History
Artblock is an East Midland’s based visual arts organisation which offers a wide range of services for people of all ages & abilities. Founded in 2001 by professional artists Stephen Coley & Diana Shepherd, Artblock has enabled thousands of people to participate in challenging and innovative arts projects. As each year passes Artblock has broadened its scope and evolved into a high quality viable organisation. We have now collaborated with other organisations and made links with many key individuals within the education & creative industries. Our hard work over the years has gained momentum and we are now at the stage where we have many opportunities to produce excellent work both independently and in collaboration with others. We strongly believe that art should be easily accessible & made available to all people & Artblock will continue to pursue these aims.
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Educational Workshops
Artblock has extensive experience delivering creative visual arts activities within Infant, Junior & Secondary schools. We’ve also ran workshops at Nurseries, Children’s Centres & Youth Clubs. The majority of projects undertaken develop both 2 & 3 dimensional visual art skills that are a vital & often neglected element to a pupil’s education. Through our experience, we have found there is a huge demand and need for sculptural skills and art forms that challenge at such a crucial stage of a child’s artistic development. Our workshops are delivered by professionally trained & experienced practitioners and are available as whole day or half day sessions. We tend to use school art materials where available, but will source any extra materials where necessary.
- Drawing (observational drawing, charcoal, graphite)
- Painting (watercolour painting, still life, colour theory)
- Collage (mixed media collage, Pop-Art, box-art, assemblage)
- Clay (clay & wire sculpture, ceramics)
- Abstract Art (Kandinsky, Miro, Mondrian)
- Sculpture (clay, wire, card, paper, plastic)
- Textiles (wall-hangings, mixed media collage)
- Photography
- Pastels
- Portraits
- Printing
Our educational work has always proved to be hugely successful & we pride ourselves on the terrific relationship we have with the many schools we’ve worked at. Artblock is a very approachable organisation and we’d be more than happy to discuss your particular needs or queries, either by email or telephone.
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Murals & Mosaics
Artblock has undertaken numerous mural & mosaic projects throughout the East Midlands region. Past projects have varied from indoor painted murals, to exterior painted panels as well as exterior wall & floor mosaics. Artblock is a passionate believer in the importance of showcasing art within educational establishments and strongly believes that the pupils & staff should have as much ownership on this art as is possible. Artblock will endeavour to let pupils or staff get involved in the design process of the mural work and where possible we will supervise hands on involvement with the work’s construction. Murals & mosaics are an exciting & vivid, long lasting addition to any environment.
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Staff training & Corporate work
Artblock can offer a varied & exciting range of staff-training & corporate activities, which can either be delivered on site or at Artblock’s Derby base on the historic Arboretum Park. Many teachers & adults are often a little wary of any art based activities & will often lack confidence in their own ability. Artblock strongly believes that art & creative activities are a powerful & very underrated tool and are certainly not something to be afraid of. Whether it’s creative corporate team-building days or more specific teacher-training sessions, Artblock will ensure that your session is as enjoyable & painless as possible.
