Nature, Environment, Therapeutic practice: Art on the Canal

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In 2023 Community Arts by ZK delivered a series of print and mixed media workshops over 8 weeks that utilised natural materials and inspiration found in Nature, specifically along the canal side. 

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We worked alongside award-winning artist and textile designer Claire Williams who uses art, history and the idyllic English Countryside as inspiration. We also collaborated with Natural materials artist Jane Bevan. Both artists worked together to tailor an 8 week workshop, that creates a therapeutic practice that focuses on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal that is situated on our doorstep here in Pendle. 

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The participants explored a variety of different techniques and processes that created an outdoor organic lantern trail which reflected and contributed to the beauty of the surrounding area along the canal. The 8 week workshops allowed participants to express creativity, get active in the outdoors whilst building new skills and exploring, print making, collage, stitch work, weaving and sculpture modelling. This allowed for a friendly and supportive environment, giving freedom to the participant's to pave their direction for their own outcome, choosing techniques that suit their way of working and reflect their own personal creative energy.