Free Creative Workshops by artist Lisa Wigham

Lisa is an artist whose work focuses on the endangered crafts of sign painting and Fairground art. With her love of language and typography she incorporates humour and poetry into her hand-crafted bespoke signs and books.

Under the name 'The Two a.m. Press' she is an experienced specialist in book arts and printmaking. Here she uses traditional printing methods of etching and letterpress to create small editions of collectable books and prints.

Her Workshops will emphasise the space for exploration and self-expression, on the theme of sense of place and will observe and discuss the characteristics of Fleetwood. There will be light exercises in creative writing and drawing to incorporate historical stories and everyday observations into the sessions.

Each week new skills will be demonstrated and shared, as participants you can have a go and try something new or work on your own observational paintings over the coming weeks in a creative, calm space supervised by a professional artist.

All abilities welcome.

Workshops are free however booking is essential. 

Every Wednesday from the 30th of October until the 11^th of December 2024 from 10am – 2pm (Ages 18+)

It is advised to attend all seven workshops to benefit fully from this course.

Any learning needs or questions please contact the studio coordinator Adrian.Pritchard@wyre.gov.uk

Or ring 07949029569 Unfortunately, workshops are on the 1^st floor with no disability access at this current time.

(The Market is closed on Wednesdays so packed lunch is advisable).

Week 1: Fleetwood Bookbinders Club

30^th October 

Create a personal sketch book to take out for a walking and drawing session next week/ use throughout the project to chart your creative journey.

Week 2: Fleetwood Sketchers

6^th November

Playfully explore new views of the town through observational drawing. Try expressive paint techniques. Looking down at streets and buildings of Fleetwood from our studio windows and terrace- its amazing what you can see! Using view finders to observe and paint the mysterious alleyways, market hall, spy sea views, clouds, old docks, rooftops and seagulls Suitable for tailoring to a Family Workshop Event.

Week 3: Ghost signs of Fleetwood

13^th November

Walking and drawing session exploring the Market interior and surrounding streets of this HAZ area where there are many historical clues to explore in stall and shop signage, carved stones, mosaics and cast metal grids… we will sketch lettering and and signage of Fairground Art and industry by local sign writers that reveal the towns businesses of printers, chandlers, foundries and prawns!

Week 4: Sign Painting Taster Workshop

20^th November

Intro to sign painting- visit to studio to see examples of my practice with basic exercises in lettering art- how can you describe Fleetwood in a caption? Learn creative writing exercises and lettering drawing skills.

Week 5: Fairground Art intro Workshop

27^th November

Make a painted sign using your caption/ comment/ modern message about Fleetwood. Apply your words to a board for signage and learn introductory paint techniques.

Week 6: Sign Painting Finishing Workshop

4^th December

Finishing techniques using lettering effects for your painted sign to really stand out! making then ‘exhibition ready’ for the display in Fleetwood Market Gallery space.

Week 7: Finishing signs

11^th December

Adding hooks, hanging devices and fixings, making then ‘exhibition ready’ for the display in Fleetwood Market Gallery space. Evaluation and Exhibition co-created plan.

An exhibition created from the workshops will take place in the Gallery in the market through out December and January.