GWELEN: WOODWORKING WORKSHOP - NEWLYN ART GALLERY

23 Sep 2021

10:00 — 12:30

Newlyn Art Gallery

Join artist Emma Smith and Nick Jarvis, Director of Working Woodlands Cornwall, to learn about the submerged forest in Mount’s Bay and create a unique wooden walking stick or staff, that’s100% personal to you.

Starting with the raw materials, we will introduce you to the different properties of wood types: their physical nature and their associations with folklore and healing. From this you can choose a stick that suits you. Learn about how humans may have lived with the forest in Mount’s Bay before it submerged and how Working Woodlands Cornwall sustainably harvest wood from local woodlands today, to improve habitat and increase biodiversity.

You will be introduced to a range of woodworking tools, including the carving knife, drawknife, gimlet and shavehorse, so that you can transform your stick into something that feels smooth in your hand and perfect to lean on. You will explore methods of decoration, from simple rustic patterns, to incorporating runes, or attaching other natural objects such as feathers or beads. Finally we will finish the sticks with a coat of oil to bring out the grain in the wood and help preserve them against the weather.

* The sticks we will make will be decorative and are not designed as physical aids.

YOUR HOST: Emma Smith is an international award-winning artist. Her project Gwelen is a new artwork commissioned for Mount’s Bay Coastal Path.
YOUR TUTOR: Nick Jarvis is Director of Working Woodlands Cornwall. He is passionate about integrating farming and forestry to create a biodiverse, productive future.
WHAT TO WEAR: This workshop will take place outside the Gallery in Bolitho Garden. Please check the forecast on the day and dress accordingly.
MEET: Newlyn Art Gallery. (In the case of extreme weather the workshop will be postponed and participants will be notified as soon as possible.)
WHAT TO BRING: We will provide everything you need, but you might like to bring items that have personal significance to you to attach to your finished walking stick / staff, e.g. feathers, beads, pendants, charms, etc. if this feels important.

There will be an element of tool sharing. Hand sanitiser will be provided, but please bring your own if you prefer.

FREE, but booking essential as places are limited

Gwelen is part of the EXPERIENCE project, which promotes experiential tourism and sustainable economic growth during October to March. Cornwall’s funding will support activities that encourage a sustainable cultural tourism approach. Connecting visitors with the distinct historical, geographical and cultural assets of the local area.  It aims to leave a positive impact for the community and visitors alike.

Due to run until June 2023, the project is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Interreg France (Channel) England Programme under the Natural and Cultural Heritage funding category.