A DALE art group is offering people the chance to try their hand at a variety of different techniques during a free community session this month.
The group, from Staindrop’s Scarth Hall, led by prominent artist Jane Young, will be hosting the drop-in event on Saturday, October 21.
Ms Young said: “The hall got funding from Durham County Council to organise a community art event that includes therapeutic activities that everyone can take part in – adults, children and families.”
There will be stands for people try their hand at still life in watercolour or pencil, and other similar arts, while members of the group will be demonstrating and helping people with a variety of different media and techniques.
Ms Young will be helping visitors make sun-catchers, using wire and colour film to create interesting sculptures.
Sheila Wylie, from the group, will introduce people to eco-inks. She said: “You make inks out of hedgerow materials, like berries, leaves and carrots.”
Another member, Jenny Cathcart, will be showing zen-tangling.
She said: “It is a sort of mindful doodling. Basically it is an activity to relax you but it produces nice pictures. It is quite addictive.”
Elsewhere in the hall Wendi Blair will be demonstrating glass painting, while Jill Jackson will run an activity where people can paint and decorate pine cones with acrylic paints which will be used t decorate a tree in the hall.
Ms Young said: “People say they can’t do art but actually there is so much to try and it is not all about drawing. We are inviting anyone to come and join in and have a go.”
Free refreshments will also be available on the day which runs from 11am to 3pm and people can drop in at any time they like.
