May 2021
ONLINE WORKSHOP: Let’s Talk about Art
Join Vera McEvoy online to view and discuss a selection of artworks from the Kildare Municipal Art Collection. The sessions will provide a welcome and inclusive space to view and discuss art. The two sessions (on 13th May & 20th May) will explore different artworks and discussions will include colour, brush strokes, line, shape and what thoughts or words the works evoke. It is not about art knowledge, however, individuals will improve their creative knowledge, experience and further expand their…
Find out more »ONLINE WORKSHOP: An introduction to Hand Weaving with Naoimh Larkin
This two-evening workshop is designed to be a playful, colourful, carefree learning experience, where you will learn the basics of hand weaving. You will learn how to set up a hand loom, how to read and create weaving patterns, gain a better understanding of yarns, their properties, textures and learn how to mix and blend colour while weaving your own unique textile sample piece. Alongside your tutorial, you will learn some handy tips and tricks when it comes to starting…
Find out more »ONLINE WORKSHOP: An introduction to Hand Weaving with Naoimh Larkin
This two-evening workshop is designed to be a playful, colourful, carefree learning experience, where you will learn the basics of hand weaving. You will learn how to set up a hand loom, how to read and create weaving patterns, gain a better understanding of yarns, their properties, textures and learn how to mix and blend colour while weaving your own unique textile sample piece. Alongside your tutorial, you will learn some handy tips and tricks when it comes to starting…
Find out more »June 2021
WORKSHOP: Crochet for Beginners – Make a Rainbow!
During this workshop participants will learn basic crochet stitches, how to read a simple pattern and how to crochet their own rainbow. Each participant will be provided with the materials to create their rainbow along with additional yarn to practice some simple stitches. Workshop will be led by Helen Whiteley. Helen is a self-taught fibre artist with over 10 years experience and has worked as a sample crocheter/knitter. Workshop details: This workshop is for adults and is two hours in duration, 7:30pm-9:30pm…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Crochet for Beginners – Make a Rainbow!
During this workshop participants will learn basic crochet stitches, how to read a simple pattern and how to crochet their own rainbow. Each participant will be provided with the materials to create their rainbow along with additional yarn to practice some simple stitches. Workshop will be led by Helen Whiteley. Helen is a self-taught fibre artist with over 10 years experience and has worked as a sample crocheter/knitter. Workshop details: This workshop is for adults and is two hours in duration, 7:30pm-9:30pm…
Find out more »FAMILY: Observational Storytelling with Sarah Bowie
In this online tutorial with cartoonist, writer, and co-founder of The Comics Lab Sarah Bowie, Sarah will show how to take ordinary, everyday life and turn it into material for compelling storytelling! Use this as an opportunity to look beyond the surface of our seemingly mundane lives, and find the potential stories within. Sarah will explore different ways of observing - observing ourselves (our moods, thoughts, activities and conversations); observing others (family members, neighbours, strangers, wildlife and pets), and observing…
Find out more »FAMILY: Opowiadania Super Paua/ Warsztat Rodzinny
In this workshop we’ll be listening to KLOSZ, one of the Opowiadania Super Paua, and doing a creative task together. KLOSZ is the exciting story of a child and their aunt on a train journey, who discover the train is filled with magical creatures on a mission of their own... This event will be delivered in Polish and English. Following the event, you will receive a link to the rest of the stories for you and your family to enjoy.…
Find out more »July 2021
Outdoor Poetry Workshop with Nell Regan
We are delighted to present an outdoor poetry workshop with poet Nell Regan, in the beautiful surroundings of the Japanese Gardens. Starting with a tour of the famous gardens at the Irish National Stud, participants will be encouraged to capture their surroundings through writing exercises and to write their own short nature poems. No experience of writing poetry is necessary to take part. As this is a partnership with Irish National Stud, the entrance fee to the Japanese Gardens (usually €14) will…
Find out more »September 2021
Work-in-Progress & Workshop: WATERBIRTH
Waterbirth – A Work-in-Progress Performance Come and join Darn Skippy Productions for this work-in-progress presentation of Waterbirth, a new play about motherhood and climate change – and join the company live on ZOOM immediately afterwards for a feedback session and creative workshop. Marina is pregnant and the climate is in crisis. But she’s fine. Everything is fine. She can look after everyone and fix everything, all while practicing her pelvic floor exercises. But as Marina’s body transforms, her sense of reality shifts…
Find out more »January 2022
WORKSHOP: Songwriting with Laura Walsh
Children aged 5-12 are invited to join Laura Walsh as we create a brand new song! Using a variety of percussion instruments and fun, easy to use software, we will create our song as a team. Making beats and backing music is easier than you think, and we can write our song about anything you like! About Laura Walsh: Laura Walsh is a music therapist, teacher and gigging musician who has been playing and writing/recording music for 10 years. She…
Find out more »February 2022
DRAWING WORKSHOP: ‘INVISIBLE CORDS’ with Clodagh Kelly
In this drawing workshop with Visual Artist Clodagh Kelly, participants will be invited to take a ‘Cord’ and create an artwork inspired by the materials and the exhibition. Themes from nature may be explored, others may want to look at a personal response to their experience of social media, how we experience choice, materialism, freedom or humanity, the human form, the right to privacy, voice hearing or other social norms. We now live in very different communities since Covid, with different social norms, what…
Find out more »April 2022
Drawing Workshop: Invisible Cords with Clodagh Kelly
We now live in very different communities since Covid, with different social norms, what are the Cords that keep us separate or together? In this series of drawing workshops with Visual Artist Clodagh Kelly, participants will be invited to take a ‘Cord’ and create an artwork inspired by the materials. Themes from nature may be explored, others may want to look at a personal response to their experience of social media, how we experience choice, materialism, freedom or humanity, the…
Find out more »Workshop Week: BrickFlicks Stop Motion Animation
In this special BrickFlicks Stop Motion Animation Camp, learn how to make your own mini Lego movie! "Wizards & Spells" or "Superheroes in Action" ? What will you choose to make your story come alive? All it takes is a mobile device and your imagination! With plenty of hands-on learning and simple demonstrations, Createschool will take you on a journey from having a cool idea to making it into an awesome movie. You will learn the different elements of stop…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Exquisite Portraits – Tactile Insects with Jennifer O’Brien
Exquisite Portraits: our world’s tiniest creatures show their many faces! Taking inspiration from the magical world of insects we will explore their many innovative and often colourful adaptations to life (better than fantasy fiction in many cases). Selecting from a mix of nature's treasures — a collection of the curious and the ordinary, made extraordinary by a combined use of mixed media. The workshop will provide participants with the creative tools to make their own unique botanical beast. In this…
Find out more »May 2022
Drawing Workshop: Invisible Cords with Clodagh Kelly
We now live in very different communities since Covid, with different social norms, what are the Cords that keep us separate or together? In this series of drawing workshops with Visual Artist Clodagh Kelly, participants will be invited to take a ‘Cord’ and create an artwork inspired by the materials. Themes from nature may be explored, others may want to look at a personal response to their experience of social media, how we experience choice, materialism, freedom or humanity, the…
Find out more »June 2022
Drawing Workshop: Invisible Cords with Clodagh Kelly
We now live in very different communities since Covid, with different social norms, what are the Cords that keep us separate or together? In this series of drawing workshops with Visual Artist Clodagh Kelly, participants will be invited to take a ‘Cord’ and create an artwork inspired by the materials. Themes from nature may be explored, others may want to look at a personal response to their experience of social media, how we experience choice, materialism, freedom or humanity, the…
Find out more »FAMILY: CBI Book Clinic
Are you a young reader? Looking for a new series to delve into? Feeling uninspired by your bookshelves at home? Then pop along to Children’s Books Ireland Book Clinic! Chat to the Book Doctor, consult on your favourite reads and leave with a prescription for your next book which you can take to your local bookshop or library! Children’s Books Ireland Book Doctors give guidance about books to children and their families. Based on an informal chat, the white coat-clad…
Find out more »CHILDRENS WORKSHOP: Monster Doodle
Join the Doodle Doctor in making a massive Monster Doodle! What kind of monster do you imagine? Are they friendly or scary? How many eyes so they have? How many tongues? Noses?! The Doodle Doctor will be on-hand to help you take part in a massive collaborative drawing on a giant piece of paper. Grab some colours and join in! You’ll have as much space as you want to let your imagination run wild! Monster doodle sessions take place at…
Find out more »FAMILY: Ta Tum Tum!
Ta Tum Tum is an educational music performance with 4 piece band, designed for children and their adults to explore popular music with a Brazilian twist in a creative, integrative and fun way! The performance will be followed by a workshop where children will have a chance to play real instruments from Brazil and learn different rhythms used in Brazilian music. Ta Tum Tum! has been funded by Kildare County Council and Creative Ireland, and is a part of Cruinniu…
Find out more »July 2022
WORKSHOP: Artzone Summer Camp 2022
Artzone are back in the venue! Students aged 5-12 years will cover a range of art projects including painting, drawing, materials manipulation and clay construction, with lots of personal design and creativity input. The theme for this year will be ‘Summer Time Fun’ Our camps are run by qualified art teachers, with strict safety protocols, but the same high Artzone standards of art and design. The workshops, for 5-8 years & 9-12 years, runs from the 4th – 8th July…
Find out more »SUMMER CAMP: Songwriting with Megan O’Neill
Chart topping and multi-award winning singer- songwriter Megan O’Neill is hosting a week long musical workshop for young people aged 9-12 years exploring songwriting, lyric writing, collaborating and performance. Each student will write at least one full song in these four days (although some will write more) and there will be the option to design your own artwork and record your song towards the end of the workshop. The week will explore the following: · An introduction to songwriting. What…
Find out more »September 2022
WORKSHOP: Drawing Workshop with Clodagh Kelly
This series of Autumn Drawing Workshops invites experienced and non-experienced artists to explore drawing. Just bring yourself and join a creative, friendly and supportive environment at Riverbank Arts Centre, where you can explore drawing and find your own unique creative voice, facilitated by visual artist Clodagh Kelly. All materials provided.
Find out more »CULTURE NIGHT: Fighting Words Creative Writing Workshop
Interested in writing? Want to explore different worlds and characters? Join Fighting Words Kildare in Riverbank Arts Centre on Culture Night, for an adult creative writing workshop. Fighting Words workshops are full of creativity as you will write original stories collectively and individually with the help of Fighting Words mentors. Warning: you will have a good laugh while getting some writing done! 6.30-8.00pm Part of Riverbank Arts Centres programme for Culture Night 2022
Find out more »CULTURE NIGHT: Under the Palms Music Workshop
Under the palms is a rhythm workshop using Brazilian instruments, to include agogo, caxixi, pandeiro, surdo and many more. The workshop will be led by two Brazilian percussionists, Marcio Tarktarov and William Kanela, and a jazz drummer Miles Ronayne. No prior music experience needed. Artists: Marcio Tarktarov, William Kanela, Miles Ronayne. Duration: 45min Part of Riverbank Arts Centre programme for Culture Night 2022
Find out more »October 2022
WORKSHOP: Make a Flipbook Animation!
Learn how to make your very own flipbook animation with our Make a Flipbook Workshop! Flipbooks are ideal for those interested in drawing, illustration and cartoons and a great introduction into the world of hand-drawn animation. You will learn how to use the basic principles of hand drawn animation to make your own creations come to life. The workshop is a mixture of live demonstrations, easy to follow drawing guides and practical hands-on creativity. All materials are provided and you…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Drawing Workshop with Clodagh Kelly
This series of Autumn Drawing Workshops invites experienced and non-experienced artists to explore drawing. Just bring yourself and join a creative, friendly and supportive environment at Riverbank Arts Centre, where you can explore drawing and find your own unique creative voice, facilitated by visual artist Clodagh Kelly. All materials provided.
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Samhain Illustration Workshop with Brian Fitzgerald
Join illustrator and Kildare native Brian Fitzgerald for a fun workshop exploring the basics of designing, sketching and illustrating scary (or not) characters for your own Halloween story. Children will also have an opportunity to make their own Halloween mask. This workshop is suitable for any child who likes to draw, doodle and paint! Duration 90 mins | Ages 8-12 years About the Artist Brian Fitzgerald is an experienced and professional illustrator based in Dublin. A graduate of the National…
Find out more »November 2022
WORKSHOP: BrickFlicks Stop Motion Animation Halloween Camp
In this special Halloween BrickFlicks Stop Motion Animation Camp, witches will fly, houses will be haunted and graves will be creepy as you learn how to make your own spooky animations. With plenty of hands-on learning and simple demonstrations, Createschool will take you on a journey from having a cool idea to making it into an awesome movie. You will learn the different elements of stop motion animation as well as how to create sets, storyboards and plan for your…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Drawing Workshop with Clodagh Kelly
This series of Autumn Drawing Workshops invites experienced and non-experienced artists to explore drawing. Just bring yourself and join a creative, friendly and supportive environment at Riverbank Arts Centre, where you can explore drawing and find your own unique creative voice, facilitated by visual artist Clodagh Kelly. All materials provided.
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Glitch Art with Katie Whyte
Discover Data Bending and Glitch Art with Artist Katie Whyte. Katie Whyte is an artist who uses data insertion to create glitches in digital photography and video (Glitch Art, Data Moshing and Data Bending). In this workshop Katie will introduce and explore the topic of Glitch and Glitch Art. Participants will then be guided through the process making their own unique glitch artworks. Participants should bring their own laptops if possible. Duration: 2hrs Katie Whyte is a Kildare based artist…
Find out more »December 2022
WORKSHOP: Wet Felting with Tamzen Lundy
In this fun morning, children will learn the basics of wet felting, the worlds oldest form of textile making. This is a fabulous introduction to a very sensory craft, suitable for beginners. There will be plenty of soapy bubbles and soft fibres. Roll up your sleeves and rub a dub dub! 10am Magic Wand Pencils 7-9 years Tamzen will introduce the group to the basics of wet felting, then move on to felting around a pencil, each student will go…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Wet Felting with Tamzen Lundy
In this fun morning, children will learn the basics of wet felting, the worlds oldest form of textile making. This is a fabulous introduction to a very sensory craft, suitable for beginners. There will be plenty of soapy bubbles and soft fibres. Roll up your sleeves and rub a dub dub! 10am Magic Wand Pencils 7-9 years Tamzen will introduce the group to the basics of wet felting, then move on to felting around a pencil, each student will go…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Christmas Felting Workshop with Tamzen Lundy
Make your very own Scandinavian style Santa Claus! Your Santa Claus can be used as a wine bottle topper to gift to a neighbour or to dress your own Christmas table! Adult participants will be introduced to a few wet felting techniques, including an introduction to wet felting in 3D. All materials will be provided and each participant will take away their Santa project. This is an easy, fun and practical workshop suitable for beginners and those that would like…
Find out more »SCHOOLS WORKSHOP: Tamzen Lundy Wet Felting Workshop
In this fun morning, children will learn the basics of wet-felting, the worlds oldest form of textile making. This is a fabulous introduction to a very sensory craft, suitable for beginners. There will be plenty of soapy bubbles and soft fibres. Roll up your sleeves and rub a dub dub! Tamzen (former chairperson Feltmakers Ireland and textile professional of 20yrs+ experience with experience teaching in schools as well as herding her own 3 free range kids) will introduce the group…
Find out more »January 2023
FIRST FORTNIGHT: Mark Making Workshop with Martina McDonald
Join visual artist Martina McDonald for an evening of mark making. In the workshop you will be encouraged to create a mess with art materials! The practice of mark making is simple, fun and often calming. Martina will guide you through a range of ways to create different marks and textures on paper. These elements can then be collaged together, or simply just created for the fun of it. Zero experience necessary, curiosity is encouraged. Participants are reminded that this…
Find out more »ARTIST TALK: Freedom of Choice Panel Discussion & Workshop
Curated by visual artist Clodagh Kelly, Freedom of Choice exhibition offers a glimpse into the lives of ten women. Created by ten participating artists, the exhibition explores a range of topics including mental health, psychiatry and journeys of healing, nature, fertility, childbirth, visibility, homelessness and violence. Join the artists for a panel discussion (7pm) prompted by Freedom of Choice, chaired by Dr. Brid Connolly (writer and former Tutor with the Department of Adult & Community Education, NUIM). All welcome. The…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: The Ballad of Freaked Out Freddy – Interactive Storytelling with Paul Timoney
The Ballad Of Freaked Out Freddy begins with a little story about a normally, happy-go-lucky lad named Freddy who gets some rather spiky thoughts from time. He tries a couple of tricks to smooth out those spiky thoughts, but it's not always easy to come up with ways to do so by oneself, so it might be handy if twenty or so children, aged between 7 to 10, would come along and give Freddy a hand. This performance/workshop will use…
Find out more »February 2023
WORKSHOP: Make a Flipbook Animation Workshop
Imbolc marks the beginning of Spring and what better way to celebrate this traditional Gaelic festival than by bringing some Celtic mythology and designs to life. Join animator Joseph Orr for this 90-minute workshop where you will learn to create your own Flipbook animation. Flipbooks are ideal for those interested in drawing and animation. You will learn how to use the basic principles of hand drawn animation to make your own creations come to life. The workshop is a mixture…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Carding with Keith
Join Keith Walsh for a workshop of card-making and mindfulness. Rediscover the joy and fun of drawing, colouring and writing, while creating original cards for yourself and for loved ones. Over this 90-minute workshop, you can take time out to think about yourself and your life, and meet new people in a friendly environment. Suitable for grown-ups of all ages, no art or drawing experience is necessary. All art materials provided. Keith Walsh is a Radio & TV Broadcaster and…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: BrickFlicks Stop Motion Animation Camp
In this special BrickFlicks Stop Motion Animation Camp, learn all the basics of how to animate in stop motion using your favourite LEGO character. Shoot spells, fight superheroes, blast rockets or fall through portals, use your imagination to make your very own movies. With plenty of hands-on learning and simple demonstrations, Createschool will take you on a journey from having a cool idea to making it into an awesome movie. You will learn the different elements of stop motion animation…
Find out more »WORKSHP: BrickFlicks Level-Up Camp
Have you already become a BrickFlicks animator? Then it’s time to level up! Bring your animating skills to the next level by learning what it is like to make your very own movie from start to finish. Build on the skills you have already made by learning about lighting and animating special effects as well as how to storyboard a short movie, create camera angles and how to create bigger and better sets. All you need is your imagination! This…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Children’s Yoga & Storytelling Fun with Johnny Magory
Join the author of the popular Adventures of Johnny Magory series, Emma-Jane Leeson, and renowned children’s yoga teacher Sarah Cahill from Play Like Apes for storytelling, music and yoga fun. Suitable for up to 8 years, the interactive, movement based workshop will revolve around Johnny Magory’s outdoor adventures with the children recreating the wildlife yoga poses from the story. There’ll be music, dancing and lots and lots of fun, playful movement. Grown-ups are welcome to participate with their child or just observe…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Creative Writing Workshop with Children’s Author Emma-Jane Leeson
Join the author of the popular Adventures of Johnny Magory series, Emma-Jane Leeson for a 90 minute creative writing workshop suitable for young writers aged 8-12 years. This fun, engaging workshop will help the children to stretch their imaginations and develop characters and plots. Duration 90 mins.
Find out more »March 2023
WORKSHOP: Cloud Drawing & Illustration Workshop with Chris Judge
Join author/ illustrator Chris Judge and create your own ‘Daily Cloud’ illustrations. A Daily Cloud is a series of illustrations created by Chris based on his online cloud drawings. Let your imagination wonder in the clouds, observe and draw the fantastical friendly creatures hiding in the clouds and discover their exciting stories in a relaxed and fun environment. All materials provided. 10am - 6-8 year olds, €8, duration 45 mins. 11:30am - 9-12 year olds, €10, duration 60 mins
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Cloud Drawing & Illustration Workshop with Chris Judge
Join author/ illustrator Chris Judge and create your own ‘Daily Cloud’ illustrations. A Daily Cloud is a series of illustrations created by Chris based on his online cloud drawings. Let your imagination wonder in the clouds, observe and draw the fantastical friendly creatures hiding in the clouds and discover their exciting stories in a relaxed and fun environment. All materials provided. 10am - 6-8 year olds, €8, duration 45 mins. 11:30am - 9-12 year olds, €10, duration 60 mins
Find out more »