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Firefly Field is a mesmerising light installation of numerous flying light points that simulate the movements of these nocturnal Lampyridae.

Glowing, darting, hovering above the ground – the ever-changing bioluminescence of each one is reflected on the grassy grounds of St Pauls. En masse, they create a dynamic light scene that triggers visitors’ curiosity and awe.

By Studio Toer

ARTIST / STUDIO BIO

Toer is a multidisciplinary design studio from the Netherlands, founded in 2011 by Castor Bours and Wouter Widdershoven. Characterised by strong exploratory and experimental approach, Studio Toer pushes both the technical and aesthetic limits of design across a wide range of applied arts. From light installations and objects, to interactive experiences and innovative products.

ARTIST / STUDIO LOCATION

Netherlands

WHAT TO EXPECT (ACCESS)

The artwork is outside in the grounds of St Paul’s Church. The surrounding areas are lit by heritage lampposts and some areas of the church grounds away from the installation may be darker than others. There is a hardstanding path which surrounds the installation area.

An accompanying ambient soundtrack plays throughout the installation; it is gentle and continuous, with no sudden loud bangs or sharp sound effects.

SUSTAINABILITY INFORMATION

The installation has a very low power consumption. 100 lights use just 150 watts – about the same as one traditional light bulb.

FIND OUT MORE

studiotoer.com https://studiotoer.com https://studiotoer.com/

With thanks to the Jewellery Quarter Common Room for the microgrant that funded the purchase of the sound system and a number of uplighters being used to support this installation.

Fishermen’s Huts

Steve Carse’s solo exhibition, Fishermen’s Huts, celebrates the wildness of the northeast coast and a commitment to old traditions.

Pounded by the unforgiving North Sea and the harsh weather of the northeast coast, the diminutive derelict harbour of Port Mulgrave is a wild and wonderful place to visit.
Once a thriving port, transporting locally mined ironstone up to Jarrow and the shipyards of Tyneside, the weather-beaten, wind-swept ruins today host a dystopian collection of fishermen’s huts that bear testament to their owners’ resilience, ingenuity and creativity.
Fighting a constant battle with the elements, each pays homage to nature’s spoils, celebrating the environment with entrances made from driftwood and ‘gardens’ that would look more at home on the ocean floor.

Further down the coast in Whitby, Fortune’s traditional smokehouse still sells the cured kippers it’s been producing for over 150 years.

Exhibition closes: Saturday 21 February 5.00pm

Featured image: Steve Carse ARBSA, Fisherman’s Hut #11

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10.30am – 5.00pm

Mike Bagshaw grew up in Salford, where his early talent was recognised when his school nominated him to attend a Saturday morning art class for local children, run by Harold Riley, a close friend of L.S. Lowry.

Riley became a formative influence, teaching him to look closely at his subject and to relish the physical qualities of drawing materials. That grounding shaped Mike’s lifelong fascination with the way a line reveals exactly how it was made in a specific moment. He believes an artist’s character is visible in their marks, even when using photographs as source material.

Mike loves drawing that leaves the process openly present on the page. Immediacy and expressive humanity are what continue to excite him about drawing.

Exhibition closes: Saturday 21 February 5.00pm

Featured image: Mike Bagshaw ARBSA, Jane Goodall

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10.30am – 5.00pm

Between Bodies

These paintings represent a recent transitional period in Jonathan Waller’s art practice. They follow on from a large body of work that explored the universal theme of death, many of which were exhibited in London during the autumn of 2024.

One of these paintings is included here to give some context. The other works are explorations of style and colour using portraiture as a motif. Waller sees these as a way of preparing the ground for another themed series which could be called ‘Life in the Studio’, but it’s early days yet.

Exhibition closes: Saturday 21 February 5.00pm

Featured image: Jonathan Waller ARBSA, Death Painting No.17 (Window on the World)

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10.30am – 5.00pm

This unique exhibition celebrates an exciting collaboration between the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists and the Birmingham Royal Ballet.

Exploring the movement and poise of the ballet dancer, alongside the colour and vibrancy of the stage setting, the show aims to give visitors an insight into the artists’ process as well as the backstage world of the ballet.

The RBSA Membership was invited to study the dancers as they worked, observing a series of rehearsals. Members working in all disciplines, both 2D and 3D, attended the sessions, creating collections of preparatory sketches and photographs to take back to the studio. These sketches and photographs will be on display in the Gallery alongside the developed artworks which they informed.

As well as works from RBSA Members, Associates, and Graduate Artists, guest works from renowned stage designer John MacFarlane and RBSA Associate, BRB Principal Dancer, and photographer Lachlan Monaghan ARBSA will be on show. Visitors will also be given the opportunity to view classical ballet costumes and rarely seen items on loan from Birmingham Royal Ballet.

Exhibition closes: Saturday 21 February 5.00pm

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10.30am – 5.00pm

The RBSA Print Prize is part of the Society’s programme of prize exhibitions which give artists whose practices are rooted in a variety of different media and techniques regular opportunities to exhibit their work in the Gallery.

With a significant number of print works held in the RBSA Permanent Collection, print-making forms an important part of the RBSA’s history, and there are many printmakers within its Membership.

Last held in 2024, the RBSA Print Prize celebrates the diversity of printmaking whilst also introducing the public to the myriad of different printing techniques used today, including screenprinting, linocut, monoprint, etching, woodcut, lithography, and dry point. Visitors to previous Print Prizes have been delighted to see the range of approaches on display and this exhibition promises to offer visitors that same exciting experience

Entries for RBSA Prize Exhibitions come from professional and emerging artists based locally, nationally, and internationally, and all entries are judged anonymously.

The following prizes will be awarded:

• First Prize £1000 sponsored by GMC Trust
• Second Prize £500 Anne Judd Award
• Third Prize £250 sponsored by Judd Medical
• Up to six highly commended certificates will also be awarded.

Preview Evening: Thursday 26 February 6.00pm – 8.00pm

Exhibition closes: Saturday 28 March 5.00pm

Featured image: Luke Reidy, Sunrise

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10.30am – 5.00pm

The first heritage exhibition of 2026, Colour: Shades, Tints, And Hues, Artworks From The RBSA Permanent Collection, is an exploration of the works held in the RBSA Permanent Collection, each chosen because they feature one dominant colour. With the artworks arranged on a colour wheel, visitors will be able to experience the feelings and emotions evoked by each piece, providing an insight into why artists choose to work with certain colours.

When humans created the first artworks, cave paintings dating back as far as 45,000 years ago, colour would have simply been the result of the materials available. As time went on, palettes gained more colour and artists began employing different hues for reasons beyond simple necessity. For example, during the middle ages, Renaissance, and early modern period, ultramarine blue, made using semi-precious lapis lazuli, was used to demonstrate wealth and status, as the pigment was often more expensive than gold.

In the Victorian era, a ‘colour revolution’, driven by discoveries of new minerals and advancements in techniques, meant that the number of colours available to artists grew enormously, and today there are up to 150 different pigments on the market. This ever growing selection has allowed the modern artist the freedom to use colour for a variety of different reasons, including the representation of specific emotions and moods, or to convey thoughts and ideas, free from the restrictions of cost or limited options.

The artworks selected for this exhibition date back throughout the Society’s history and demonstrate the huge growth in the number of pigments made just in the RBSA’s lifetime. Visitors can see the vast differences in how artists have used colour throughout that time, from early realistic studies to more modern works employing colour in a highly expressive way.

While some visitors may be familiar with certain works, this exhibition affords them the opportunity to see pieces from a new perspective, juxtaposed with works they may not otherwise sit next to, shining new light on these precious artworks and the collection as a whole.

Preview Evening: Thursday 26 February 6.00pm – 8.00pm

Exhibition closes: Saturday 28 March 5.00pm

Featured image: Glyn Griffiths, Colour Of Summer, 1963 

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10.30am – 5.00pm

The RBSA Print Prize is part of the Society’s programme of prize exhibitions which give artists whose practices are rooted in a variety of different media and techniques regular opportunities to exhibit their work in the Gallery.

With a significant number of print works held in the RBSA Permanent Collection, print-making forms an important part of the RBSA’s history, and there are many printmakers within its Membership.

Last held in 2024, the RBSA Print Prize celebrates the diversity of printmaking whilst also introducing the public to the myriad of different printing techniques used today, including screenprinting, linocut, monoprint, etching, woodcut, lithography, and dry point. Visitors to previous Print Prizes have been delighted to see the range of approaches on display and this exhibition promises to offer visitors that same exciting experience

Entries for RBSA Prize Exhibitions come from professional and emerging artists based locally, nationally, and internationally, and all entries are judged anonymously.

The following prizes will be awarded:

• First Prize £1000 sponsored by GMC Trust
• Second Prize £500 Anne Judd Award
• Third Prize £250 sponsored by Judd Medical
• Up to six highly commended certificates will also be awarded.

Preview Evening: Thursday 26 February 6.00pm – 8.00pm

Exhibition closes: Saturday 28 March 5.00pm

Featured image: Luke Reidy, Sunrise

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10.30am – 5.00pm

The first heritage exhibition of 2026, Colour: Shades, Tints, And Hues, Artworks From The RBSA Permanent Collection, is an exploration of the works held in the RBSA Permanent Collection, each chosen because they feature one dominant colour. With the artworks arranged on a colour wheel, visitors will be able to experience the feelings and emotions evoked by each piece, providing an insight into why artists choose to work with certain colours.

When humans created the first artworks, cave paintings dating back as far as 45,000 years ago, colour would have simply been the result of the materials available. As time went on, palettes gained more colour and artists began employing different hues for reasons beyond simple necessity. For example, during the middle ages, Renaissance, and early modern period, ultramarine blue, made using semi-precious lapis lazuli, was used to demonstrate wealth and status, as the pigment was often more expensive than gold.

In the Victorian era, a ‘colour revolution’, driven by discoveries of new minerals and advancements in techniques, meant that the number of colours available to artists grew enormously, and today there are up to 150 different pigments on the market. This ever growing selection has allowed the modern artist the freedom to use colour for a variety of different reasons, including the representation of specific emotions and moods, or to convey thoughts and ideas, free from the restrictions of cost or limited options.

The artworks selected for this exhibition date back throughout the Society’s history and demonstrate the huge growth in the number of pigments made just in the RBSA’s lifetime. Visitors can see the vast differences in how artists have used colour throughout that time, from early realistic studies to more modern works employing colour in a highly expressive way.

While some visitors may be familiar with certain works, this exhibition affords them the opportunity to see pieces from a new perspective, juxtaposed with works they may not otherwise sit next to, shining new light on these precious artworks and the collection as a whole.

Preview Evening: Thursday 26 February 6.00pm – 8.00pm

Exhibition closes: Saturday 28 March 5.00pm

Featured image: Glyn Griffiths, Colour Of Summer, 1963 

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10.30am – 5.00pm

Following a career in social housing and urban regeneration, Ed Isaacs decided to convert his lifelong love of sketching into a more developed artistic practice.

This exhibition is a survey of his work, most of which was created since 2023. He takes his inspiration from a broad range of sources and has a particular fondness for the art of Chardin, the Dutch masters, and the English Romantics.

Ed’s studio work focuses on highly representational drawing. He takes an image that attracts him, and through meticulous examination and mark making, reproduces it, often on a large scale. The time taken and deep observation is a vital part of his artistic process and invites the viewer to similarly slow down and look into the image. Ed continues his urban sketching and his sketchbooks will be on display as part of this exhibition.

Ed is the current president of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists.

Exhibition closes: Saturday 11 April 5.00pm

Featured image: Ed Isaacs PRBSA, Lud’s Church (Dog Portrait)

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10.30am – 5.00pm

Post Beginners to Intermediate Landscapes in Oils Workshop with Caroline Griffin RBSA.
The ultimate aim of this workshop is for participants to work from an image that they bring with them to produce a landscape painting in oils. Caroline’s workshops reflect her own working method – a fairly loose, alla prima, expressive use of oils with an emphasis on mark making and tone. This workshop with focus on learning, or improving on, oil painting skills in a safe and enjoyable environment, we hope that participants will find the day a rewarding and relaxing experience.

Age group and abilities to be taught   

• 18 years and above
• Suitable for post beginners to intermediate levels

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

• Initial approach to the subject
• Composition
• Drawing/roughing
• Paint application and mark making
• Cleaning you equipment
• Protecting your work

Course outline
Morning activity 

• Welcome and introduction
• A look at the images brough to work from
• Considering your approach and how to start
• Setting out the painting, a quick demo from the tutor

Afternoon activity
Discussions with tutor on how the work is progressing
Participants will spend the afternoon working on their paintings, the tutor will be there to help and advise on colour mixing, paint application, the use of brushes, how to clean brushes between paint application, and answer any other questions
Discussions on drying and protecting work
Appraisal – a look at all of the work, discussions on what has been learnt and enjoyed, and about any challenges faced

What you need to bring with you:
A landscape image to work from (no portraits or still-lifes) urban, coastal, or rural
Apron to protect clothes
Large cotton rags for wiping brushes (poly cotton is fine, nothing fluffy)
Low odour white spirit and a medium or large sized jam jar with a screw lid for transportation – you will need about two thirds of a large jam jar for this workshop as this is needed for both medium and cleaning of brushes between application
Any oil paint, palette knives, brushes etc that participants currently use
A medium to large palette for mixing your oil paint, preferably wooden but if paper please bring the larger size (anything A4 size or under is too small for mixing paint)
A small to medium size primed canvas or board
Participants will need to transport the wet painting after the session so must bring something to carry or to put it on if travelling by car. A plastic bag is fine for transporting a wet palette

What we will provide:
The tutor will bring some basic brushes and palette knives, basic paint colours will also be provided but participants are asked to bring what they already have

Methods of assessing outcomes
Discussion of workshop with workshop tutor and fellow students
Completion of evaluation form

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Lino Reduction Printmaking Workshop with Jenny Mason-Gunning ARBSA.
This workshop will teach participants lino reduction plate making and printing, exploring multi-layer colour techniques, using safe, professional methods suitable for home or studio practice.
Learners will develop the ability to carve multiple layers from a single lino block, understanding how to plan and sequence colours, register each layers accurately, ink and roll consistently, and print both by hand and using a press. You will gain confidence in controlling colour, details, and alignment across several print stages.
Age group and abilities to be taught

18 years and above
Ideal for beginners and experienced artists

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

Gain a clear understanding of the full reduction printing process, design, block preparation, multi-layer printing
Explore tools, carving techniques, safe handling, ink mixing, rolling methods, professional registration systems using pins and tabs to maintain accurate alignment
How to produce a small edition
Gain the knowledge and confidence to continue lino reduction at home either using hand printing or a press

Course outline
Morning activity

Short demonstration and talk on reduction linocut, tools, inks, papers, registration
Demonstration of designing and carving the first layer of the lino block
Participants will begin carving their own lino block and preparing the first colour layer

Afternoon activity

Demonstration of inking, rolling, registration pins/tabs, printing the first colour
Participants will print their first layer by hand and on the press, then carve and print subsequent layers
Final prints completed, with guidance on sequencing, troubleshooting, and how to continue working at home

What you need to bring with you:

A selection of drawings or photographs to be developed into a reduction linocut
An apron
Marigold or nitrile gloves
A pack of baby wipes
Students may also bring their own registration pins if they already use this system at home

What we will provide:

Lino blocks for reduction printing
Water-washable and oil-based inks
Rollers
Printing paper
Newsprint
Lino carving tools
Registration pins and tabs (available to use during the workshop, learners may purchase these if they wish to take them home)
Examples of tutor’s work
Etching press and blankets, plus hand-printing barens
Nitrile gloves
Scrim and muslin
Cotton buds
Ink scrapers and palette knives
Paper fingers
A copy of the tutor’s forthcoming book for reference

Please note that a press will be available during the workshop, but participants will also be shown hand-printing methods so they can continue working confidently from home. Registration pins used in the workshop are chargeable if students wish to take them home. Students are welcome to bring their own registration pins or use the tutor’s, both the tutor’s own brand and Ternes Burton systems can be discussed.
Methods of assessing outcomes

Ongoing individual feedback from the tutor, observation of practical work, informal group discussion
Learners will review their prints at each stage of the process with guidance on refining technique, understanding, and evaluating their progress

Modern Calligraphy Workshop
On this course you will get hands on with the new fun, quicker way to learn calligraphy using fine point nib.In the morning, we will get used to the script and practice and in the afternoon, I will show you design layout and all you will need to be happily confident that you can use this new-found skill regularly after leaving the class on all those special things you are creating.I will also show you the difference different inks, nibs and papers make to your work and introduce you to ‘Coliro’ which is a fabulous new metallic product that makes your work look a million dollars!

Nib holders, nibs, paper, various inks, practice lines and paper/ card to complete cards will all be provided. Additional materials to set you up outside of the class will also be available to purchase from Jane and the Pen Museum shop. The workshop is suitable for beginners and the more experienced calligrapher and is also ideal for lefthanders.
If you attended a previous class, we would begin to fine tune the skills learnt already.
See you there – Jane

Lunch Arrangements
Lunch will not be provided during the event.Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch if they prefer.This approach allows individuals to cater to their own dietary preferences and requirements.
Museum admission is not included
Suitable for Adults Only.

Casting and Carving Ceramics Workshop with Hannah Rollason GRBSA.
Discover the art of casting in this practical, full-day workshop designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of casting and carving with ceramics. Whether you’re looking to replicate a form, experiment with slip casting, or expand your sculptural practice, this session will give you the skills and confidence to get started.

Age group and abilities to be taught     
18 years and above
Suitable for all abilities

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught
How to prepare and cast a mould
Techniques for adding decorative details
Tips for releasing and cleaning your mould for reuse

Course outline
Morning activity
Mould prepping and casting process
Learn essential slip casting techniques

Afternoon activity
Learn essential mould releasing techniques
Learn and apply techniques such as incise and relief to add personal details

What you need to bring with you:
An apron or clothes that you don’t mind getting messy

What we will provide:
White slip
Moulds, participants will cast one bauble and either a pumpkin or bowl

Methods of assessing outcomes
Discussion of workshop with workshop tutor and fellow students
Completion of evaluation form

Poetry’s Got Form

A creative writing workshop looking at poetry from different perspectives
Join Rick Sanders from Verve for a workshop exploring poetry in all its forms. This workshop is for novice or experienced poets, or poets with a good understanding of writing poetry who want to develop specific skills in writing form poetry. This is for adults (+16yrs) only; and only suitable for those who have experience of writing poetry.

What to Bring:
Bring your passion for words, an open heart, and a willingness to explore the world through poetry. Please bring something to write on and something to write with. All other materials will be provided.

The workshop is 2 hours in duration. Please arrive ten minutes before the session as the Hive closes at 3.30 pm and you may not be able to gain access after that.
And if you like poetry, you can return later in the day to attend the Verve Open Door, a free open mic poetry event that takes place at the Hive during the evening – you might even want to perform your poems!

Spring Botanicals in Watercolour Workshop with Jeni Neale.
Celebrate the beauty of spring bulbs and blossoms with watercolour. Explore techniques such as washed, blending, and dry-brush, while learning floral composition and colour theory to design simple arrangements. Watch live demonstrations on painting petals, foliage, and intricate details, then enjoy hands-on practice to bring you own artwork to life.
Age group and abilities to be taught

18 years and above
Ideal for beginners and experienced artists

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

Watercolour techniques involved in botanical art
Colour theory and mixing

What you need to bring with you:

Watercolour paints
Watercolour brushes including numbers 4 and 6
Pencil and eraser
Palette, preferably a ceramic plate, and water container

What we will provide:

Watercolour paper
Flowers to paint from

Methods of assessing outcomes

Feedback from tutor

Have a go at making your own piece of jewellery with the help of our friendly learning team in this special children’s jewellery workshop activity.

Design and create either a bracelet or pendant, learn and use real jewellers’ techniques like texturing metal, hammering, stamping and enamelling to make something unique and personal to take home with you.

Pre-booking is essential as places are limited.

• Recommended for ages 8 and up. For safety reasons we cannot accommodate under-5s.
• Children must be accompanied by one adult. Due to limitations on space, strictly only one adult per booking.
• Workshop lasts 2 hours.
• Please be advised the workshop can be noisy. Ear defenders can be provided or bring your own.

Wire Wagtail Bird Sculpture Workshop with Sarah Dukes.
Create a slightly larger than life-size wire Wagtail sculpture and another bird of your choice.
Age group and abilities to be taught

18 years and above
Suitable for all abilities

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

Creating 3D sculptures from 2D source material
Observe key features of the bird to retail identifiable characteristics
‘Drawing’ these with wire
Building up layers of wire
Observational drawing using wire
Creating sculptural forms from chicken wire, including how to attach and connect the base shape, and how to weave the wire form

Course outline
Morning activity

Tutor will give verbal and written instructions at each stage and model examples will be available
Create 2D bird ‘drawing’ to familiarise participants with wire
Create body from chicken wire
Add outline of head and body, wings and legs
Build layers of wire to add colour and key characteristics

Afternoon activity

Use books and images to select second bird
Choose materials needed, cut lengths of wire
Apply skills already learned to create a new bird of your choice, real or imagined

What you need to bring with you:

Students are not required to bring anything however if participants have garden, craft, or other wires that they would like to use they are welcome to bring them along
Students are welcome to bring their own pliers
Gardening gloves to protect hands

What we will provide:

Chicken wire
A variety of craft and garden wires of different thicknesses
Materials and colours
Pliers and snippers
Instruction sheets that can be taken away
Bird images and books as source material

Methods of assessing outcomes

The tutor will circulate the group and provide individual feedback throughout the session
Self-reflection and peer feedback
Group discussion focusing on finished sculptures
Completion of evaluation form

Have a go at making your own piece of jewellery with the help of our friendly learning team in this special children’s jewellery workshop activity.

Design and create either a bracelet or pendant, learn and use real jewellers’ techniques like texturing metal, hammering, stamping and enamelling to make something unique and personal to take home with you.

Pre-booking is essential as places are limited.

• Recommended for ages 8 and up. For safety reasons we cannot accommodate under-5s.
• Children must be accompanied by one adult. Due to limitations on space, strictly only one adult per booking.
• Workshop lasts 2 hours.
• Please be advised the workshop can be noisy. Ear defenders can be provided or bring your own.

Drypoint Plate Making and Printing Workshop with Jenny Mason-Gunning ARBSA.
Drawing lines into styrene plastic using a variety of tools, exploring how different points pressures, and mark-making techniques create a full range of tones and textures. Participants will learn how to develop a strong drawing surface, create expressive marks, control line quality, and understand how to refine and clean the plate, apply intaglio ink, wipe and polish the surface for optimal contrast, and print their drypoint plate using professional methods to achieve consistent, high quality results.
Age group and abilities to be taught

18 years and above
Ideal for beginners and experienced artists

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

Learn the fundamentals of drypoint printmaking from drawing on the plate to producing a final print
Gain practical skills in mark-making using a range of drypoint tools, understanding how pressure, angle, and technique influence line, tone, and texture
Develop knowledge of how to prepare, handle, and refine a styrene plate
How to ink and wipe using professional intaglio methods
How to print using a an etching press
Develop the confidence to continue drypoint independently with a clear understanding of materials, tools, and best studio practice

Course outline
Morning activity

Short introduction and talk on drypoint, tools, materials, and printing papers
Demonstration of drawing and mark-making techniques on styrene plates using a variety of tools
Participants will begin creating their own drypoint plate, exploring line, tone, and texture

Afternoon activity

Demonstration of inking, wiping, and preparing the plate for printing
Participants ink, wipe, and print their plates on the etching press, producing their first proofs
Final prints made, with guidance on refining marks, troubleshooting, and preparing plates for continued work at home

What you need to bring with you:

Three photographs or drawings to interpret as a drypoint plate
An apron
Marigold or nitrile gloves for inking and printing
A pack of baby wipes, just in case

What we will provide:

Nitrile gloves
Oil-based and water-washable inks
Scrim and muslin
Rollers
Printing paper
Styrene plates
A variety of drypoint tools
Newsprint
Cotton buds for inking
Ink scrapers and palette knives
Etching press and blankets
Paper fingers
Examples of the tutor’s work
A copy of the tutor’s forthcoming book for reference

Methods of assessing outcomes

Ongoing individual feedback from the tutor
Observation of practical work throughout the session
Informal group discussion at key stages
Support and guidance as participants progress with opportunities to review prints, refine techniques, and evaluate their own development

Life Drawing Studio Workshop with Paul Bartlett RBSA.
Spend the day drawing from a professional life model with guidance from an expert tutor.
Age group and abilities to be taught

18 years and above
Suitable for all abilities

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

Produce life drawings working from a live model
Learn dry drawing techniques for line and tone

Course outline
Morning activity

Combined introduction and overview of options for the day via the tutor’s own artwork
Basics about measurement, proportion, and examples of line
Set up a long pose that will be maintained (with breaks) for the rest of the day
Working from the same pose, students may produce several studies or one resolved work
At an appropriate time, the tutor will introduce tone methods on white paper using graphite pencil combinations
The tutor will balance out advising students individually, while working on his own drawing throughout the day

Afternoon activity

Introduction of option for drawing with black and white on mid-tone grey paper using combinations of pastel pencil, charcoal pencil, willow charcoal, chalks
Depending on working pace, resolve longer study started in the morning, or produce a new study with supervision from the tutor

What you need to bring with you:

A folder to take you work home in
A selection of drawing materials, including graphite pencils, willow charcoal, charcoal pencils, white chalk, plastic and putty erasers

What we will provide:

A2 sheets of white cartridge paper
Grey paper for pastels
A selection of drawing materials

Methods of assessing outcomes

Discussion of workshop with workshop tutor and fellow students
Completion of evaluation form

Calligraphy has become a popular hobby for many, allowing individuals to express creativity through elegant lettering. For those keen to dive deeper, calligraphy classes offer an excellent way to refine skills and learn new techniques. Indeed, enrolling in calligraphy classes can significantly enhance your abilities.

Learning Calligraphy
Fraktur
Fraktur is a simple form of Gothic Script, which had its origins in German folk art, which became more colourful and elaborate mainly in America.  Pennsylvania became home to entire towns of different religious dissent.  There were clusters of Mennonites, Moravians, Lutherans, and various other German Protestant sects.

Although diverse, all these German settlers had in common – they were all farmers who spoke German, all prized religious tolerance and all practiced the same distinctive artform of Fraktur.  It was used mainly for domestic certificates such as marriage, baptism, births, bookmarks etc. In these sessions you will learn to write Fractur basic letter forms using a broad edge metal dip pen.

Wikipedia 
Held at the Pen Museum, the classes are designed for both beginners and more experienced calligraphers. Learn the key elements of calligraphy and take information away to continue developing your style at home. Participate in such classes to enhance your art. Some calligraphy materials will be provided, and additional products can be purchased from the Museum shop.

• 12 Spaces are available for each session:
• Session 1: 12:00pm – 1:30pm
• Session 2: 2:00pm – 3:30pm
• £12.75 per session.
• No requirement to book both sessions.
• Museum admission is not included.
• Course suitable for adults only, especially those interested in perfecting their skills through comprehensive classes available for calligraphy enthusiasts.

This Taster class takes place on Saturday 28th February 2026, from 10am-5pm.

Learn how to make a pair of silver earrings or cufflinks in our bright and shiny jewellery making workshop in Birmingham. You will learn to make a patterned pair of silver drop earrings, in your own chosen shape and texture.

A unique and personalised piece of jewellery for you to wear home at the end of the course or to give away as a gift. In fact, this class would make an amazing gift or experience day!

This jewellery making course is suitable for complete beginners, or those who have attended a jewellery experience day elsewhere. It takes place on a Saturday daytime from 10.00-17.00, with a 1 hour break for lunch and plenty of nice cafes nearby to choose from. Step by step, you will learn texturing, drilling, saw-piercing, filing/buffing, and polishing as you make and finish your earrings.

The tutor will make a pair of silver earrings alongside you, and will use their piece to demonstrate each step. There will be the option to upgrade to make a pair of cufflinks instead of earrings for an extra £20 (choose this option by entering your required number of spots in the +£20 box), with the soldering for these done by the tutor – you’ll be shown how, but it’s a tricky soldering job for a first attempt.

You will need to bring your reading glasses, if you wear them, and a notebook and pen.

Poetry’s Got Form

A creative writing workshop looking at poetry from different perspectives
Join Rick Sanders from Verve for a workshop exploring poetry in all its forms. This workshop is for novice or experienced poets, or poets with a good understanding of writing poetry who want to develop specific skills in writing form poetry. This is for adults (+16yrs) only; and only suitable for those who have experience of writing poetry.

What to Bring:
Bring your passion for words, an open heart, and a willingness to explore the world through poetry. Please bring something to write on and something to write with. All other materials will be provided.

The workshop is 2 hours in duration. Please arrive ten minutes before the session as the Hive closes at 3.30 pm and you may not be able to gain access after that.
And if you like poetry, you can return later in the day to attend the Verve Open Door, a free open mic poetry event that takes place at the Hive during the evening – you might even want to perform your poems!

Have a go at making your own piece of jewellery with the help of our friendly learning team in this special children’s jewellery workshop activity.

Design and create either a bracelet or pendant, learn and use real jewellers’ techniques like texturing metal, hammering, stamping and enamelling to make something unique and personal to take home with you.

Pre-booking is essential as places are limited.

• Recommended for ages 8 and up. For safety reasons we cannot accommodate under-5s.
• Children must be accompanied by one adult. Due to limitations on space, strictly only one adult per booking.
• Workshop lasts 2 hours.
• Please be advised the workshop can be noisy. Ear defenders can be provided or bring your own.

Have a go at making your own piece of jewellery with the help of our friendly learning team in this special children’s jewellery workshop activity.

Design and create either a bracelet or pendant, learn and use real jewellers’ techniques like texturing metal, hammering, stamping and enamelling to make something unique and personal to take home with you.

Pre-booking is essential as places are limited.

• Recommended for ages 8 and up. For safety reasons we cannot accommodate under-5s.
• Children must be accompanied by one adult. Due to limitations on space, strictly only one adult per booking.
• Workshop lasts 2 hours.
• Please be advised the workshop can be noisy. Ear defenders can be provided or bring your own.

Calligraphy classes offer a wonderful opportunity to learn the art of beautiful writing.
Calligraphy has become a popular hobby for many, allowing individuals to express creativity through elegant lettering. For those keen to dive deeper, these structured calligraphy classes offer an excellent way to refine skills and learn new techniques. Indeed, enrolling in a class can significantly enhance your abilities.

Learning Calligraphy
“Quirky” Roman
Roman letter with a modern twist for those interested in producing their own card, invitations etc. You will use Finalisers, Pencils, gel pens etc. as well and being introduced using a pointed dip pen.

Wikipedia
Held at the Pen Museum, the classes are designed for both beginners and more experienced calligraphers. Learn the key elements of calligraphy and take information away to continue developing your style at home. Participate in calligraphy classes to enhance your art. Some materials will be provided, and calligraphy products can be purchased from the Museum shop.

• 12 Spaces are available for each session:
• Session 1: 12:00pm – 1:30pm
• Session 2: 2:00pm – 3:30pm
• £12.75 per session.
• No requirement to book both sessions.
• Museum admission is not included.
• Course suitable for adults only, especially those interested in perfecting their calligraphy skills through these comprehensive calligraphy classes.