Coming up Next
Create with Clay: 175 Pots for Mary Watts
Location: The Guildhall
Event type: Workshop (drop-in)
Join Watts Gallery at the Guildford Festival of the Arts to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Mary Watts' birth.
As a tribute to the artist, designer, and visionary craftswoman, we’re inviting the community to help us create 175 miniature pots in her distinctive style. Drop in to meet our resident ceramicist, Bahareh Khomeiry, and learn how to hand-build a simple pot inspired by Mary Watts’ legacy.
Your creation will be taken back to Watts Gallery to be fired and displayed as part of a special exhibition honouring Mary’s life and work. After the exhibition, you’ll be able to collect your finished piece to keep.
Price: £10
Have a go at Screenprinting a Card
Location: The Mill Studio
Event type: Workshop (drop-in)
Hosted by: Jeysie and Jule Mallett
Drop in and have a go at handpulling your own screenprint.
All ages and abilities welcome.
Once dry you can take your print home.
Have a go with Stones and Resin
Location: The Mill Studio
Event type: Workshop (drop-in)
Hosted by: Aska Gough
Drop in to the Mill Studio and have a go at making a picture with stones and resin to take home. Suitable for all ages and abilities.
Wood or canvas Mini Art Piece Workshop
Location: The Lighthouse
Event type: Workshop (ticketed)
Hosted by: Faye Campbell
Create a mini piece of art on either wood or canvas, inspired by artist Faye Campbell’s work, produce a mixed media unique piece of art using collage and paint.
Faye Campbell is a contemporary mixed media abstract artist who creates with spontaneity and soul. Her pieces are built in layers, using found and repurposed materials—often with a history of their own, passed on from vintage collections. You’ll notice her love of colour right away. Spray paint features alongside other mediums, bringing a subtle street art energy and a playful, graffiti-inspired edge. Lately, nature—especially flowers—has been a fresh source of inspiration, adding a gentle botanical feel to the work. Faye hopes her art brings a smile to your face and a sense of positivity to your space.
Faye’s work will also be on display at The Lighthouse throughout the Festival.
Price: £25 per person (includes materials)
First come first serve
Sunflower in Charcoal and Chalk on Black Paper
Location: Yvonne Arnaud
Event type: Workshop (ticketed)
Join artist Nathalie Beauvillain Scott in creating sunflowers using charcoal, chalk and black paper, while learning about mark making, shading and contrast.
Award-winning artist Nathalie Beauvillain Scott specialises in highly detailed portrait paintings of everyday people in everyday life. Her pictures of everyone from children to celebrities are recognised for their incredible likeness, with her reputation for detail resulting in her work being displayed in the National Portrait Gallery on many occasions. You can currently see one of Nathalie's portrait in the National Portrait Gallery as part of the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer portrait award until 12 October 2025.
Price: £25 (materials included)
Please email to book tickets: nathalie@murals-portraits.co.uk
Coffee, Catch Up & Create - art for wellbeing
Location: Art + Grind
Event type: Workshop (ticketed)
Hosted by: Kate Alger
Disconnect from whatever life's throwing at you at the moment, connect with others in real life and reconnect with your creative side.There's no pressure about the finished piece, just a friendly, relaxing couple of hours based on drawing.
This is a weekly pay-as-you-go art morning run by local award-winning local artist-printmaker, Kate Alger, so if you enjoy it, you can join us as and when you like.
This is an informal art-for-wellbeing session where you can choose from a range of reference images and art materials, and have as much (or as little) guidance as you'd like from local artist, Kate Alger. 'Coffee, Catch Up and Create' is suitable for all abilities.
Price: £15/adult ,£10/accompanied child - includes all materials but please buy your own drink, cake or breakfast from the café.
You can find out more here: www.facebook.com/CoffeeCatchUpandCreate and book tickets either via Facebook or by emailing Kate: kate.alger.art@gmail.com
All abilities welcome.
Tote bag Printing Workshops
Location: Guildford Institute
Event type: Workshop
Hosted by: Georgia Tunesi
Customise a tote bag with a unique hand painted design in this fun, laid-back workshop. All skill levels welcome as inspiration and guided advice will be provided throughout the session to help you paint your dream tote bag. Blank tote bags and art materials will be supplied by us. This is the perfect time to get creative and try something new. Tickets are limited, book now so you don't miss out!
Price: £20 (includes materials and tote bag to take home)
Tickets can be bought in advance here.
Wood or Canvas Mini Art Piece Workshop
Location: The Lighthouse
Event type: Workshop (ticketed)
Hosted by: Faye Campbell
Create a mini piece of art on either wood or canvas, inspired by artist Faye Campbell’s work, produce a mixed media unique piece of art using collage and paint.
Faye Campbell is a contemporary mixed media abstract artist who creates with spontaneity and soul. Her pieces are built in layers, using found and repurposed materials—often with a history of their own, passed on from vintage collections. You’ll notice her love of colour right away. Spray paint features alongside other mediums, bringing a subtle street art energy and a playful, graffiti-inspired edge. Lately, nature—especially flowers—has been a fresh source of inspiration, adding a gentle botanical feel to the work. Faye hopes her art brings a smile to your face and a sense of positivity to your space.
Faye’s work will also be on display at The Lighthouse throughout the Festival.
Price: £22.50 per person (includes materials)
Tickets can be bought here or its first come first serve on the day.
Have a go at Screenprinting Gift Tags
Location: The Mill Studio
Event type: Workshop (drop-in)
Hosted by: Jeysie and Jule Mallett
Drop in and have a go at handpulling your own screenprint.
All ages and abilities welcome.
Once dry you can take your print home.
Have a go at Pyrography
Location: The Mill Studio
Event type: Workshop (drop-in)
Hosted by: Ruth Wheeler
Want to find out more about pyrography? Come along
Suitable for all ages and abilities.
Landscape in Watercolour
Location: Yvonne Arnaud
Event type: Workshop (ticketed)
Learn about different watercolour techniques with artist Nathalie Beauvillain Scott while painting a view from Newlands Corner.
Award-winning artist Nathalie Beauvillain Scott specialises in highly detailed portrait paintings of everyday people in everyday life. Her pictures of everyone from children to celebrities are recognised for their incredible likeness, with her reputation for detail resulting in her work being displayed in the National Portrait Gallery on many occasions. You can currently see one of Nathalie's portrait in the National Portrait Gallery as part of the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer portrait award until 12 October 2025.
Price: £25 (materials included)
Please email to book tickets: nathalie@murals-portraits.co.uk
Block Print A Tote Bag
Location: Art + Grind
Event type: Workshop (ticketed)
Hosted by: Kate Alger
Block print a tote bag using a selection of ready-made blocks or learn how to make your own.
Experienced teacher and award-winning local artist-printmaker, Kate Alger, will gently take you through the steps needed so you can create your own personalised cotton tote bag.
Suitable for ages 12+
Have fun creating your own bespoke design on a cotton tote bag with local award-winning printmaker, Kate Alger. Choose from a selection of ready-made printing blocks or design and make your own. Please dress for potential mess and note that your bag will need to be ironed after the workshop to make the ink permanent.
Price: £35/person (max.10 people) - includes all materials but please buy your own drink or cake from the café
You can see some of Kate's work here: www.instagram.com/KateAlgerArtist
To book tickets, please email Kate: kate.alger.art@gmail.com
Non-alcoholic Paint & Sip
Location: Art + Grind
Event type: Workshop (ticketed)
Hosted by: Debra Hodgson
A Paint & Sip workshop lead by artist, Debra Hodgson, where she will take participants through a series of skills and steps to assist them in recreating a beautiful painting that they will be able to take home with them and display proudly.
Price: £35
Book here:
Introduction to Paper Flower Making workshops
Location: Guildford Institute
Event type: Workshop (ticketed)
Hosted by: Kate Alger
Kate Alger is an award-winning artist-printmaker and educator. Her work is entirely handmade and is often inspired by her walks in and around Guildford. Kate has several years' experience teaching many different forms of art and craft to a wide range of audiences. Kate's artwork has been exhibited at the Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair, Southbank Printmakers' Gallery, The British Motor Museum, the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers, Mall Galleries, the Royal Automobile Club, and many other galleries. Her work has been shortlisted for several awards, including the DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year 2024 and 2025. Kate created the artwork for the new signboard on The Mount, and she welcomes both corporate and private commissions. You can see some of Kate's artwork here; www.instagram.com/KateAlgerArtist
Do you fancy making your own paper flowers but aren't sure where to start? Come and learn how to make some simple paper flowers out of Italian crepe paper with local paper florist, Kate Alger. You'll leave with beautiful flowers that won't ever need watering and a probably a new favourite hobby...
You can see some of Kate's artwork, and a selection of photos from past introductory paper flower workshops and longer masterclass workshops here: www.instagram.com/KateAlgerArtist
Suitable for ages 10+
Price: £25/person (max.10 per workshop)
To book tickets, please email Kate: kate.alger.art@gmail.com
Textiles
Location: The Mill Studio
Event type: Workshop (drop-in)
Hosted by: Textiles on Tuesday
Join the Textiles on Tuesdays sewing group for an introduction to stitch as meditation, a process that’s good for body and soul, allowing you to indulge in the tactile nature of hand stitch without the pressure of an end goal. The pieces created are often small scale (maybe only 4 square inches) and layered, so provide the perfect vehicle for incorporating scraps of material. Spend between 10 to 20 minutes creating your square to take home.
Blossom LGBT: Knitting Workshop
Location: New House Art Space
Event type: Workshop
A gentle hands-on knitting workshop for queer young adults aged 16 and over, centred on slowness, creativity, and togetherness. Whether you’re picking up needles for the first time or returning to a forgotten skill, this two-hour session is an invitation to make something soft with your hands, and connect through care.
You’ll learn:
The basics of knitting (casting on, knit stitch, and more)
How repetitive movement can support mindfulness and calm
How crafting together can spark conversation and community
Space to create at your own pace, with support when you need it
Knitting is a quiet act of care with each loop holding time, intention, and warmth. In this workshop, you’re encouraged to bring your full self, go slow, and stitch without pressure.
All materials provided. You’ll leave with something you made… and maybe the beginnings of a new practice.
Mending Circle
Location: Zero
Event type: Workshop
Hosted by: Zero
Join us for a special Mending Circle session for the start of Sustainable Fashion Week. As usual, bring any items of clothing that you want to repair or need help repairing in a friendly, social environment. We'll also have a swap shop and printmaking workshop going on in the space at the same time. Why not come for all 3 events!
Tea and coffee provided.
Donations to the charity welcome
Please note: this is not a 'drop off your garment' event
To book your place click here. Please give a donation.
Block Printing: Nature themed prints on fabric
Location: Zero
Event type: Workshop
Hosted by: Zero
Give old clothes (or bags) new life with beautiful nature-inspired block prints
Take your fashion to the next level by adorning your clothes with prints designed by ZERO artists. Choose from animals, flowers, or inspiring words prints. Bring your own clothing to print on OR bring clothes to swap at the clothing swap (happening simultaneously) and then decorative your new-to-you garments with fun nature-themed art in a variety of colours. A great event for adults and children alike.
Tea and coffee provided.
Donations to the charity welcome
Please note: this is not a 'drop off your garment' event
To book your place click here. Please give a donation.
Free Clothes Swap
Location: Zero
Event type: Workshop
Hosted by: Zero
Refresh your wardrobe sustainably and connect through circular fashion
Adults can bring up to 5 stylish, good-condition items to swap. Refresh your wardrobe sustainably and connect through circular fashion.
Note - We only accept non-stained, good conditioned clothing for the swap. They need to be items that people would take pleasure in wearing again.
Tea and coffee provided.
To book your place click here. Please give a donation.
Underwater Scene in Ink
Location: Yvonne Arnaud
Event type: Workshop (ticketed)
Explore the beauty of the sea with artist Nathalie Beauvillain Scott as she guides you in creating an underwater scene in anilinky watercolour, ink and salt.
Award-winning artist Nathalie Beauvillain Scott specialises in highly detailed portrait paintings of everyday people in everyday life. Her pictures of everyone from children to celebrities are recognised for their incredible likeness, with her reputation for detail resulting in her work being displayed in the National Portrait Gallery on many occasions. You can currently see one of Nathalie's portrait in the National Portrait Gallery as part of the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer portrait award until 12 October 2025.
Price: £25 (materials included)
Please email to book tickets: nathalie@murals-portraits.co.uk
Introduction to Paper Flower Making workshops
Location: Guildford Institute
Event type: Workshop (ticketed)
Hosted by: Kate Alger
Kate Alger is an award-winning artist-printmaker and educator. Her work is entirely handmade and is often inspired by her walks in and around Guildford. Kate has several years' experience teaching many different forms of art and craft to a wide range of audiences. Kate's artwork has been exhibited at the Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair, Southbank Printmakers' Gallery, The British Motor Museum, the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers, Mall Galleries, the Royal Automobile Club, and many other galleries. Her work has been shortlisted for several awards, including the DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year 2024 and 2025. Kate created the artwork for the new signboard on The Mount, and she welcomes both corporate and private commissions. You can see some of Kate's artwork here; www.instagram.com/KateAlgerArtist
Do you fancy making your own paper flowers but aren't sure where to start? Come and learn how to make some simple paper flowers out of Italian crepe paper with local paper florist, Kate Alger. You'll leave with beautiful flowers that won't ever need watering and a probably a new favourite hobby...
You can see some of Kate's artwork, and a selection of photos from past introductory paper flower workshops and longer masterclass workshops here: www.instagram.com/KateAlgerArtist
Suitable for ages 10+
Price: £25/person (max.10 per workshop)
To book tickets, please email Kate: kate.alger.art@gmail.com
Tote bag Printing Workshops
Location: Guildford Institute
Event type: Workshop
Hosted by: Georgia Tunesi
Customise a tote bag with a unique hand painted design in this fun, laid-back workshop. All skill levels welcome as inspiration and guided advice will be provided throughout the session to help you paint your dream tote bag. Blank tote bags and art materials will be supplied by us. This is the perfect time to get creative and try something new. Tickets are limited, book now so you don't miss out!
Price: £20 (includes materials and tote bag to take home)
Tickets can be bought in advance here.
Introduction to Paper Flower Making workshops
Location: Guildford Institute
Event type: Workshop (ticketed)
Hosted by: Kate Alger
Kate Alger is an award-winning artist-printmaker and educator. Her work is entirely handmade and is often inspired by her walks in and around Guildford. Kate has several years' experience teaching many different forms of art and craft to a wide range of audiences. Kate's artwork has been exhibited at the Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair, Southbank Printmakers' Gallery, The British Motor Museum, the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers, Mall Galleries, the Royal Automobile Club, and many other galleries. Her work has been shortlisted for several awards, including the DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year 2024 and 2025. Kate created the artwork for the new signboard on The Mount, and she welcomes both corporate and private commissions. You can see some of Kate's artwork here; www.instagram.com/KateAlgerArtist
Do you fancy making your own paper flowers but aren't sure where to start? Come and learn how to make some simple paper flowers out of Italian crepe paper with local paper florist, Kate Alger. You'll leave with beautiful flowers that won't ever need watering and a probably a new favourite hobby...
You can see some of Kate's artwork, and a selection of photos from past introductory paper flower workshops and longer masterclass workshops here: www.instagram.com/KateAlgerArtist
Suitable for ages 10+
Price: £25/person (max.10 per workshop)
To book tickets, please email Kate: kate.alger.art@gmail.com
Sgraffito Decorations on Ceramic Tiles Workshop
Location: Art + Grind
Event type: Workshop (ticketed)
Hosted by: Anamica Chauhan Vince
Explore with artist Anamica Chauhan Vince the technique of sgraffito, where patterns and images are scratched out of colour applied to leather hard clay. The word originates from the Italian word sgraffiare, literally meaning ‘to scratch’. Let the coloured clay be your canvas in this 90-minute workshop.
Anamica Chauhan Vince is a Surrey-based Ceramic artist, Studio potter and Tutor with Surrey Adult Learning. Born in India in 1974, Anamica started her pottery journey from Delhi in India and then travelled to Dublin (Ireland), Goa (India) and Bali (Indonesia) to learn and work with various established ceramic artists. Her work is greatly influenced by them all but also a lot by her students. The more she teaches, the more she learns.
Her work evolves with time and is made using the potter’s wheel and hand-building methods with different surface decorations. Nature and movement inspire her. She loves organic forms and finds clay work grounding and meditative.
Instagram: @anna_potternomad
Facebook: Crafty Ideas Pottery
Website: www.craftyideaspottery.com
Price: £35pp plus £10 firing charge. An additional £20 fee will be applied to anyone wishing to create more than one tile.
To book tickets, please visit: https://www.artandgrind.co.uk/events
Hand-building Pottery Workshop
Location: Solar Sisters
Event type: Workshop (ticketed)
Hosted by: Ysanne Brooks Ceramics
A fun evening of clay crafting with potter Ysanne Brooks.
Date: 27th September. Time: 7-9pm. Venue: Solar Sisters, 86 North Street, Guildford.
In this class, Ysanne will cover the basics of hand-building with earthenware clay to help you create a hand-built pot or plate of your own design, inspired by nature. Your finished piece will be ready to pick up and take home after it has been fired and glazed in Ysanne's home studio.
Price: £35 per person (includes materials)
First come first serve
Bluebell Wood in Acrylic Workshop
Location: Guildford Institute
Event type: Workshop (ticketed)
Hosted by: Nathalie Scott
Learn about acrylic techniques and how to create depth by layering as you paint a bluebell wood guided by award-winning artist Nathalie Beauvillain Scott.
Award-winning artist Nathalie Beauvillain Scott specialises in highly detailed portrait paintings of everyday people in everyday life. Her pictures of everyone from children to celebrities are recognised for their incredible likeness, with her reputation for detail resulting in her work being displayed in the National Portrait Gallery on many occasions. You can currently see one of Nathalie's portrait in the National Portrait Gallery as part of the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer portrait award until 12 October 2025.
Price: £25 (materials included)
Please email to book tickets: nathalie@murals-portraits.co.uk
Portrait Drawing Session
Location: Carmine Crimson
Event type: Workshop (ticketed but free)
Hosted by: Michael Gallone
To celebrate Guildford’s Festival of the Arts, join us for a free portrait drawing class. All levels welcome, no experience necessary. Paper, pencils and easels are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own materials.
Our tutor Michael Gallone will be taking you through a portrait drawing demo and will be on hand to offer 1-1 guidance if you would like some.
We have free tea, coffee and biscuits for you to enjoy too.
Numbers are limited so reserve your free spot here.
Guildford Coffee Club // Cannon Coffee
Location: New House Art Space
Event type: Workshop
This is an event that happens once a month at New House Art Space.
Each event will focus on a different aspect of the coffee world, designed for open dialogue and discovery:
A Focus on Coffee Exploration: This could mean delving into a local roaster's craft, sharing captivating stories about coffee's journey, or an interactive session to learn new brewing techniques.
One Sunday Morning: A perfect opportunity to relax, learn, and connect.
Open Dialogue: Share your thoughts, ask questions, and engage with fellow coffee enthusiasts.
Plenty of Time to Wander the Gallery: Immerse yourself in the art around you, allowing for quiet contemplation and inspiration.
If you are new to Guildford Coffee Club or this is your first time attending an event since the relaunch for a discounted ticket use code: FIRSTTIME
You can turn up on the day or tickets can be bought here.
Portfolio Review
Location: New House Art Space
Event type: Portfolio Review (free)
Looking to discuss ideas and get some feedback on your portfolio? Look no further!
Whether you are a GCSE/A-level student, preparing for University or a local artist just looking for portfolio advice, we’re happy to help!
Price: Free but please book in advance here.
Annabel Miller
Annabel Miller is an artist and contemporary art curator. Her practice is grounded in both critical theory and hands-on artistic exploration, shaped by a background in mixed media and sculpture.
Annabel has a Masters degree from the Royal College of Art, and a BA in Fine Art from Arts University Bournemouth. In addition to a Foundation in Art and Design from Kingston School of Art.
With a strong foundation in artistic practice, Annabel now works primarily as a curator, bringing an artist’s sensibility to exhibition-making. Her curatorial approach is informed by her interest in materiality, narrative, and spatial dialogue, bridging creative production with thoughtful presentation.
Annabel currently works as the Gallery and studio Assistant at New House Art Space and is co-founder of the Togather collective.
Create with Clay: 175 Pots for Mary Watts
Location: Guildford Institute
Event type: Workshop (drop-in)
Join Watts Gallery at the Guildford Festival of the Arts to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Mary Watts' birth.
As a tribute to the artist, designer, and visionary craftswoman, we’re inviting the community to help us create 175 miniature pots in her distinctive style. Drop in to meet our resident ceramicist, Bahareh Khomeiry, and learn how to hand-build a simple pot inspired by Mary Watts’ legacy.
Your creation will be taken back to Watts Gallery to be fired and displayed as part of a special exhibition honouring Mary’s life and work. After the exhibition, you’ll be able to collect your finished piece to keep.
Price: £10
Textiles
Location: The Britannia Pub
Event type: Workshop (drop-in)
Hosted by: Textiles on Tuesday
Join the Textiles on Tuesdays sewing group for an introduction to stitch as meditation, a process that’s good for body and soul, allowing you to indulge in the tactile nature of hand stitch without the pressure of an end goal. The pieces created are often small scale (maybe only 4 square inches) and layered, so provide the perfect vehicle for incorporating scraps of material. Spend between 10 to 20 minutes creating your square to take home.
Have a go at Screenprinting
Location: The Britannia Pub
Event type: Workshop (drop-in)
Hosted by: Jeysie and Jule Mallett
Drop in and have a go at handpulling your own screenprint.
All ages and abilities welcome.
Once dry you can take your print home.
Free your creativity
Location: Guildford Institute
Event type: Workshop
Hosted by: Denise Blackburn
Free your creativity workshop, where you can make a mess and be childlike!
Denise has a degree in fine art, lives in Surrey and is an active exhibitor in Open Studios. She runs workshops for people who want to express themselves through art and become aware of their creative flow. Creativity is about curiosity and innocence. In other words, Denise will help you get into your own creative flow and feel comfortable with what you create.
In the workshops participants can make a mess and give themselves permission to experiment. It’s not about a Picasso – it’s about you – and your own way of expressing your unique and individual style! We use cheap paper and paint and bits of collage. It’s abstract expressionism in its truest form!
You can get a place by filling in enquiry form on website www.soul-art.co.uk