Forest and Cove launches children’s art workshops in Romsey

Forest and Cove, in Bell Street, will be extending its class schedule with sessions for budding artists aged 11 to 16.

The business will be trialling the new range of classes, including underwater illustrations, model-making, mythical creatures and jewellery making, throughout the summer holidays before deciding whether to make them a long-term feature.

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Owner and founder, Rebecca Barley, 34, said: “There are no other art classes for children in Romsey. We’ve always offered classes for adults but have been asked regularly if we’d do the same for kids.

“We wanted to local children a creative outlet. There are 40 per cent fewer pupils taking GCSE art now than in 2010. It’s really important for children to have a place where they can be creative and they can leave here with something they’re really proud of.

“I don’t know of anyone else who is offering jewellery making for this age group. We’re all really passionate about the topics we do here and it’s going to be really fun to introduce these classes to a younger age group.

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“Creativity flows into everything we do and hopefully this will help to take the pressure of everyday school life, it’s something that they will be choosing to do for them.”

The new classes follow the gift shop's announcement that it has reached the final of the Muddy Stilettos awards within the 'Best Art Gallery' in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight category.

The summer workshops are drop-off classes so parents don’t need to stay. Prices start from £35 a session with the first workshop being ‘create your own ring’ on Thursday, July 27 from 10am to midday.

For more information or to book go to forestandcove.co.uk/childrens-teens-workshops/.