October Half Term activities

From drawing and painting to clay, willow and street art, our half-term programme is packed with opportunities for children and families to try something new, make something brilliant and get a little messy along the way.

For our youngest visitors, Songs & Stories in the Gallery: Small Wonders offers a relaxed and playful introduction to art, with songs, stories and creative activities for families with under-2s, inspired by our current exhibition Small Wonders: Reimagining British Art.

Older children can discover the magic of light and shade in Learn to Draw: Tonal Drawing on Saturday 24 October. Resident artist Samantha Emmons will introduce ages 7–11 to observational drawing using graphite powder and pencils, exploring shape, form, depth and texture.

Then it’s time to get hands-on with Pinch Pot Pumpkins on Sunday 25 October. With Susie from Pots of Hope, children can use air-drying clay to create their own pumpkin-shaped pot before decorating it with acrylic paint. A perfect handmade addition to your autumn decorations!

For budding Banksys, Street Art with artist Kevin Waite offers 10–16-year-olds the chance to experiment with abstract painting and graffiti techniques. Learn how to spray paint with style and create a vibrant canvas artwork to take home.

There’s even more creativity to discover across our Holiday Art Club, running from Monday 26 to Thursday 29 October. These 3-hour drop-off workshops are a place for children aged 6–11 to explore drawing, painting, sculpture and a whole range of creative media – building skills, confidence and, most importantly, having fun making.

And if you fancy making something together, Illuminate The Base invites families with children aged 8+ to help us create decorative willow star lanterns. The self-led activity runs throughout the week, with everything you need provided and The Base team on hand to help. Your creations will become part of our festive illumination of The Base building later in the year.

Finally, get ready for Halloween with Spooky Willow Spiders on Friday 30 October. Ages 8–12 can learn traditional basket-making techniques as they shape natural willow into their very own creepy-crawly sculpture – approximately 30cm across and guaranteed to make an impression!

So, put down the tablet, leave the screens behind and come and make something together this half term.

With activities for little ones, independent young artists and creative families, there’s plenty to explore at The Base this October!