Mixed Media Collage Workshop with Elena Thomas RBSA
Through the use of collage, participants will use various methods to make small art works that hold personal meaning. Works will explore texture, text, and some mark making. Participants will develop ways to portray meaning and memory through visual storytelling.
Participants will respond to a range of inspirational materials including pre-drawn and pre-painted papers, fabrics, and texts.
Age group and abilities to be taught
18 years and above.
Suitable for all abilities
Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught
To create collages inspired by personal memory, texts, and ephemeral items such as letters and photos
To use a range of materials including paper, fabric, and prepared surfaces, and use appropriate methods to fix them to a base surface
To use storytelling and memory to inspire the creative process
Course outline for Mixed Media Collage Workshop
Morning activity
Elena will introduce the aims and content of the workshop.
The group will show the items they have brought with them and tell the stories attached to them
Elena will demonstrate materials and methods for making a collaged art work based on these items, memories and stories
Afternoon activity
Workshop participants will start to collect and collate materials
Develop different strategies to look at how different compositions can affect how the finished work can be read
Decision making through discussion with the group
Completion of a collage
Materials and equipment required by students
Photos and texts that hold meaning for you (texts can range from personal letters, travel tickets, shopping lists, song lyrics, and poetry) – these will be cut up, so you may wish to bring copies rather than originals
Suitable clothing for messy work, or an apron
Sketch book or sheets of paper for individual work
Preferred drawing materials and equipment
If you wish to use predominantly textiles, please bring a basic sewing kit
Materials and equipment provided
The following will be provided by the tutor and the gallery, but participants may wish to bring their own materials as well.
Prepared papers, printed materials and text, fabric scraps and assorted haberdashery, glues and tape, tracing paper, letter stamps
Scissors, knives and cutting boards
Pencils and basic drawing equipment
A range of media for students to experiment with
Methods of assessing outcomes
Participants will end the session by showing their work to the group and evaluating the results and their experiences of the day
Completion of the evaluation form.
Booking information
To book please visit the RBSA Gallery website and click ‘workshops’ at the top of the page. Alternatively, please call the Gallery on 0121 236 4353 during opening hours Tues-Sat 10.30am – 5pm. Bookings can also be made in person at the Gallery. Payment in full is required at the time of booking to secure a place.
Payments can be made by card online, by card over the phone, and by cash/card at the Gallery.
Places are limited to 10 people per workshop unless stated otherwise. Allocation will take place on a first-come first-served basis.
Please inform the RBSA Gallery when booking of any health conditions or additional needs as some workshops might not be suitable.
A valid student ID must be provided to receive a student discount.
Cancellation Policy
If you, the customer cancels your booked workshop, we are unable to offer you a refund.
Transfers to an alternative workshop may be possible depending on the circumstance and is of the discretion of the RBSA Gallery.
In the event of under-subscription, workshops may be cancelled or re-arranged. We will give you as much notice as possible if this happens and you will be able to transfer to another course or receive a full refund. The RBSA is unable to refund additional expenses, such as travel and accommodation.
If you are booked on a workshop and do not turn up on the day, a refund will not be given.
Continual Professional Development (CPD) and Copyright
We welcome bookings from people attending for Continual Professional Development (CPD). However, our workshops are not designed as CPD. If your employer is paying for the course or you require more details about what you expect from the course, please contact the Gallery in advance before booking.
The workshop content and any information provided (e.g. handouts, guidance notes, etc.) are the intellectual property of the artist delivering the workshop. They should not be used or reproduced without permission from the artist (e.g. copying handouts to use in any classes workshop attendees might deliver themselves afterwards).
Other information
The workshop will take place in the RBSA Gallery, floor 1. The space will be closed to visitors and will only be used by workshop attendees. However, staff and volunteers will need to walk through the space at various points in the day to access the staff office, which is located on the same floor.
Attendees can leave their materials in the workshop space during their breaks but the RBSA will not be responsible for any loss or damages.
Please bring a packed lunch. Alternatively, there are a number of cafés and sandwich shops within walking distance of the Gallery.
Please bring an old shirt or apron to help protect your clothing.
The continuous redevelopment work in the city center has caused increased traffic, delays, and diversions in and around the City Centre. Therefore, please allow yourself plenty of travel time, plan your route, and check your parking arrangements.
If you are travelling by car, please ensure your car is clean air zone compliant, or charges may occur.
The RBSA Gallery is open on: Tuesday – Saturday. Opening hours are 10.30am – 5.00pm. Plus Sunday (summer months) 11.00am – 4.00pm
