Crafts and Applied Arts

O3 Gallery and The Pitt Rivers Museum present Crafty Networking; join us for an evening of free social networking on Thursday 13th June between 6-7pm. This is an event for contemporary designer-makers, design & technology teachers, buyers looking for unique items made by local artisans, and anyone interested in learning a new craft skill. If you are a designer-maker please DO bring a small photo album/i-pad along so that you can show examples of your work, also don't forget to bring your business cards! Please DON'T bring any products with you.

This exhibition examines how ‘Nonsense’ challenges and perturbs what we understand as ‘normal’ and explores the ways in which artists have worked to harness ‘Nonsense’ as a means of subverting ‘reality.’ Featuring the work of a range of artists in a variety of media, Nonsense calls to mind the topsy-turvy rules of fairytale landscapes and delves into the disordered realm of Contemporary Surrealism.

Join us for an opportunity to meet and network with the artists involved in the 'On These Magic Shores' Exhibition, talk to them about their inspiration and creative process over a cup of tea and biscuits!

Image credit: Jamie Mitchell, 'Lights Out'.

Do you fancy making some pendants, earrings or cuff links from glass you have cut and designed? Then come along to this well resourced course taught by local glass artist Sue Weinstock. We will fire your creations in our kilns and your designs will come to life! Our courses are lots of fun and are well structured and informative. Hope to see you there!

Feltmaking for Beginners - Adults This workshop is creative and so much fun. Make a picture, create your own design or simply experiment with colours whilst you learn the basics of an amazingly versatile, ancient craft. Sunday 30 June 1.30 – 4.30pm £25 fee

Rowan Workshops – Professional Finishing Techniques Many knitters have asked for guidance with finishing techniques. Help is now at hand from Victoria Walker – another of the Rowan team of knitting experts. She will help you with: tension; using the correct cast-on for a project; shaping techniques; professional button holes and picked-up edges; bands, collars etc; short-row shaping and three-needle cast-off for shoulder seams; blocking and pressing; putting in sleeves; sewing up using mattress stitch. Not to be missed! Saturday 29 June 10am - 4pm £45 fee

Feltmaking for Beginners - Children Once again – this workshop is back by popular demand. Feltmaker Nicki Parsons (exhibiting at OYS during Artweeks) will teach children the basics of an amazingly versatile, ancient craft as they create a visually delightful felt picture/wall-hanging. Saturday 15 June 1.30 – 4.30 pm £25 (Includes materials)

Circular Knitting Make a very handy bag as you overcome any qualms you may have about knitting in the round. Make friends with your circular needles as you master this essential knitting technique. Learn to cast on with different ways of joining a round, follow a chart, use circular needles for straight knitting, achieve jogless steps and much more. Saturday 8 June 1.30 – 4.30pm £35 (Includes materials)

Learn to Knit You will learn how to cast on and off as well as knit and purl stitches. This will set you off on a simple project – in other words you will become a knitter! Thursdays 6 & 13 June 7 – 9pm £35 fee for 2 sessions