Audiences in Action With New Art Masterclasses at the National Arts Festival

Beyond the theatre, audiences at the National Arts Festival can also roll up their sleeves and get creative with a new series of art classes that form part of the Visual Art programme for the first time this year.

Curated by Carmen Ford and the National Arts Festival, the series of classes is taught by artists who are masters of their craft and include experiences like Afro-Futurist collage making with Graeme Germond, soapstone carving with Beloved Makina and Elisha Rangwari and learning woodcut carving and printmaking techniques with Ian Tainton. The workshops take place in the Carinus Annex studio rooms in Donkin Street, Grahamstown and ticket prices include materials. Many of the workshops are also suitable for children or teens.

Says Ford, "The workshops were introduced as a way of giving our Fringe visual artists another platform to share their skills and earn a little extra while at Festival. It will also be a way for artists to network and engage with the public outside of their exhibitions. Doing one of the workshops will give people, of all ages, a wonderful creative outlet, taking them beyond being a spectator and they will create a special treasure to take home too."

On 29 June, Kuimba Shiri Stone Sculpture is hosted by Beloved Makina and Elisha Rangwari. Learn soapstone carving at a sculpture workshop, with all materials provided. Suitable for children 10 years and above as well as adults, the workshop runs in double slots with a lunch break in between from 10:00 - 12:30 and 14:30 - 17:00. This masterclass repeats on 2 and 3 July.

On 30 June, Printmaking 101: Monotype/Collagraph - Turning a Leaf is hosted by artist, teacher and printmaker Madelize van der Merwe. Spend the afternoon experimenting with the endless monotype printing techniques, focusing on composition and layered effects of colour. All materials are provided. Suitable for all ages, the workshop begins at 14:30. This masterclass repeats on 4 July.

On 1 July, The Zen Art of the Painted Clay Bowl is hosted by Graeme Germond and Mimi van der Merwe. Paint and decorate your own classical Chinese premade blank rice bowl. Please note that bowls will be glazed and fired after the workshop and will be ready to be collected by participants on 6 July. Suitable for all ages, the workshop takes place at 10:00 and 14:30.

On 4 and 5 July, Woodcutting with Ian Tainton is hosted by the eponymous presenter. Spend the morning learning various woodcut carving and printing techniques with accomplished printmaker Ian Tainton. Suitable for all ages, the workshop begins at 10:00 on each day.

On 5 July, The Art of Etching on Aluminium Plate is hosted by master printmaker Mimi van der Merwe from The Tait Studio in Pretoria. Learn the art of eco-friendly organic aluminium plate etching. Suitable for all ages, the workshop runs at 14:30.

On 6 July, Surreal Afro-Futurist Collage Fantasies is hosted by Graeme Germond. Inspired by the film BLACK PANTHER and collage artist Wangechi Mutu, this exciting collage workshop will explore its participants' inner Afro-Futurist fantasies. Suitable for all ages, the workshop takes place at 10:00.

Also on 6 July, Printmaking 101: Linocut Relief Printing - Looking at the Insect/Natural World is hosted by Madelize van der Merwe. Spend the afternoon creating your very own linocut prints. Each participant will choose or bring their own image to work into, stylise and transfer in order to make a relief print. Suitable for all ages, the workshop begins at 14:30.

On 7 July, Mandala Clock Workshop is hosted by artist and creative designer molo mimi. Decorate your own working mandala clock inspired by rhythmic patterns and colour combinations. This will be completed by a clock mechanism to hang on your wall. Suitable for all ages, the workshop runs at 10:00.

Also on 7 July, Drawing 101: Message in a Bottle is hosted by Madelize van der Merwe. Spend the afternoon improving your observational drawing skills, working in pen, ink and experimental media, with Madelize van der Merwe. Suitable for all ages, the workshop takes place at 14:30.

On 8 July, Printmaking 101: Drypoint- Message in a Bottle 2 is hosted by Madelize van der Merwe. Get a crash course in drypoint etching. Participants will bring drawings which will then be transformed into drypoint prints with a focus on line. Suitable for all ages, the workshop begins at 10:00.

All bookings can be made on the National Arts Festival's website.

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