Museums and galleries
Diwali celebrations, spooktacular workshops and more this half term at Walsall Council venues
Published on
Families can enjoy a fun-filled programme of seasonal activities at The New Art Gallery Walsall and Walsall Leather Museum this upcoming half term.
The New Art Gallery Walsall will celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, on Saturday 4 November. A day for all the family, the festivities will include workshops, performances, food and more. Highlights include the opportunity to create a paper lantern with artist Nilupa Yasmin and a mandala tea light holder with artist Daya Bhatti. There will also be performances and mini workshops from the acclaimed Bollywood Dreams Dance Company.
The Gallery’s popular weekly Sunday Art Club will give children and young people the opportunity to meet artists and creatives, learn to paint, print, sculpt, craft and more. Over half term they will be able to create Shoebox Doll Houses (Sunday 29 October) and craft a poppy wreath (Sunday 5 November) in time for Remembrance Day.
During the half term week, the Gallery will be holding a series of seasonal workshops with Autumnal Leaf Printing and Pumpkin Sensory Play for 2-4 year olds (Mini Makers, Tuesday 31 October), Autumn Foam stampers for ages 4+ (Wednesdays For All, 1 November) as well as the opportunity to learn new techniques and make a toy bear (Thursday Skills, 2 November).
Visitors to Walsall Leather Museum will able to take part in a spooky treasure hunt across the venue. They will additionally hold two drop-in craft sessions throughout the half term week: Create a colourful Day of the Dead mask (Tuesday 31 October) and join ceramicist Kate Tilley to create your own clay pumpkin (Wednesday 1 November). There will also be the chance to create a Halloween themed badge and skull & crossbones leather keyring.
“ There will be a warm welcome for everyone at all our cultural venues this coming half term. The majority of events are completely free or are low cost, offering families the chance to get out and about, keep children entertained and discover the wealth of heritage and culture in Walsall. “
“ Both the Leather Museum and Gallery have so many varied activities for all ages this half term. Come along and join the fun! “
ENDS.
Notes to Editors
About The New Art Gallery Walsall
The New Art Gallery Walsall presents, collects and interprets historic, modern and contemporary art in innovative and challenging ways, welcoming visitors from all over the globe as well as our immediate locality. They aim to increase the understanding and enjoyment of arts and culture through a dynamic exhibition, education and events programme.
The New Art Gallery Walsall is funded by revenue support from Walsall Council and Arts Council England. The New Art Gallery Walsall is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.
Open: Tuesday – Saturday 10am-5pm; Sundays 12-4pm. Closed Mondays and Bank Holidays.
Free admission
www.thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk
About Walsall Leather Museum
Walsall Leather Museum tells the story of the leather trade and how Walsall became the global centre of saddle making. The Museum also showcases collections of industrial, costume and social history.
Open:
1 April – 31 October: Tuesday – Saturday 10am-5pm
1 November – 31 March: Tuesday – Saturday 10am-4pm
Free admission
https://www.walsall.gov.uk/leathermuseum
