Try your hand at fused glass - the perfect Mother's Day treat! Led by a friendly tutor from Kimoci Glass, you’ll be shown how to make a stunning fused glass bowl using Bullseye sheet glass, frits, powders and metal inclusions. Your bowl will be taken away to be fired and you’ll be able to collect it at a later date. The workshop is suitable for complete beginners and those who already have some experience working with glass. Please bring your own refreshments - there will be a break during the session. Suitable for adults and teens aged 16+ Personal Assistant / Carer to a disabled adult goes free but requires a ticket. This event is part of a series of glass classes by Kimoci Glass.

Make your own festive floral arrangement to decorate your table this Christmas season. Professional florist Hollie Summers-Stafford of Button Rose Floral Design will guide you through the process to make something truly unique and festive. You'll design and make your own large freestanding arrangement using fresh spruce. There'll also be fun little decorations to add in, such as silver and gold embellishments, baubles, and bows. Your arrangement will last the festive season - it'll make a creative addition to your decor, or a beautiful gift! This workshop is suitable for ages 5 to adult. You don't need to have children in your group to attend. Make your own arrangement; or work on one together as a family / couple. Ideal if you're looking for a multi generational festive activity! When booking, please select the number of centrepieces you wish to make, and then the number of people in your group. Ticket options: We have different tickets available, depending on how many people are making the centrepiece together: Suitable for ages 5 to adult. Children must be supported by an adult.

You'll be given two freshly baked cookies and one freshly baked gingerbread to decorate with a festive theme. Using a range of brightly coloured icing, The Cookie Fairy will guide you through simple step-by-step instructions to create your own miniature edible 'paintings,' beautifully themed for the season. Finally, using a fine layer of edible shimmer, you’ll complete your creations. Please note, this workshop does not involve baking - you will be given freshly baked cookies, handmade by The Cookie Fairy.

You'll be given two freshly baked cookies and one freshly baked gingerbread to decorate with a festive theme. The Cookie Fairy will guide you, using step-by-step instructions, to learn the art ‘flooding’ your cookies - creating a fine/even layer of icing which will be your background. Then, using a range of brightly coloured icing (of varied thicknesses) you’ll create miniature edible 'paintings,' beautifully themed for the season. Finally, using a fine layer or edible shimmer, you’ll complete your creations - this also helps to seal the icing. Please note, this workshop does not involve baking - you'll be given freshly baked cookies, handmade by The Cookie Fairy.

Needle felting is the process of transforming un-spun wool into 3D objects, using a barbed needle. It's a bit like sculpting with wool, and very satisfying because you can create unique and impressive results quickly. Come along to enjoy some relaxing creativity in the beautiful surroundings of the gallery. A friendly tutor will guide you through the process of creating your own freestanding pumpkin: perfect for celebrating the season. Attend one or both classes. Suitable for beginners. No sewing experience necessary. Suitable for teens and adults.

Needle felting is the process of transforming un-spun wool into 3D objects, using a barbed needle. It's a bit like sculpting with wool, and very satisfying because you can create unique and impressive results quickly. Come along to enjoy some relaxing creativity in the beautiful surroundings of the gallery. A friendly tutor will guide you through the process of creating your own freestanding toadstool: perfect for celebrating the season. There will be plenty of opportunity to add your own embellishments to make something that's really characterful and unique.

A fun-filled 1 hour session led by our friendly Early Years specialist, Steph. Each session is based around a theme found in the artworks, such as colour, texture, line and animals. Best suited to 2 - 5 year olds but younger siblings and older Home Educated children also welcome. Discover the gallery with your little ones, and support their early development in a fun and relaxed way. In these sessions, families will discover the artworks, get creative with a range of art materials, and explore the gallery together. There'll be stories, songs, and fun creative activities - all designed to actively engage pre-schoolers with the gallery. We'll gather for stories and singing. No need to sit still for long though - we'll be going exploring, doing treasure hunts around the gallery, and playing creatively to help us discover the artworks on display. At each session you'll make something to take home, using a wide range of art materials, including ones that the children may not have tried before. After the session, please enjoy the gallery at your leisure. We provide space for families to enjoy a packed lunch. If you want a cafe, the nearest is at Gateshead Central Library, just along the street. Best suited to 2 - 5 year olds but younger siblings and older Home Educated children also welcome. Please book a ticket for all children who'll be participating. Sibling discount available. One adult per participating child, due to space restrictions. Disabled parents may bring a PA / Carer for support - please book relevant ticket. Sessions run fortnightly on Tuesdays, with a break for school holidays. If you can, please consider purchasing a donation ticket or leaving a donation when you book today. We rely on the generosity of our visitors to help us keep art and heritage at the heart of the North East. Thank you.

Join us for a monthly Saturday art class for 7-12 year olds and their grown ups. We understand that some young people may be older than 12 but find the class age appropriate due to SEND - please contact [email protected] if this applies to you. At each session you'll be taught by a professional artist, and will try different techniques such as watercolours, ceramics, mixed media, drawing and more. Session Themes: 17 May: 'Gods Eyes' weaving,and decorative patterns 14 June: Ships on the Tyne, Futurist painting 12 July: Insect Screenprint During the summer holidays there will be a class every Tuesday, see separate listing on Shipley Art Gallery website. 13 September: A clay recepticle based on objects and paintings in the gallery 18 October: Spooky castle in charcoal 15 Nov: Create a colourful Rangoli for Diwali 13 Dec: Winter animals step-by-step Accompanying adults are encouraged to join in - the class is a great opportunity for families to enjoy creative time together. Our artist has extensive experience of working with young people including those with SEND and Neurodiversities. These sessions will be designed to be welcoming and inclusive for all. Classes take place once a month and can be booked as one-offs. Choose a morning or afternoon session. Important: - Each child must have a child's ticket. If there is not enough availability, please try another session. - Children cannot attend on an adult's ticket. - Accompanying adults need an adult's ticket. Suitable for ages 7 - 12. - Accompanying younger siblings and babies cannot be admitted. - All children must be accompanied by an adult. - Families are welcome to bring a snack and drink. If you can, please consider purchasing a donation ticket or leaving a donation when you book today. We rely on the generosity of our visitors to help us keep art and heritage at the heart of the North East. Thank you.

At each session you'll be taught by a professional artist, and will try different techniques such as watercolours, ceramics, mixed media, drawing and more. Session Themes: 22 July: Mask Making:Make a Mardi Gras mask, using collage and colourful papers. Mardi Gras is a carnival celebration, where parade performers wear flamboyant, decorative masks. Brazil, Venice and New Orleans play host to some of the holidays most famous public festivities, drawing thousands of tourists and revellers every year. Although Mardi Gras has its origins in Christianity, this is a non-religious activity. Our focus will be on colourful and decorative mask making, in a way that is inclusive for all. 29 July: Hand Puppets: Design your own character and make it talk with your fingers. 12 August: Tiger drawing:Learn how to draw a tiger, with step-by-step demonstration by the tutor. 19 August:Artstraw Figures:Design your own costume to dress your figures. 26 August: Weaving:Make 'gods' eyes' using brightly coloured wool and lolly sticks. Accompanying adults are encouraged to join in - the class is a great opportunity for families to enjoy creative time together. Our artist has extensive experience of working with young people including those with SEND and Neurodiversities. These sessions will be designed to be welcoming and inclusive for all. Important: Each child must have a child's ticket. If there is not enough availability, please try another session. Children cannot attend on an adult's ticket. Accompanying adults need an adult's ticket. Suitable for ages 7 - 12. Accompanying younger siblings and babies cannot be admitted. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Families are welcome to bring a snack and drink. If you can, please consider purchasing a donation ticket or leaving a donation when you book today. We rely on the generosity of our visitors to help us keep art and heritage at the heart of the North East. Thank you.

Needle felting is the process of transforming un-spun wool into 3D objects, using a barbed needle. It's a bit like sculpting with wool, and very satisfying because you can create unique and impressive results quickly. Come along to one or both of these classes, and enjoy some relaxing creativity in the beautiful surroundings of the gallery. A friendly tutor will guide you through the process of creating your own gingerbread men and snowmen Christmas decorations: perfect for celebrating the season. There will be plenty of opportunity to add your own embellishments to make something that's really characterful and unique. Sessions: Snowman tree decoration - Friday 7 November. Gingerbread man tree decoration - Friday 21 November. Attend one or both classes. Suitable for beginners. No sewing experience necessary. Suitable for teens and adults. If you are a wheelchair user and require information about the height of the tables please contact [email protected]

Our Christmas Craft Markets return for 2025. Local artists and makers are invited to book a stall for one or both dates: Saturday 29 November 2025. Saturday 6 December 2025. Requirements: Public Liability Insurance to the value of 5m. No edible items may be sold. Our cafe must be the only food offer on site. Additional information: All items sold must be original and handmade. Recommended pricing of items (based on feedback of previous events): 3 - 50. You may book a maximum of one stall, so that we have 20 different stalls at each event. Your stall will be one trestle table supplied by us. We cannot guarantee access to a plug socket. Payment by cash or card must be accepted and you are responsible for all tech and cashflow. Makers and artists who meet the above requirements may book a stall. Please select your date and arrival time. The event on both dates runs 11am - 3pm. You can choose to arrive at 9.45am or 10am.

A Christmas wreath workshop for adults (16+). Design and make your own fresh Christmas wreath with a professional florist. With a demonstration and guidance from Hollie at Button Rose Floral Design, this workshop is suitable for beginners. All materials will be provided, including a range of different fresh foliage, ribbons, dried fruits, baubles and more, so you can personalise your wreath in the colours you like. Whether you love colourful maximalism, or prefer something stylish and understated - your wreath will be truly unique and beautiful. A fun, creative workshop, sure to get you feeling festive! Suitable for adults aged 16+.

Get creative under the guidance of professional florist Hollie, of Button Rose Floral Design. You'll design and make your own freestanding basket arrangement, using fresh flowers and foliage. There'll also be fun little decorations to add in if you wish, to make it really festive. Your floral basket will be perfect for gifting or using as your own seasonal decor. Ticket options: We have different tickets available, depending on how many people are making the centrepiece together: 1 person making 1 centrepiece. 2 people making 1 centrepiece. 3 people making 1 centrepiece. Suitable for ages 5 - adult. Perfect as a multi-generational activity. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Every person attending requires a ticket - the charge is per basket not per person.

Family Crafting takes place every Thursday in the summer holidays, plus Tuesday 5 August. Come along to make crafts to take home. Our friendly staff will be on hand to guide you, and there'll be plenty of opportunity for children to use their own creativity! Thursday 24 July: Make a delicious ice cream picture using watercolours. Thursday 31 July: Make a seaside scene using a paper plate and coloured paper. Tuesday 5 August: Use watercolours to create a calming abstract artwork featuring circular patterns. Thursday 7 August: Be inspired by the patterns in the gallery, and make a striped or patterned picture using tissue paper. Thursday 14 August: Make a portrait with colourful hair, using folded and cut paper. Thursday 21 August: Be inspired by the bird pictures on display, and make your own tropical bird using paper and feathers. Thursday 28 August: Make a sunset silhouette picture, using pastels and paper. Recommended for age 3+ supported by an adult. Advance booking essential. There are two ticket types: - Joint ticket for one child and one adult. Select this for every child in your party. - Additional adult ticket - for an adult joining an adult + child pair.

Create your own stunning hand embroidered autumn landscape, under the guidance of textile artist Louise Goult. Layer and piece fabrics together to create the background, then add detail using hand embroidery, embellishments and a variety of threads. Suitable for beginners and those with some embroidery experience. For ages 16 - adult. 30 (free carer / personal assistant tickets available).

This is a 2 week course. You must attend both Saturday 1 Nov and 8 Nov 2025. Choose between: morning class (10.30am - 12.45pm )or afternoon class (1.15pm - 3.30pm). You must attend at the same times on each date. Acrylic pouring is a fascinating way to make abstract art. Pour liquid acrylic paint onto a surface and tilt it gently, making the paint flow into a completely unique abstract design. You'll return for the second week to add embellishments and resin seal your piece. The result will be a unique and decorative, fully functional serving board (30 x 24.5 x 1.5cm) which is food safe. This is a 2 week course to recreate a nature theme by upcycling a serving board. Amaze your guests by serving food on one of the following themed boards designed by you: 1. Christmas tree themed with candy canes and baubles. Polymer clay will be provided to create the decorations along with other embellishments. 2. Candy cane themed with Christmas holly or your choice of embellishments/polymer clay. 3. Christmas themed geode, with glitter and gems Artist Rebekah Scott will guide you through the process. In week 1, you'll do the acrylic pouring and create your embellishments. In week 2, you'll add the embellishments and resin seal the piece. The finished serving board will be fully functional and ready to collect from Shipley Art Gallery from Saturday 22 November. They'll will make a lovely gift, or item for your seasonal table. Suitable for ages 16+

Try your hand at fused glass in this workshop with Kimoci Glass. Under the guidance of a friendly tutor, you'll make some beautiful glass Christmas decorations using coloured Bullseye sheet glass, frits or metal inclusions. Workshops are suitable for absolute beginners and those with some experience of working with glass. Materials and equipment are provided. Pieces will be taken away to be fired and will need to be collected at a later date from the venue. Please bring your own refreshments - there will be a break during the sessions. Suitable for adults and teens aged 16+ This event is part of a series of glass classes by Kimoci Glass.

Make your own unique pottery pumpkin with ceramicist Beth Huttly. In this three hour session you'll learn a range of ceramic skills, and make your own pottery pumpkin using clay. All materials & tools included. Guided by artist Beth Huttly who is a qualified ceramic teacher. All abilities welcome, no experience needed. Create and keep your own pottery pumpkin. Glazed in your choice of colours. Ready for collection before Halloween! You'll decide on the colour scheme using a wide variety of glazes that we provide. Your pumpkins will then be fired in the kiln and will be available for collection from the Shipley approximately three weeks later. Age suitability and tickets: Best suited to adults and teens. Children age 7+ welcome, but please note it is a 3 hour class. All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Adults who are just accompanying go free. Participating adults require a ticket. Carers / adults supporting a disabled participant go free but must book.

Our popular Under 5s Fun Day is back! Enjoy fun, imaginative and educational activities in the beautiful gallery. Explore the gallery and enjoy free-flow activities at your own pace. Everything's tailored to little ones and our friendly Early Years specialists are on hand to guide you. Your ticket includes access to: 2 crafting activity stations - Have fun with the Shipley Art Gallery's Early Years' specialists and make two fabulous crafts to take home. Gateshead Library pop-up - a cosy space to enjoy books together, provided by our friends at Gateshead Library. Sensory Space - a space to relax and regulate; engage the senses; stim; or simply explore a creative environment. The Sensory Space is a new permanent addition to the gallery so you can return to enjoy it any time! Activities are best suited to 2 - 5 year olds but all welcome. Accompanying adults go free. Useful to know: Event opens at 10.30am and runs until 12.30pm. Please allow at least 1 hour for your visit. Step-free access. Buggy parking. Open plan space with one door in and out. Eating and drinking is not permitted in the galleries but we have a designated area where you can eat your own snacks or packed lunch. Baby changing and accessible loo. On-street parking in front of the gallery; Blue Badge spaces in front of the gallery and on our driveway. Nearest bus stops are on Prince Consort Road and Durham Road. Nearest Metro: Gateshead Interchange (approx. 20 min walk / connecting bus). We hope to see you again - please see website for details of Crafty Kids (2-5 year olds) and Family Crafting (all ages).