About
This summer, Open Art Space returns to Auckland Tower with a vibrant programme of free, drop-in creative workshops for families and visitors of all ages.
The series will be led by three talented artists, each bringing a unique approach to hands-on artmaking inspired by heritage, imagination, and wellbeing.
The sessions will run from 11.00am to 3.00pm, Thursday to Saturday throughout the school summer holidays.
Meet the Artists & Their Activities
Betty Brown – Automata and Faith-Inspired Paper Crafts
Dates: 24, 25, 26 July, 7, 8, 9 August
Betty Brown is an experienced artist and workshop leader with a passion for colour and creativity. She has delivered workshops in schools, libraries, museums, and community settings for people of all ages and abilities. Betty focuses on process and play, encouraging participants to enjoy the act of making as much as the final piece.
For Open Art Space, Betty has designed a playful and engaging activity creating automata-style paper crafts inspired by artefacts in the Faith Museum. Participants will build interactive paper sculptures such as:
- Bird and barrel emblem from the Morton Frontal – pull the barrel and the wings flap
- Ichthyosaur from Sir Henry de la Beche’s lithograph – waggle its tail to snap the snout
- Ox from a 17th-century monstrance – waggle the leg to bow the head
- Wesley teapot – waggle the handle and Wesley waves
- Phoenix egg – open to reveal a newborn book
The activity is fun, tactile, and sparks curiosity about faith, history, and movement in design.
Emily Carter – Doodle Monsters and Imaginative Play
Dates: 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 August
Emily Carter is a freelance artist and former secondary school art teacher with 15 years of experience. Now focused on combining creativity with wellbeing, she works with diverse communities to deliver art and mindfulness-based workshops.
Emily’s Open Art Space activity invites families to create doodle monsters inspired by the flora and fauna of Auckland Gardens and artefacts from the exhibitions. Influenced by playful artist Jon Burgerman, children and their grown-ups will co-create imaginative creatures using:
- Big sheets of paper
- Natural objects from the gardens
- Felt tips, coloured pencils, watercolours
- A generous helping of googly eyes
This joyful activity encourages connection, creativity, and laughter, offering gentle prompts and freedom to explore. It’s fully accessible and ideal for children to take the lead while adults join the fun.
Roksolana Hrydzhuk – Stained Glass-Style Coasters
Dates: 31 July 1, 2 August, 28, 29, 30 August
Roksolana Hrydzhuk is a Ukrainian artist whose work centres on creativity and wellbeing. Her practice focuses on accessible, meaningful art experiences that build community and personal connection.
Her drop-in workshop offers visitors the chance to create their own stained-glass-style coaster using transparent glass paints and raised outliners. Simple yet effective, the process involves:
- Tracing designs inspired by Bishop Auckland’s heritage
- Filling them with vibrant, translucent colour
- Taking home a glowing, light-catching artwork
Design templates include:
- Auckland Tower silhouette
- Miner’s helmet and butterfly – symbolising transition from industry to culture
- Davy lamp – honouring local mining heritage
- Floral motif from Auckland Palace stained glass
The activity is open to all ages and levels, with an emphasis on colour, reflection, and joy.
This event is a spark in a wider programme of people, place, and possibility, brought to you by Hearth – in partnership with the Auckland Project. Thanks to generous external support, events are free to attend. For more information visit facebook
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Find out what’s happening this week across the Culture County. From festivals and exhibitions, to sport and theatre, you’re certain to have an eventful time in Durham.
