classes here at Brewery Arts! As we head into the festive season, we’re taking a moment to pause and reflect on our highlights from the last few months. It was great to see new and familiar faces embracing their creativity and having heaps of fun. From dancing and performing, to exhibiting alongside established artists- we’ve enjoyed seeing where inspiration takes you and we can’t wait to see you all for the next season of courses and workshops in the new year.
Season Highlights
Torchlight
Brewery Arts hosted a series of workshops for Kendal Torchlight, bringing together people of all ages to create stunning space inspired lanterns and costumes focusing on the festival theme of Fire, Earth, Air and Water. As well as this, Brewery Youth Dance classes, including Stage Stars began the term working towards and taking part in the Kendal Torchlight Procession. This was in collaboration with Amy Williams and Brewery Youth Arts Makers Club.
As part of the daytime street festival, the Brewery Arts team set up a stall in Kendal town centre where families could enjoy free crafts led by Helena McGregor, our Learning & Engagement Coordinator. We loved seeing so many people from the community enjoying the festival and had crafts coming out of our ears (who knows where the glue stick lids ended up!).
Lela Harris Workshops and Exhibition
Young people from our Artseen groups had the exciting opportunity to work with local artist Lela Harris. The children created work based on research that Lela conducted about the powerful story of Afamefuna; a young African boy, who was enslaved and brought to Heysham in the 18 Century but who later ran away in 1765. The work created by the children formed an incredible exhibition alongside some of Lela’s pieces, titled “His Name will not be Lost”, the exhibition was displayed in the Foyer Gallery from 3 October – 2 November.
Over 60s Performing Arts Event
On 17 October, Brewery Arts hosted a performing arts day dedicated to the older generation, and the atmosphere was electric. The event, designed to bring together people aged 60 and over, drew more than 60 lively participants from local arts communities across Kendal, Lancaster, Morecambe, and Manchester.
The creative day was a resounding success, with a vibrant atmosphere throughout the building. Organised with performing arts groups across the region, the day welcomed Act Your Age and Mature Movers from Brewery Arts, Prime Time from The Dukes in Lancaster, and ExEl linked to the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester.
Brewery Arts Music Makers
Our Music Makers Course at Brewery Arts has delved into the world of live sound, learning the ins and outs of creating an unforgettable performance. Some participants had the exciting opportunity to perform and record live video sessions, giving them valuable tools to promote their artistic endeavours and share their talent with the world.
The final session culminated with a showcase of the work created throughout the course, celebrating the growth and creativity that’s emerged during the learning process.
Youth Arts Exhibition: Northern Lights
The winter youth arts exhibition is on show in the Sugar Store and Foyer gallery until 26 January 2025. ‘Northern Lights’ is a celebration and showcase of the artwork created by the young artists from the Brewery Youth Arts Courses: Mini Art Explorers, Art Explorers, Artseen, Artseen Advanced, Clay Club, and Makers Club. Participants range from 0-18 years of age.
In their Brewery Youth Arts classes, our young artists have channelled their inspiration whilst exploring a wide range of artistic techniques. Guided by our professional artist tutors, they’ve honed skills across various mediums. The exhibition showcases their vibrant creativity, featuring ceramics, paintings, drawings, illustrations, sculptures, and more.
Check out our new season of Creative Learning courses and workshops here.
