Arts and Crafts

If you want to develop your artistic skills or learn a craft you’ve always been interested in, see our wide range of Arts and Crafts courses! There are courses for a variety of skill levels in topics such as woodcarving, drawing and painting, textiles, needlework, pottery, and many more! Check them out on our Arts and Crafts webpage.

Could your artistic interest bloom into something more, like Chris?

“I have always had an interest in art and working with wood. 20 years ago, I was given an antique set of woodcarving tools which I wanted to learn how to use properly, so I enrolled on an Aspire woodcarving course and have been attending ever since. Under the guidance of my tutor Claire, I have learnt techniques in carving and tool sharpening, the properties of different woods, good composition and design amongst other skills. Looking back over my work, I can see the progression from naive carvings to more accomplished pieces. I have especially taken inspiration from medieval carvings found in cathedrals and churches and my very fi rst carving was a Green Man, as was my most recent (a green man being a pagan symbol taking the form of a head sprouting some form of foliage). Over 20 years, my interest in carving has deepened and I wanted to pursue it even further. After a lot of thought and research I applied for a BA course in Historic Carving at City & Guilds London Art School, which, due to my portfolio of work produced during my evening classes and reference from my tutor, I was accepted for. Later this year I will start the 3 year course, and on completion I will look to take up a full-time carving career.”

As they did with Chris, our tutors will support you on your learning journey as you progress to achieve your learning aims, whatever they may be! Our courses are delivered across West Sussex, at our centres, through our partnerships with schools and community centres. and online on Aspire Cloud. Can’t fi nd a course near you? Let us know at enquiries@aspiresussex.org.uk or 0345 601 0161.