Workshops with Sculptress JOEL
Sculptress JOEL offers a range of creative workshops for community events, schools, churches and special gatherings. Whether working with clay at a public festival, leading sessions in education settings, or exploring creativity as part of Christian worship, her heart is to encourage people of all ages to discover the joy of making.
Public Events and Community Workshops
JOEL has led hands-on modelling sessions at public events across Leicestershire, including the Melton Mowbray Food Festival. On one memorable occasion, families gathered to create clay mushrooms, with children proudly carrying their finished pieces home.
Reflecting on these experiences, JOEL shares: “It is great to be able to share creativity and to inspire people of all ages to have a go and to enjoy making and celebrating what they see around them.”
Many young participants later returned to further events, eager to create again, a testament to the confidence and enthusiasm these workshops inspire.
Schools and Educational Projects
JOEL has delivered workshops and talks in schools, including sessions connected to the Market Towns Week as part of the Market Ladies Sculpture project. She introduces students to the sculpting process, from initial modelling in clay through to casting, offering insight into both the artistic and practical aspects of her profession.
Workshops often involve modelling birds or other natural forms in three dimensions, later painted and personalised by each maker. Through this creative process, participants experience the satisfaction of shaping and completing their own unique work.
Creativity in Christian Worship
JOEL also leads workshops within Christian contexts, including sessions at Launde Abbey, where art becomes part of prayer and reflection.
In one series of workshops, participants created birds, each one individually modelled and decorated. Alongside these, fabric birds were cut from identical patterns to symbolise a deeper truth: while each person is uniquely created and valued by God, all are equal and united in the Holy Spirit.
These gatherings often include shared prayer, asking that participants would value one another and grow in unity.
As JOEL reflects: “There was a lovely sense of achievement as people made their own birds. It is marvellous to see the variety and the beautiful colours people used to further individualise their work.”
“I am convinced that with time and support everyone can make something and enjoy the achievement.”
Talks and Demonstrations
In addition to practical workshops, JOEL speaks to societies, community groups and after-dinner gatherings. These talks share her journey as a professional sculptress, offering insight into the creative process from clay modelling through to bronze casting. Some speaking engagements can also include a practical workshop element.
If you would like more information about workshops, talks, or JOEL’s availability as a speaker and workshop leader, please contact the studio.
