School Holidays: Summer Collage

Join us for a fun and imaginative two-day journey into the world of collage! In this hands-on workshop led by artist and experienced tutor Greta Cooper, kids will discover the history of collage and learn how to create their very own masterpiece using photographs they’ve taken themselves.

On the first day, we’ll head outdoors for a guided photo walk, exploring light, colour, composition, and patterns found in both nature and the urban landscape. Participants will capture their own unique images to use as the foundation of their artwork.

On the second day, we’ll dive into selecting favourite photos, experimenting with cutting, ripping, layering, and playing with different surface materials. Along the way, we’ll explore inspiring examples from artists who use collage in their work. After a lunch break, it’s time to print, arrange, and compose! By the end, each participant will take home one or two large collages, or a collection of smaller works, made with their own photographs and imagination.

This workshop is all about curiosity, creativity, and play, for ages 8-16 years old.

Program

Day 1: Inspiration and Image Making

• Looking at collage in art: Joan Ross, Deborah Kelly, Danie Mellor, and Hannah Höch.
• Guided photo walk: participants capture images focusing on light, colour, composition, and patterns.
• Image review: selecting photographs to work with for the collage.

Day 2: Collage Techniques and Creation

• Printing out selected photographs
• Choosing support materials and surfaces for collage
• Hands-on exploration of cutting, ripping, arranging, pasting, and adhesives
• Finishing touches, adding drawing and mixed-media elements.
• Finalising artworks and showcase

What's provided

• Cameras for each participant (children may bring their own if they are confident using them)
• Digital printing of images
• A selection of papers, books, and magazines for cutting and image sourcing
• Collage papers
• Essential art-making tools, including scissors,  glue, pens, pencils
• Snacks (fruit, chips, juice) – please advise of any allergies beforehand

What to bring

• Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor photo walks and studio activities (hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, backpack, jumper or hoodie)
• Notebooks or sketchbooks for jotting down ideas, notes, and reflections.
• Personal digital cameras or smartphones for capturing images during the photo walks (optional, as cameras will be provided).
• Lunch for each day
• Water bottles and snacks
• Any special papers or materials for collaging, like maps, magazines, books, photographs, etc.