Sumptuous Shibori

As part of our SEW PAINT MAKE programme of textile classes, Artists in Business is offering two exciting  workshops on Shibori Ilkley, West Yorkshire.

What is Shibori? This is a Japanese method of tying and binding cloth to make patterns through dyeing. Different ways of twisting, wrapping, scrunching or stitching material creates a variety of pattern and textures. 

Colour plays an important part in the design and we will be using vibrant dyes with Habutai silk and silk.  

Saturday 9 July 1pm to 3pm Shibori Silk I

Venue: Ilkley Operatic Society, Leeds Road, Ilkley LS29 8DZ

Cost: £15 + £5 for materials

Saturday 23 July 11am to 3pm Shibori Silk II

Venue: All Saints Church House, Church Street, Ilkley LS29 9DS

Cost: £25 + £5 for materials

To book your place or find out more please contact Jo.artsbiz@gmail.com or call 01535 654026

About Ilkley. Ilkley is a small spa town in West Yorkshire, nestling in Wharfedale and overlooked by the Cow and Calf Rocks. Ilkley is a great little town to visit with tea rooms (including the famous Betty's) delightful local shops, The Manor House Museum and the White Wells baths.  If you are visiting Ilkley for one of our workshops we stringly recommend a visit to Cakewalk, a wonderful emporium of handmade and vintage.

Community Arts

With over 12 years' experience, Artists in Business has been delivering workshops and art activities in local schools, community centres and in public places.  Our artists work with people of all ages, from all walks of life and with all abilities. 

Mosaic created by children in Baildon, commissioned by Groundwork Leeds, now situated at The Link, Baildon. Workshop leader - Sally Storr. 

We now have a database of trustworthy and extremely skilled artists who deliver exciting and fun community arts workshops in Yorkshire including photography, mural painting, graffiti art, ceramics, printmaking, textiles, mosaics and sculpture. Working as a community artist will complement your own artistic practice and can be an extra source of income.  It can also lead to commissioned work and potential exhibition opportunities. 

Learn Together Banner commissioned by Partners in Innovation and painted by families from Kirklees, Bradford and Calderdale. Workshop leader - Jo Whitehead

But not everyone makes a good community artist - it's not enough to be great at what you do - you need both organisational skills and good interpersonal skills to be a successful community artist. You need to be able to plan, anticipate any problems, understand the aims and objectives of your delivery and be able to measure the success of your delivery. On top of all that you need to make sure you are working LEGALLY and SAFELY!

Animal sculpture workshop commissioned by Keighley Families Welcome Project and created by local families. Workshop Leader - Chris Sherwin. 

Commissioners always looking for new artists to deliver workshops in the community, at festivals and events. But they are not going to part with their hard-won cash and put their faith in you unless they are satisfied that they are going to get good value, that you CAN deliver, that everyone involved will benefit in some way and that you can provide evidence of all this exciting activity.
Artists in Business has designed a PDF report giving advice and information on Becoming a Successful Community Artist and it costs just £1. If you would like to receive this report please send a Paypal payment to Jo.artsbiz@gmail.com with your contact email and we will send it straight to you. 

Ceramic Workshops in Yorkshire

Raku Workshops at Shibden Hall, Halifax

These two day workshops are available to everyone, from beginners to professional ceramic artists. Day 1 is a half day session to create two pieces of work for firing. Day 2 is a full day session to glaze and fire your work in the Stable Yard at Shibden Hall.
Dates: Saturday July 2 and July 9 or Saturday 27 August and 3 September 2011
Costs: £70 for both days, including materials
About the venue: Shibden Hall is a 15th century timber framed manor house set in 37 hectares of park land. Once the home of Anne Lister, Shibden Hall is now owned by Calderdale Council and is a public museum.
Contact: Deborah Comy-Platt, Shibden Hall Estate Manager
01422 352446


Fusions Firing Festival

Dates for this years festival July 15th-17th 2011

A weekend of experimental art and performance firings set in fabulous surroundings in a quiet corner of the Yorkshire Dales. Join in our raku firing, fuming and smoke firing workshops delivered by experienced leaders and be part of the alchemical process that creates exciting and unpredictable pottery.
All workshops take place on Saturday, take part in as many or as few as you like. You can even grab one of our printed local maps and enjoy a walk in stunning scenery direct from the campsite or just take off your shoes and socks and cool off with a paddle in the beck. The evening is rounded off with barbeques, bonfires and a firing extravaganza!
A great weekend for all the family, social and friendly and you go home with a fabulous creation.
No experience necessary. Small groups to ensure plenty of help and advice. To purchase tickets 

visit Yolasite.com