Local graduate, Becca Harris, is kick-starting weekly creative workshops in Shirley, Solihull. The 24 year old, who lives with her partner, Chris, and four month old Springer Spaniel, Holly, graduated from the University of Worcester in 2013, with a First Class honours in Fine Art. She has since pursued her career in the arts, running a successful blog and selling hand-illustrated greeting cards, paintings and drawings on Etsy. In 2014, the artist also took part in a commissioned touring exhibition and engaged workshop program, set up by Salt road in partnership with Herefordshire County Council. The exhibition began touring in September 2014 across Museums and Libraries in the West Midlands. These included the Woolhope room, Hereford Library; The Commandery, Worcester; Winterbourne House and Gardens, Birmingham; The Library of Birmingham and Haden Hill House and Museum, Sandwell.
Now, Becca is keen to make her mark in the local community of Shirley, Solihull, where she has lived for just over a year. She said: “Art is definitely my passion. My time at the University of Worcester was fantastic and, since graduating three years ago, I have continued to pursue my interest in this area in a professional capacity. “I work four days a week at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity, and spend one day a week, plus weekends, working on my artistic practice. I write about art on my blog and have been thinking about setting up art workshops for a long time.
“Art is such a wonderful and versatile subject. It can help people express feelings and thoughts that they didn’t even realise they had. I really do believe anyone can do it! It’s not about looking at something on the wall of a prestigious London gallery, ‘umming’ and ‘ahhing’ over its purpose; it’s about feeling things yourself. Looking at an object or place, or thinking about an experience, and translating it into an image.
“My workshops are aimed at anyone interested in art. No experience is required - they don’t even have to have ever picked up a pencil or paintbrush before! It’s all about trying things out, being open minded and seeing what you can achieve.”
The workshops will take place weekly in Shirley, at Becca’s home work space, although there is no obligation to attend every week.
“It’s completely flexible. I want the workshops to be fun and engaging, not strict and unforgiving,” explained Becca. Basic materials and refreshments will also be provided, and there will be time for group discussion.
Classes run on Mondays, at 10-11.30am, or 1-2.30pm. To find out more or to book your place, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or go to www.artstheword.com/artworkshops
