The Second Saturday of the Month
11am until 1pm, Drawing Room, Courtyard Entrance, The Old Print Works
Monthly family carving club, all ages welcome, learn how to use a sharp knife to make beautiful things from wood
Donation/ pay what you feel – drop in – get there early – limited spaces
The MIAH Foundation is now part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ – a monthly mini-festival celebrating making, creativity, community, local culture and the arts held on the second Saturday of every month.
Ottoman flower motifs (or biomorphic patterns) can be found across Ottoman and Persian art, including in manuscripts, ceramics, textile and armour. The five petal flower motif was particularly popular and gives this type of art its name (penç means five in Farsi), even though some of the flowers in this style had more than five metals. Each flower also follows a basic geometric and symmetrical division.
Join us on Saturday 11th November 2023 at either 1pm or 2pm to draw Ottoman flower motifs (penç). You will learn to draw four flower motifs and then create your own either freehand or using a template.
Session 1: 1pm-2pm (please book in advance using the ‘register’ to confirm your place)
Session 2: 2pm-3pm; drop-in (advanced booking is not necessary – first-come, first-served until we reach capacity)
***Tickets via eventbrite – for workshops and performance****
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/october-fiesta-balsall-heath-second-saturday-at-old-print-works-tickets-751555581977?aff=oddtdtcreator
14:00 – 15:00 = Mask Workshop 1 in Upper Gallery at OPW
Drop-in ‘Alebrije’ mask-making workshop for all ages!
Pay What You Can – Suggested Donation: £4 or 6
15:00 – 16:00 = Mask Workshop 2 in Upper Gallery at OPW
Drop-in ‘Alebrije’ mask-making workshop for all ages!
Pay What You Can – Suggested Donation: £4 or 6
18:00 – 19:00 = Public Performance of ‘October Fiesta 2023’
18:00 – 18:30 = Storytelling – ‘Stories of the Wind’
18:30 – 19:00 = Games – ‘PokPok TokTok’ & ‘Loteria!’
Join ITZATNA Arts this autumn for their ‘October Fiesta’ – an interactive children’s
theatre show inspired by Mexican Day of the Dead and reimaged traditional
stories and games about life, death, and rebirth in the animal kingdom. Through
playful interaction, these stories and games support how families and adults can
engage their young ones to think and talk about the subjects of death, dying, grief,
and bereavement, through a renewed appreciation for life, animals, and Planet
Earth, through the vibrant lens of Mexican culture.
🦉 OWL is on a quest to find 🌟 COYOTE in an adventure that transcends borders
and defies the boundaries between life and afterlife.
Mictlán, the mystical house of the Dead, awaits in Mexico, where these two
spirit animals guide humans on their unique journey through life and beyond.
❤️ Together, they embark on a journey to Mictlán to help the souls of the departed
reunite with their loved ones. But first, they must find their friend, COYOTE.
🌍 Are you ready to journey to Mexico and assist OWL and COYOTE in their quest?
You may even have the chance to hear a story from COYOTE, a master storyteller.
🌟 Let’s all say “MÉXICO” together, and we’ll be transported to a world filled with
mountains, the fragrance of flowers, and incredible stories.
🌙 Discover the world of 🌟 Alebrijes and the incredible artistry of Pedro Linares
as they take you on a captivating journey of color and imagination.
🦋 Listen to the 🦋 Monarch Butterflies as they share their extraordinary
migration story, guiding the spirits of the departed back to their earthly homes.
🌄 As the Feathered Snake, Quetzalcoatl, meets a selfless Rabbit, you’ll witness
the creation of a celestial symbol on the moon, a tale of kindness, and the
interconnectedness of all living beings
Come along and try some apple varieties with Sally, the new Postcode Gardener for Balsall Heath. Find out more about the work that will be going on in Balsall Heath to make it a more beautiful place, and how you can get involved!
Creative writing workshop with Leila Rasheed & The Emma Press, 2pm Saturday 11 November
If you have an idea for a children’s story and are looking for some friendly support and practical encouragement, grab your pen & paper and join author Leila Rasheed and local publisher The Emma Press for a creative writing workshop. Leila will explore the joys and challenges in creating compelling literature for children, share some exercises to help get ideas flowing and offer feedback on opening pages.
Tickets £5/pay what you can, please book in advance: maximum 12 participants
Please note this workshop is aimed at adults writing for children. It is not a workshop for children.
About the workshop leader:
Leila Rasheed’s first novel for children, Chips, Beans and Limousines was published in 2008 and followed by two sequels which were widely translated. Since then, she has written a wide variety of children’s and YA literature, including the At Somerton trilogy for Disney Hyperion, and biographies of Kamala Harris and Katherine Johnson. Her most recent novel is Empire’s End: A Roman Story (Scholastic), which follows the adventures of a North African girl during the late Roman Empire. In 2015 she set up a pioneering scheme to mentor new children’s writers of colour, called Megaphone, now Megaphone Writers CIC.
The Emma Press is an independent publisher based in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter specialising in poetry, short fiction and children’s books with a mission of making publishing and literature as welcoming and accessible as possible.
Join us this Saturday between 12-3pm to find out all about our new garden project and how you can get involved! ✨🌱
You will be able to….
👀 …have a rare opportunity to look around the charming front garden of Myrtle Cottage, the oldest house in Balsall Heath and the former home of The Old Print Works director
👋🏽 …meet Rebekah Warmington, Nature Pedagogue and Environmental Educator, who is collaborating with The GAP and young people to regenerate the garden
💡…share your ideas for how the garden can be transformed into an urban oasis which reflects the heart and history of Balsall Heath and its vibrant communities and cultures
🍂 …get crafty with some Autumnal Activities to get your ideas flowing!
Be sure to pop by, have a little browse, let your imagination wander and share your ideas and inspiration to support the project 💫
All ages.
Free.
Drop-in
2pm – 4pm, The Old Print Works
It’s back, your favourite workshop!!! Come along to our mini paint by prompt workshop! As we are entering a new season, we are excited to warmly welcome an autumn themed painting experience!! Create a mini painting on a mini canvas. This is an intuitive art workshop to reconnect you with your inner artist while creating a calming environment of wellbeing.
No experience is required (there is no right or wrong way here, this workshop is for relaxation purposes but also we welcome anyone eager to learn and develop their painting skills), all materials and light nibbles will be provided, and ALL ages are welcome! It’s going to be so much fun and we can’t wait to see you there!
11am until 1pm, Drawing Room, Courtyard Entrance, The Old Print Works
Monthly family carving club, all ages welcome, learn how to use a sharp knife to make beautiful things from wood
Donation/ pay what you feel – drop in
YOUTH THEATRE
FREE TASTER SESSION
Saturday 9 Sept 1-4pm The GAP
An exciting opportunity for creative, curious, local young people 12-16 yrs, who love to explore, imagine, tell stories & step into other people’s shoes. This is taster session for regular, weekly youth theatre sessions on Saturday afternoons. From Sept – March we will be exploring the theme ‘The Island’ What’s it all about? What does it mean to live on an island? How does it shape who we are, and who we are not? What does it mean to be “castaway’? And what is it like to be colonised? Islands have a gripping hold on our imaginations, offering conflicting possibilities: a paradise or a prison? refuge or danger? community or complete isolation?
Give it a go…
Don’t worry if you’re not sure this is your thing… Come along and try it out this Saturday and see what you think. You can also find out more about the other exciting plans and amazing opportunities being a member of The GAP Youth Theatre has to offer!
What’s involved?
We will use all kinds of drama techniques to get inside the hearts and minds of islanders, design theatre sets, make amazing masks and learn how to tell stories collectively for an audience through performance.
Who’s leading it?
The GAP has an excellent track record of giving young people meaningful and transformational arts experiences. It has highly experienced staff who are expert at facilitating the development of creativity, critical thinking, a confident sense of self and personal values, through the social practice of making theatre.
What will it cost?
There is NO CHARGE to belong to the GAP Youth Theatre. We just ask that you contribute your commitment. As well as having loads of fun on this project you will also need to be prepared to work hard as a reliable member of the team.
NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED
FREE MEMBERSHIP
TRY BEFORE YOU COMMIT
2pm The Old Print Works organised by 0121 Collective CIC
This is an inter generational project that aims to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Windrush generation. To do this we are running free workshops where we will use cyanotypes photo process (blue prints) to share stories, learn and connect with each other. It’s free to join in.
Everyone is welcome and we especially would love to see people from the Windrush communities in Birmingham to come forward and share stories.
Workshop
We have three Saturday sessions coming up June to August which wil take place on Balsall Heath Second Saturday sessions where The Old Print Works and other places nearby hold a monthly creative open day.
The workshop will last two hours and theme of this session is Roots of Love – which explores the Carribean family in Britian. We will mainly look at make cyanotypes using old photographs and used postcards to share stories.
Tianna who is leading the project will tell you about her Nan’s front room who moved to Birmingham in the 1960s from Jamaica. Tracey who is the lead artist on the project will help people to make cyanotypes using lace and dollies on fabric and paper.
Cyanotype is a 19th Century photo process which uses the sun or a UV lamp to make amazing blue images.
We invite people to add work through a cyanotype image to the collaborative tapestry (fabric) that we are making for the project.
It’s free come and all materials provided.
The project is funded by National Lottery Community Fund
Book below
2pm – 3.30pm The Old Print Works Music workshop with Arianna
we will play, sing, make some noise and have fun.
Just bring yourself – no experience necessary
See you there!
Take an existing text such as a page from a book, to create a poem and to create illustrations that complement the words
Link to the tickets here
Lower gallery – The Old Print Works 10 years and over
Lithography printing was an innovative printing technique that made JH Butchers & Co world famous for their transfers. In this workshop, you will learn how to recreate this process (using items found in your own kitchen) and create a design to decorate your own postcards and greeting cards.
Time: 2-3.30pm, Saturday 9th September
If you have an idea for a children’s story and are looking for some friendly support and practical encouragement, grab your pen & paper and join author Kereen Getten and publisher The Emma Press for a creative writing workshop.
“One of the things I love about writing, is creating a world that engulfs the reader, not one they view from afar. In this workshop we will master how to create a story so vivid that the reader feels they are part of the world you created. We will learn about atmospheric writing. Creating stories that take readers on a journey where they smell, touch and feel everything in your story. We will use exercises that will help you develop new ways to make your world and your characters come to life.” – Kereen Getten
Pay what you can/suggested donation £5, please book a space below : maximum 12 participants
NB: This workshop is aimed at adults who are interested in writing children’s literature, it is not for children.
Venue: Second Saturday
About Kereen:
Kereen Getten grew up in Jamaica where she would climb fruit trees in the family garden and eat as much mango, guinep and pear as she could without being caught. She now lives in Birmingham with her family and writes stories about her childhood experiences. Her novels include the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize-shortlisted debut When Life Gives You Mangoes (2020), a mystery novel in which the main character Clara struggles to remember what happened to her during an island storm the previous year, If You Read This (2022) revolving around a poignant treasure hunt that Brie’s late mother has set up around her island home, and The Case of the Lighthouse Intruder (2023) the first in the gripping Di Island Crew series, all published by Pushkin Press.
About The Emma Press:
The Emma Press is an independent publisher based in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter specialising in poetry, short fiction and children’s books with a mission of making publishing and literature as welcoming and accessible as possible.
11am until 1pm, Drawing Room, Courtyard Entrance, The Old Print Works
Monthly family carving club, all ages welcome, learn how to use a sharp knife to make beautiful things from wood
Donation/ pay what you feel – drop in
From 12pm, all ages welcome
Tapestry and weaving with Art Metallix, in the Upper Gallery at The Old Print Works
11-1 The Old Print Works organised by 0121 Collective CIC
This is an inter generational project that aims to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Windrush generation. To do this we are running free workshops where we will use cyanotypes photo process (blue prints) to share stories, learn and connect with each other. It’s free to join in.
Everyone is welcome and we especially would love to see people from the Windrush communities in Birmingham to come forward and share stories.
Workshop
We have three Saturday sessions coming up June to August which wil take place on Balsall Heath Second Saturday sessions where The Old Print Works and other places nearby hold a monthly creative open day.
The workshop will last two hours and theme of this session is Roots of Love – which explores the Carribean family in Britian. We will mainly look at make cyanotypes using old photographs and used postcards to share stories.
Tianna who is leading the project will tell you about her Nan’s front room who moved to Birmingham in the 1960s from Jamaica. Tracey who is the lead artist on the project will help people to make cyanotypes using lace and dollies on fabric and paper.
Cyanotype is a 19th Century photo process which uses the sun or a UV lamp to make amazing blue images.
We invite people to add work through a cyanotype image to the collaborative tapestry (fabric) that we are making for the project.
It’s free come and all materials provided.
The project is funded by National Lottery Community Fund
Please book via eventbrite link – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/roots-of-love-cyanotype-windrush-75-workshop-tickets-638665213847
1 – 5pm at The Gap. All ages. Free. Drop in/No Booking required.
Come along to this public sharing of artworks created by young people as part of The Other~Wise Summer School, exploring ways to reconnect with nature through creativity and culture. Meet the young participants to hear first-hand their ideas and learnings, and contribute towards the exhibition by sharing your own knowledge. Join us throughout the day to make your own seed bombs, and for a youth-led walk around Balsall Heath to distribute ones made during the summer school (exact time tbc).
2pm, The Old Print Works.
Music wellbeing workshop for people of all ages
Everyone welcome – no musical experience required.
11am until 1pm, Drawing Room, Courtyard Entrance, The Old Print Works
Monthly family carving club, all ages welcome, learn how to use a sharp knife to make beautiful things from wood
Donation/ pay what you feel – drop in
2pm – 3.30pm – The GAP
Ages 5 – 8
Free!
Led by The GAP’s youth arts practitioners
A fun and relaxing workshop exploring the act of listening to others. Join us in listening to some children’s story books being read aloud, before crafting your very own ‘listening stick’ using twigs, wool and fabric. Finally, we’ll work together to create our very own story inspired by the prompt ‘listen to children!’
Books we’ll read from include: The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld, Quiet Please, Owen McPhee! by Trudy Ludwig, and the classic Not Now, Bernard by David McKee
Things to note:
*This is not a drop-in workshop. Please arrive at the start time.
*Children must not be left unsupervised at the venue. Parents and guardians are invited to sit in on the workshop, or relax in our cafe area that adjoins the workshop space.
*This session will be audio recorded for the purposes of documentation. No names or identifying features will be associated with recorded voices. If you’d like to know more, please contact us by emailing ella@thegapartsproject.co.uk
2pm, The Old Print Works.
Music wellbeing workshop for people of all ages
Everyone welcome – no musical experience required.
11-1 The Old Print Works organised by 0121 Collective CIC
This is an inter generational project that aims to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Windrush generation. To do this we are running free workshops where we will use cyanotypes photo process (blue prints) to share stories, learn and connect with each other. It’s free to join in.
Everyone is welcome and we especially would love to see people from the Windrush communities in Birmingham to come forward and share stories.
Workshop
We have three Saturday sessions coming up June to August which wil take place on Balsall Heath Second Saturday sessions where The Old Print Works and other places nearby hold a monthly creative open day.
The workshop will last two hours and theme of this session is The Front Room – which explores the African-Carribean front room and how migrant families set up home in Britain. We will mainly look at how lace and dollies were a big part of these spaces. We will use lace and dollies to make cyanotypes and share stories.
Tianna who is leading the project will tell you about her Nan’s front room who moved to Birmingham in the 1960s from Jamaica. Tracey who is the lead artist on the project will help people to make cyanotypes using lace and dollies on fabric and paper.
Cyanotype is a 19th Century photo process which uses the sun or a UV lamp to make amazing blue images.
We invite people to add work through a cyanotype image to the collaborative tapestry (fabric) that we are making for the project.
It’s free come and all materials provided.
The project is funded by National Lottery Community Fund
Please book via eventbrite link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-front-room-cyanotype-windrush-75-tapestry-workshop-tickets-607324192007?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=escb
11am until 1pm, Drawing Room, Courtyard Entrance, The Old Print Works
Monthly family carving club, all ages welcome, learn how to use a sharp knife to make beautiful things from wood
Donation/ pay what you feel – drop in
2pm – 4pm, The Old Print Works
Create an acrylic painting of a photo of your choice.
Why not paint a scenic landscape? Or a portrait of someone you love? Or paint a cartoon that you loved when you were younger?
This is a mindful art workshop, so all we ask is for you to bring positive vibes. For this workshop can you please print out your picture so it fills an A4 piece of paper and we’ll do the rest! If you don’t have access to a print, please email hello@nurtureandheal.co.uk
11am until 1pm, Drawing Room, Courtyard Entrance, The Old Print Works
Monthly family carving club, all ages welcome, learn how to use a sharp knife to make beautiful things from wood
Donation/ pay what you feel – drop in
11-1 The Old Print Works organised by 0121 Collective CIC
Please book via eventbrite link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-front-room-cyanotype-windrush-75-tapestry-workshop-tickets-607324192007?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=escb
This is an inter generational project that aims to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Windrush generation. To do this we are running free workshops where we will use cyanotypes photo process (blue prints) to share stories, learn and connect with each other. It’s free to join in.
Everyone is welcome and we especially would love to see people from the Windrush communities in Birmingham to come forward and share stories.
Workshop
We have three Saturday sessions coming up June to August which wil take place on Balsall Heath Second Saturday sessions where The Old Print Works and other places nearby hold a monthly creative open day.
The workshop will last two hours and theme of this session is The Front Room – which explores the African-Carribean front room and how migrant families set up home in Britain. We will mainly look at how lace and dollies were a big part of these spaces. We will use lace and dollies to make cyanotypes and share stories.
Tianna who is leading the project will tell you about her Nan’s front room who moved to Birmingham in the 1960s from Jamaica. Tracey who is the lead artist on the project will help people to make cyanotypes using lace and dollies on fabric and paper.
Cyanotype is a 19th Century photo process which uses the sun or a UV lamp to make amazing blue images.
We invite people to add work through a cyanotype image to the collaborative tapestry (fabric) that we are making for the project.
It’s free come and all materials provided.
The project is funded by National Lottery Community Fund
2pm, The Old Print Works.
Music wellbeing workshop for people of all ages
Everyone welcome – no musical experience required.
Come and paint together with Art Metallix, in the Upper Gallery at The Old Print Works
