Everyone seems to be doing it these days - getting etsy, crafty, creative, and artisanal and quite frankly if you havent knitted, felted or potted something lately you're not as hip as you think you are.
But dont despair, the City of Sydney has some free workshops lined up over summer destined to release the artist inside (kids and grown-ups alike)...
Fancy having a go at life drawing, zine making, pottery, knitting or "upcycling" jewellery from office waste? Well, theres a workshop just waiting for you and did we mention
FREE?
Lord Mayor Clover Moore wants Sydneysiders to meet up, have fun and get creative and says “Our libraries are so much more than just a quiet place for study or reading. From pottery to Christmas crafts, knitting and social media workshops, there’s so much on offer in our libraries".
David Quoy, a graduate of the College of Fine Arts and recipient of the Highly Commended Award in the Lloyd Rees Memorial Prize, is one of many talented artists sharing their knowledge and techniques in the workshops.
“Libraries are a lovely, open environment for people from all walks of life," says David.
“Hosting these classes in a library is special because it’s more open for the community, as opposed to studios which can be very private places.
“Making art can be a little bit daunting at first – most people have preconceived ideas of what art is or isn’t, and I’m hoping that my classes will give participants a more wide-eyed scope of what art can be.
“I’ll be utilising unconventional image-making methods grounded in traditional drawing techniques to help the participants explore their imagination and create unique works of art.”
CLASSES INCLUDE:
Draw on Imagination
Saturday 12 October, 11am – midday, Kings Cross Library, Level 1, 50-52 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross.
Wednesday 16 October, 5.30pm – 6.30pm, Ultimo Library, Level 1, 40 William Henry Street, Ultimo.
Join printmaker, drawer and sculptor David Quoy for an introduction to basic drawing techniques, which will help open up your imagination to the possibilities of art making.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au
The Artist is WHO?
20 September – 20 October, Haymarket, Glebe, Green Square, Kings Cross, Newtown, Surry Hills, Ultimo, Customs House and Waterloo Libraries. Opening times vary.
Discover your inner artist with City libraries housing an art station where you can draw, paint or write to your heart’s content.
Free; no bookings required. For more information visit artandabout.com.au/festival-program/the-artist-is-who
We heART librarians
20 September – 21 October, Surry Hills Library, 405 Crown Street, Surry Hills.
Our library staff have come out of the shadows and into the very public space of the library to display their secret artistic talents.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au
Typewriters, stamps & secret zine workshop
Tuesday 24 September, midday – 3pm, Newtown Library, 8-10 Brown Street, Newtown.
Join legendary zine maker Vanessa Berry and make your own DIY photocopied publication.
For ages 12 and above.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au
Make Me: Clay Creations
Thursday 26 September, 11am – midday, Newtown Library, 8-10 Brown Street, Newtown.
Use clay to create cut-out animals and figurines step-by-step, or make a cup using coiling techniques.
For ages five to 12.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au
Kinder Art
Tuesday 1 October, 10am – 11am, 11am – midday, Glebe Library, 186 Glebe Point Road, Glebe.
Let your little artists create a painted masterpiece on A4 canvas to hang on the wall.
For ages zero to five.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au
Spring Jewellery
Wednesday 2 October, 11am – midday, Haymarket Library, 744 George Street, Sydney.
Jeweller Zara Collins will help you create your own necklace with a spring theme, using 21st century office waste.
For ages five to eight.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au
Make Me: Beautiful Beads
Thursday 3 October, 11am – 1pm, Newtown Library, 8-10 Brown Street, Newtown.
Design your own jewellery, such as necklaces, keyrings or earrings, using a range of beads.
For ages eight to 16.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au
Draw on Life
Saturday 5 October, 2pm – 3pm, Ultimo Library, Level 1, 40 William Henry Street, Ultimo.
Saturday 19 October, 2pm – 3pm, Glebe Library, 186 Glebe Point Road, Glebe.
Tuesday 19 November, 6pm – 7pm, Kings Cross Library, Level 1, 50-52 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross.
Join artist Kathe Payne for an evening of pencil shavings and creative minds, developing your sketching skills and basic drawing techniques.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au
Social Media for Artists
Tuesday 8 October, 12.30pm – 1.30pm, Customs House Library, 31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay.
Join social media strategist and creative arts advocate Lachlan Hibbert-Wells in exploring the possibilities of social media platforms for artists.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au
Learn to Knit
Saturday 12 October, 2pm – 3.30pm, Surry Hills Library, 405 Crown Street, Surry Hills.
Saturday 2 November, 2pm – 3.30pm, Surry Hills Library, 405 Crown Street, Surry Hills.
Learn knitting from scratch or brush up your skills. Wool and needles are supplied.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au
Life Drawing
Wednesday 14 October, 7.30pm – 8.30pm, Newtown Library, 8-10 Brown Street, Newtown.
An adults-only life drawing class, where private ‘life’ will most certainly be on display in a public place.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au
A Very Crafty Christmas
Thursday 21 November, 7.30pm – 9.00pm, Surry Hills Library, 405 Crown Street, Surry Hills.
Getting excited about Christmas already? Join crafty librarian Sharlene, who will share her talent for all things paper craft and take you through how to cut, fold, rip and scrunch your way to beautiful paper Christmas crafts.
Free; bookings essential on 02 9265 9333 or coslibrary.eventbrite.com.au
For more information, visit cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/library