About the event

We are delighted to be joined by artist and sculptor Kathryn Parsons for this event on National Fungus Day. In this wonderful workshop you will learn how to create your own miniature sculptures from air drying clay, inspired by mushrooms and lichens.

Starting with a guided walk around the beautiful Ramsey Heights nature reserve, we will look for the fungi growing here to inspire your pieces. Working in our classroom, Kathryn will share creative techniques that will help you make beautiful, individual pieces including how to texture, shape, model and join the clay to produce your desired design. Your pieces can be taken straight home with you and you can paint them at home once they're dried if you wish.

This workshop is for anyone interested in creating lovely clay nature-based art, whether you are a complete beginner or you have some previous experience. There is a maximum of 8 people at the event.

Refreshments and all materials will be provided so you need only to bring your enthusiasm and a box to transport your work home.

Please note, in the event of mildly wet weather, we will still try for a short walk, so please come dressed accordingly. If it is particularly bad, we will skip the walk and just work inside.

About Kathryn Parsons:

I create artworks that explore human relationships with place and nature.

The materials and techniques vary depending on the story to be told. My work is intricate and handmade - from miniature plinths of unfired porcelain that speak of the impact of gravel extraction, to moth sculptures that tell of amateur naturalists, collection and protection.

I have exhibited at The Victoria and Albert Museum and National Centre for Craft & Design. I have created site-inspired artworks for Burghley House, University of Leicester, John Clare Trust, and Derby Museum’s porcelain gallery.

Currently Artist in Residence with Langdyke Countryside Trust, I also love to run creative workshops; nurturing people's creativity while inspiring deeper connections with the natural world.

https://www.kathrynparsons.co.uk/