New pathways blossom after nature art workshops

30.10.2023

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Widening Access team assisted 12 Adult Learners in completing an art course that inspired them to keep on learning.

The 4-week art course, held at Dove Workshop in Banwen, Neath, explored different techniques, medias and themes each session. It was taught by Jenna Davies, an Artist who works closely with UWTSD to help inspire budding artists to return to learning in adult life.

Following the course, the group wanted to learn more about what the University could offer, and a campus visit was arranged for the 20^thof October, to explore Swansea College of Art and do some practical workshops.

They took part in a heat-press printing and embroidery workshop inspired by nature and natural materials run by Amanda Roberts, Senior Educational Liaison Officer at UWTSD who was assisted by current art students. The adult learners then had a campus tour, where they were shown around the facilities at Swansea College of Art’s Dynevor building, such as the Graphic Design space and the Surface Pattern and Textiles workshops.

Donna Williams, Widening Access Officer at UWTSD said: “It has been wonderful to see the learners, all from different walks of life, grow in confidence each week, pushing their boundaries whilst having fun in the process.

“They learnt about collaboration and communication, and everyone was fully engaged and enthusiastic to learn new techniques using a range of tools and materials. Some of the learners are now keen to join other programmes run by Swansea College of Art, such as艺术工程r Darkcourses, which is great news.”

After the course and tour, adult learner P. Farrell said: “The heat print and embroidery workshop was exciting and very interesting to participate in. Seeing the art studios and facilities the University has was amazing… So much so that I’d have no problem moving in and never leaving! The quality of space and light on a typical wet, dull day was fabulous.

“The 4 week art course at Dove, Banwen provided four very different sessions that gave me a significantly different outcome than what I expected. The new processes were so interesting and the sessions, within such a short space of time, have influenced me in many positive ways and inspired new and more open ways of doing art.”

另一个学习者,莱斯利·科特雷尔说:“这是值列表ely to look around the creative facilities and find out about the courses available. I have really enjoyed the workshops and it’s been great to have something to look forward to every week. I’ve been inspired to attend one of the evening classes and look forward to other opportunities offered by UWTSD.”

Jenna Davies, Tutor of Art, said: “Working with UWTSD’s Widening Access team has been thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding. Through the art course, I wanted to show the people of southwest Wales that every one of us has a creative spirit, allowing the participants to tap into their creative side, try new things and experiment. Hopefully it's given the adult learners in Neath a different way of looking at how they create, and inspired them to make their own art without being afraid to just give things a try.”

UWTSD’s Widening Access department works with communities and individuals to enhance understanding, confidence, wellness and resilience, while highlighting the potential to achieve more. The department’s work strengthens communities by providing practical courses to identify skills, signpost people towards opportunities for further learning and help them return to education as an adult.

For more information on University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s Widening Access Department, contact Donna Williams atDonna.c.williams@www.guaguababy.com.

进一步的信息

Ella Staden BA (Hons)

Press and Media Officer

Vice-Chancellor’s Office

University of Wales Trinity Saint David | Swansea

Phone: 07384467078

E-mail:ella.staden@www.guaguababy.com