Following on from yesterday’s post, this article covers the workshops that are taking place during Open Studios Penang, which is  a weekend packed full of exhibitions, talks, workshops, and of course artists opening their studios to the public, from June 14th-16th. All the workshops have limited space so if you are interested don’t delay in reserving your space or you may be disappointed.

The most popular workshop for bookings so far is unsurprisingly Make an Elephant. Artist George Burchett will guide participants to make a simple elephant from clay, with the aim of promoting awareness of the necessity of respecting and protecting Asian elephants, which are in danger of extinction. The three hour workshop begins at 9.45am each day, but Sunday is only for children, and takes place at Viva Victoria, 169 Lebuh Victoria. It is free of charge but you must reserve your space by emailing aj@asiarta.org. After the 3rd workshop there will be an “elephant parade” of all the elephants that have been created by the participants. 

Life and Figure Drawing workshop will be held on Sunday 16th 4pm-6pm at The ArtESpace at Straits Quay, led by Mandy Maung, a self taught portrait illustrator and painter from Penang. It will cover the process from composition planning to adding shadows and highlights, The price of RM 50 per person includes basic drawing supplies although you are free to bring your own if you prefer. To book phone or WhatsApp Mandy on 012 482 0328.

 

Two other workshops are happening daily at Viva Victoria concurrently with the Elephant Making: Painting Music, with Maddi Ekelblad in which she will teach her  style of painting using chinese Inks, bamboo ink pens, acrylics, canvas, paper & board, and Painting with Fire, in which contemporary jewellery artist Tina Lee Degreef will teach how to make earrings using copper and a creme brûlée torch. Both workshops begin at 10am, and cost RM 100 per person, which includes all materials, lunch and a glass of wine. To book Painting Music contact Maddi on madeleine@omsa.com.au and to book Painting with Fire contact Tina on tina.lee.degreef@gmail.com.

Other workshops happening during the weekend include a Father’s Day Woodworking workshop, in which participants will be trained to use all the equipment needed to create a beer tote from wood, a Colour Pencil workshop in which artist Sharon Kow will teach the tools of her trade, and a Mixed Media Collage workshop for kids. 

For those who would like to experiment and have fun with less (but not no) guidance, a Paint Jam will take place at the Art E Space, at Straits Quay on Friday 14th June from 10am-3pm, and Saturday 15th June from 10am -1pm, with the theme of Island Life. The cost is RM50 (inclusive of all materials) and you can book by emailing enquiries@theartespace.com. Similarly there will be a drawing jam, The Big Draw, organised by The Art E Space but held at Gusto Cafe in Tanjung Bungah on Sunday 16th 9am to 12pm and again from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. There is no charge – paper will be provided but you should bring your own drawing implements.

For more details about each of the workshops, and about the rest of the activities happening during the Open Studios Penang weekend, check the website or facebook page.