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Creative Coaching Sessions
Led by Kirsty Kennedy, painter and multi-discipline artist/educator and founder of Go CreateBA Hons Art& Design and LOCN animation
2nd generation painter
DBS checked and first aider
Arts Award Trained (bronze, silver and gold)
Grant and award winning leading to workshops being run in various youth hubs across Kent Districts.

Students are coached according to their current level in painting and drawing primarily whilst also introduced to new mediums such as clay, printing and sculpture from time-to-time. As a multi-discipline practitioner, Kirsty also coaches in comic art, illustration, animation as well as formal drawing and painting depending on student’s interests and natural skills. The aim is to develop each student (being mindful not to over-force development) as well as expose them to a real-life art studio and art practices such as portfolio and sketchbook development. Classes are restricted to no more than 12 attendees. Similar coaching also takes place in the school holidays.

Previous students have achieved art scholarship as well and artwork display in the Turner Contemporary. Students will be encouraged to develop work for competition entry. Students simply need to be passionate about art.  Passion and enthusiasm are as important as recognisable talent!

Kirsty’s creative practice involves the build of exhibitions, book, educational material and workshop programs to teach environmental education and to inspire young artists, craftworkers and designers. Go Create was set up to develop the expertise for workshops that can springboard from character led properties that in turn are designed to inspire skills for environmental protection and sustainable living. Her own practice and educational interests span numerous disciplines and the continued development of her own creative practice alongside teaching leads to the continuous widening of her coaching abilities.
To find out more visit www.kirstykennedy.co.uk

Sessions for 7-11 year olds cost £20 for 1.5 hour which includes materials (these run weekly Saturdays 1.30-3pm restricted to 12 participants and 9-10.30am in the holidays – see website)

Sessions for 12-18 year olds cost £25 for a 2 hour session which includes materials and pottery firings when applicable (these run 6-8pm on Wednesdays restricted to 12 participants and 4.30-6.30pm in the holidays)

Additional sessions may be added subject to demand.

Regular classes are join at any time and it is possible to book a block of 5 or 10 continuous sessions. Young people with autism are welcome to attend. The aim of sessions is for all young people to feel at ease and to encourage integration and a mutual love of arts and crafts as well as a respect that we all have different strengths and sometimes big C (Creativity) takes a lifetime and beyond the course of a lifetime to reveal itself.

Please note that some sessions are assisted by DBS practitioners.  The Gallery is closed during junior sessions for safeguarding.

Parents will need to complete and bring along a registration form. A form will be sent on booking. Classes and sessions are drop-off for safeguarding. There are plenty of cafes close by if you fancy some relax time.

Shown in the gallery is Hannah (age 11) manga illustration. Valentina’s portrait which was one of three paintings which were all selected to appear in the Turner Contemporary.  Infact her work was shown at the Turner in 3 consecutive years. Also shown are some of Quentin’s drawings. Quentin was awarded 1st place in Thanet’s Young Artists Rotary Competition for his age has had work shortlisted and selected in the Turner Contemporary’s Portfolio Competition.