Artist and producer Abhi Arumbakkam attempts to take the sting out of rejections by repurposing them as poetry.

Since 2013 Berkshire-based creative Abhi has been keeping hold of every rejection email she’s received. These range from funding bid denials to job application rejections, amounting to an impressive 258 knock-backs so far.

Drawing inspiration from American artist Austin Kleon's redacted poetry, Abhi has worked alongside local artist Grace Derriman. This exhibition is Abhi's attempt to find hidden poetry amidst all the rejections. It is Abhi’s way of turning lemons into lemonade — or, as she puts it, making manure from waste.

The exhibition is also an invitation to the audience to turn their hand at redacting email texts to discover poetry within them. Abhi firmly believes that rejection is inherent in any creative process, and that it should be embraced with both courage and vulnerability. For her, rejection isn’t a mark of shame but a badge of honour, a pertinent reminder to celebrate the inevitable fallout of daring to try.

Visitors to the exhibition will have a chance to create their own poems by redacting Abhi’s rejections emails. They can share their creations using #rejectionredacted.

Open Tuesdays - Saturdays

Tues 14 Jan - Sat 8 Feb

Entry is Free

•  14 Jan FREE
•  15 Jan FREE
• 18 more dates...

A vibrant and dramatic collection of works exploring themes of fragmenting light though collage, pattern and assemblage.

Norden Farm’s Art tutor, Lucy Wright brings together this eclectic collective of artists in a new exhibition with Stacey Donnelly, Jess Thompson and Andrew Thompson.

Open Tuesdays - Saturdays

Tues 25 Feb - Sat 22 Mar

Entry is Free

•  25 Feb FREE
•  26 Feb FREE
• 18 more dates...

Led by Sue Bridge

These sessions are suitable for those with some prior experience of drawing and painting (either previous study or art course participation).

As with the preceding course 'Transform your Sketchpad' these 3 hour studio sessions will be wide ranging both in terms of media and subject matter. Over the duration of the course you will gain experience in a range of media, acrylic/watercolour, pen and ink and collage. Some sessions will be one off activities other topics may spread over a couple of weeks.

Students to provide their own materials.

Spring
Wed 15 Jan - 12 Feb (5 weeks)
Wed 26 Feb - 26 Mar (5 weeks)
Wed 30 Apr - Wed 21 May (4 weeks)

£125 per 5 week course
£100 per 4 week course

Age guidance: 18+ years

•  15 Jan from £125
•  22 Jan
• 12 more dates...

Led by Mairi Cowieson

Showstopper Tots Musical Theatre themed music and movement classes for ages 2-5yrs. Younger siblings are welcome. Under 6 months free.

Sing, Dance and drive with us on our wonderfully fun and exciting Chitty Chitty Bang Bang theme. A magic car? One that flies? Don't forget to say 'Please Chitty' as we play our 'Toot Sweets' and find out how the dogs have ruined Mr Potts's chances of buying that Car! We will dance to 'Me Ol' Bamboo' and succeed in our mission to trick the Vulgarians, as we sing 'Chu-chi Face' and use excellent 'Teamwork'!

A class like no other! Little ones, dance, sing and enjoy a drama adventure, ending each class with our unique story show, in our mini theatre.

Building confidence, musicality, coordination, concentration, all through the wonderful world of Musical Theatre. Led by a professional West End performer and director.

Spring

Course 1:
Thur 9 Jan - 13 Feb (6 weeks)

Course 2:
Thur 27 Feb - 3 Apr (6 weeks)

£48 for 6 week course (1 adult and 1 child)

£9 drop-in per session (1 adult and 1 child).
£5.40 drop-in per sibling per session

A story song is added to each week to enhance their engagement and concentration skills. It's also fun for the parents/carers who attend with their little ones.

Age guidance: 2-5 years

•  19 Dec from £540
•   9 Jan from £540
• 11 more dates...

Singing is a great way to relieve stress and promote well-being.

Meet new people and take some time for you in this new acappella choir for mums, dads, grandparents, carers and their babies!

It is a baby friendly class, created especially so you can bring the baby you care for. Grown ups are in a semi circle (with room for your buggy next to you) and babies can sit, crawl or play on the blanket in front of you.

These uplifting classes are led by conductor/composer (and mum) Marta Radwan. There's no auditions, no singing experience is needed and you don't need to have a 'good voice' - just an openness to have a go! You'll be sure to know the songs and there will even be some which include your little one.

There's also:
* Free on-site parking
* Café (open all day)
* Baby changing facilities

Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Carers all welcome with their babies under 18 months

12.30pm - 1.30pm

Spring
Fri 10 Jan - 14 Feb (6 weeks)
Fri 21 Feb - 28 Mar (6 weeks)

£10 per session | £48 per 6 week course

•  10 Jan from £10
•  17 Jan from £10
• 10 more dates...

Led by Dr Marta Mathea Radwan

Norden Farm’s Daytime Choir is a fun, friendly, non-auditioned choir for everyone. We learn by ear, so you don’t need music experience. Our music ranges from gospel, world and jazz to pop and classical - anything that sounds great and is a joy to sing. Joining us is a great way to meet people and sing your stress away.

Spring
Fri 10 Jan - 14 Feb (6 weeks)
Fri 21 Feb - 28 Mar (6 weeks)

2pm - 3.30pm

£12 per session | £60 per 6 week course

Suitable for 18+ years.

About the tutor
Dr Marta Mathea Radwan is an award-winning vocalist, composer and musical director. Heralding from Poland and with over 30 years' experience in musical performance, Marta conducts choirs around London, including: jazz group Alle Choir London, Offbeat a cappella community choirs in Acton and Richmond, and Singing for Fun groups at Brunel University London.

•  10 Jan from £12
•  17 Jan from £12
• 10 more dates...