Holmfirth SketchWalks with Jo Blaker

Friday, 18 March 2022 13:00–15:00

Buy tickets from Eventbrite here

Friday 29 April 2022 13:00–15:00

Buy tickets from Eventbrite here

Pause, notice, feel & respond to your environment with creative exercises led by artist Jo Blaker on a short walk around Holmfirth.

Following a successful trial in January, FairTrader & Jo Blaker are delighted to offer a series of regular SketchWalk events.

MARCH WALK

Artist Paul Klee famously stated that "a line is a dot that went for a walk". Join Jo in March to take a line for a walk & much more, as we explore ways to look, ways to move & ways to mark our paper – what drawing is all about. We will focus on LINE as we take a gentle stroll around Holmfirth's streets, taking inspiration from the world around us. No prior drawing or art experience is necessary – more a willingness to engage with your sense of curiosity!

We will walk & draw together, stopping in a range of locations, trying a different technique in each. Jo will guide you through the activities & always be on hand to offer encouragement or guidance. We hope you'll come away feeling relaxed, creative & inspired!

APRIL WALK

Join Jo in April to connect with the season through a celebration of all things GREEN. Armed with mini sketchbooks & a carefully selected kit of materials we will explore ways to look, ways to move & ways to mark our paper - all while exploring Holmfirth. We will ask questions such as "When is green not green? When is green at its most green? Which green is the greenest green?"

No prior drawing or art experience is necessary - more a willingness to engage with your sense of curiosity!

We will walk & draw together, stopping in a range of locations, trying a different technique in each. Jo will guide you through the activities & always be on hand to offer encouragement or guidance. We hope you'll come away feeling relaxed, creative & inspired!

About your tutor

Jo is a visual artist with an interest in wellbeing, nature connection & drawing. Jo draws daily, from observation, using a variety of wet & dry media. Jo’s workshops support people of all ages & abilities on playful, creative journeys, incorporating structured activities designed to promote experimentation, observation & expression.

You can see her most recent work at www.instagram.com/jo_blaker or www.joblaker.com

Please note

• Meet inside FairTrader, ready to depart at our start time of 1pm. Come early and have a browse – there will be 10% off shop purchases for all participants in the SketchWalk!

• Check a forecast & dress accordingly – sturdy footwear with substantial soles (the thicker the sole the better!), warm layers (tights under trousers is not going too far!), gloves (fingerless are ideal) & a waterproof are all HIGHLY recommended! You will feel the cold more as we will stop regularly & be quite still whilst we draw.

• We will only cancel in the event of a forecast for heavy rain or strong winds & your ticket will be refunded.

• Access requirement: This event will involve standing to draw & walking up/down uneven surfaces, gradients & steps. Please contact Jo if you might have difficulty with any of these

• All equipment & materials are provided.

Buy tickets from Eventbrite here (March)

Buy tickets from Eventbrite here (April)

Jo Blaker, February 2022

Header photo copyright David Lindsay/YSP