The Cookham and Maidenhead Arts Trail will be showcasing the work of many of the artists taking part in this year’s trail.

Works in diverse media will include painting, glass, jewellery, ceramics, printmaking and photography. The exhibition will be open either side of the trail weekend itself.

For the sixth year, local artists will be opening their studios to the public on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September.

•  22 Sep FREE

Led by Caroline Crawford.

A sociable group for over 65s who want to make art, but just aren’t doing it right now. Professional artist Caroline Crawford leads this creative community. Explore your arty side, grow in creative confidence and meet new people!

Autumn
Mon 9 – 30 Sept, 14 Oct – 4 Nov, 11 Nov – 2 Dec, 9 – 23 Dec
10am – 12pm
£16 per session | plus £2 materials cost to tutor directly

•  23 Sep
•  30 Sep
• 11 more dates...

Led by Jo Hall

Start by drawing boats and harbours with pen, watercolour and/or graphite. Progressing on to using found papers to create colourful compositions with elements of collage and water based media.

Autumn

Tues 10 Sept – 22 Oct (exc 8 Oct)
10am – 1pm
£99 for 6 week course

•  24 Sep
•   1 Oct
• 2 more dates...

Led by Kate Spencer-Millan

Learn about alcohol inks and how to use them. Suitable for all experience levels, even those completely new to painting! You will learn various techniques and applications for these vibrant inks - you'll be amazed at what you can achieve!

Autumn

Wed 25 Sept - 23 Oct
10am - 12.30pm
£75 per 5 week course, plus £20 materials cost to tutor

•  25 Sep from £75
•   2 Oct
• 3 more dates...

We are delighted to present this inaugural exhibition of work made by students from Maidenhead schools.

A wealth of talent in a range of mediums from Altwood School, Cox Green and Manor Green. This show is part of Farm Out the flagship Norden Farm Arts Programme for schools funded by the Spoore Merry & Rixman Foundation.

Artwork credit: R Middleton, Altwood Secondary School, Year 12

•  25 Sep FREE
•  26 Sep FREE
• 10 more dates...

Led by Stuart Maxwell

Italic is a timeless and beautiful script. Use it either as a formal hand for presentation work, or a day to day cursive script.

Autumn

Thur 5 Sept – 3 Oct
2.30pm – 4.30pm
£55 per 5 week course | £10 materials cost to tutor (approx)

•  26 Sep
•   3 Oct

Led by Harriet Brittaine.

Explore the complexities of the human form by working from a professional life model. With a variety of short and long poses. Learn both traditional charcoal drawing methods and new experimental techniques.

Autumn
Sat 21 Sept, 28 Sept and 7 Dec
1.30pm – 4.30pm
£25 per session

Suitable for 18+ years

•  28 Sep from £25
•   7 Dec from £25

Led by Karen Carter

Create an exuberant colour-filled painting of a flower garden. Looking at the work of contemporary artists Mary Sumner and Tessa Newcombe as inspiration we will make a complex subject manageable through simplification , stylization and a layered approach.

No experience needed. Bring own materials.

Fri 4 Oct
10.30am – 3.30pm
£38 per class

•   4 Oct from £38

Led by Jo Hall.

This workshop looks at how the illusion of the moon’s luminosity and the effects of its directed light on the landscape can be achieved, using the works of Turner for reference. We will also explore laying wet washes over dry paint for contre jour effects with a limited palette.

Please bring own materials unless stated.

Sat 5 Oct
10am – 3pm
£38

•   5 Oct from £38

Julian Gordon Mitchell synthesises the surreal and metaphysical with popular imagery, and a sense of painting's long history.

Julian has exhibited widely in the UK and abroad, including the Cabinet Office in Westminster and the National Portrait Gallery as part of the BP Portrait Prize.

Title of work: Madame Cassoulet

•   8 Oct FREE
•   9 Oct FREE
• 11 more dates...

Led by Angela Mitchell.

An informal social painting class for people who like to relax with a drink as you paint with step by step guidance. Each class will feature a different painting.

Perfect for total beginners, everything you need will be provided. Just turn up in your comfy clothes, grab a drink at the bar and then choose your seat.

Autumn

Tues 10 Sept, 8 Oct, 12 Nov and 10 Dec
7.30pm - 10pm
£25 per session | £5 materials cost to tutor

• Tuesday 10 September - Rendevouz
• Tuesday 8 October - Twilight Fire
• Tuesday 12 November - Peaceful Lotus
• Tuesday 10 December - Winter Robin

Angela's Website
Angela's Facebook Page

•   8 Oct from £25
•  12 Nov from £25
• 1 more dates...

Led by Stuart Maxwell

This easily accessible and readable hand is a staple for any serious calligrapher. Ideal for wedding invites, place names and family trees.

Autumn

Thur 10 Oct - 7 Nov
2.30pm – 4.30pm
£55 per 5 week course | £10 materials cost to tutor (approx)

•  10 Oct from £55
•  17 Oct
• 3 more dates...

Led by Janet Richardson.

Beginners can create up to three pieces. There are projects to follow if you wish, to help you learn techniques and make beautiful pieces of jewellery.

Suitable for all levels of experience. Materials cost to tutor dependent on weight of what you make.

Autumn
Sat 14 Sept, 12 Oct and 2 Nov
10am – 4pm
£50 per workshop plus materials fee

Suitable for 18+ years.

•  12 Oct SOLD OUT
•   2 Nov SOLD OUT

Led by Artsie Workshops

Using a range of different materials, create a stand alone piece/pieces illustrating the rich and textural qualities of objects including shells, stones, plants, moss and bark.

Sat 12 Oct
10am – 12.30pm
£30 | plus £10 materials cost to tutor

•  12 Oct from £30

This fascinating cinema event opens with a brand-new documentary about the life and work of Paul Gauguin, one of the world’s most popular and important artists.

Filmed in Tahiti, France, the Marquesas Islands and the UK, this cinematic film will explore Gauguin’s extraordinary – and at times controversial – artistic achievement, with commentary from his descendants, artists and world experts.

It will be followed by an exclusive private view of the National Gallery exhibition Gauguin Portraits, just after it opens in London. Audiences will be given an engaging and lively guided tour by the exhibition curators and guest contributors, bringing this first ever exhibition of Gauguin’s portraits to the big screen with stunning close-ups and illuminating insights.

Why? Exploring the work of one of the world's most popular and important artists

Run time: 90 mins

Courtyard Theatre
£15

•  15 Oct from £15

Led by Catherine Smith.

Each workshop will feature different projects and themes. Build up your skills and master new techniques to enable you to create your own designs at home.

Learn basic stamping, layer stamping, die cutting, embossing, heat embossing, fussy cutting and more, using a range of materials.

Autumn
Tues 17 Sept, 15 Oct, 19 Nov and 17 Dec
7.30pm – 9pm
£15 per session | £55 for all 4 sessions

•  15 Oct from £15
•  19 Nov from £15
• 1 more dates...

Led by Karen Carter

In this workshop we will be looking at ways of tackling the various elements that make up a coastal painting: water, waves & reflections along with the landscape elements of cliffs, rocks and the transitions between land and sea.

Basic experience of using acrylics is helpful.

Fri 18 Oct
10.30am – 3.30pm
£38 per clas

•  18 Oct from £38

Led by Caroline Crawford

Referencing the ancient art of brush painting using Chinese brush painting techniques, and Indian ink. Students learn how to use the slow careful movements associated with this form of painting.

Sat 19 Oct
10am – 3.30pm
£44 per session plus £4 materials cost to tutor per session

•  19 Oct from £44

Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn are renowned textile artists, authors and teachers and have exhibited and sold their work around the world.

For the first time they are holding an exhibition in Maidenhead, inspired by the aspects of the grounds of Cliveden and the history of Taplow Court.

•  22 Oct FREE
•  23 Oct FREE
• 11 more dates...

Led by Jo Hall

In this workshop we will put your brushes to work to find many different ways in which round, rigger and flat brushes can be used to depict plant forms including flowers, twigs, seed pods etc.

There will also be an opportunity to use some more specialist brushes. The works of Elizabeth Blackadder will be referenced.

Please bring own materials unless stated.

Sat 26 Oct
10am – 3pm
£38

•  26 Oct from £38

Led by Handy Dan's 3D Prints.

Learn how to design and 3D print personalised items. Participants will need to bring their laptops and have an account for Tinkercad (This software is free and works on all computers).

Sun 27 Oct
11am – 4pm
£30

•  27 Oct from £30

Led by Harriet Brittaine.

Learn about the stages of portraiture, drawing with charcoal from a live model.

Suitable for all levels of experience.

Suitable for 18+ years

Sat 2 Nov
10am – 3pm
£34

•   2 Nov from £34

Led by Jo Hall

Use pastels to explore natural forms with an autumnal flavour including drying leaves, seed heads and autumn fruits. Moving on to making compositions based on Autumn in the garden.

Tues 5 Nov – 10 Dec
10am – 1pm
£99 for 6 week course

•   5 Nov SOLD OUT
•  12 Nov
• 4 more dates...

A photography project in association with Norden Farm and Achieving for Children/RBWM Children in Care Council, Kickback.

The project has been developed through consultation with young people. They want to be seen in a positive light doing activities that they are passionate about and put a smile on their faces.

•   5 Nov FREE
•   6 Nov FREE
• 3 more dates...

Led by Jo Hall.

Before working from a simple still life set up we will compare mixing colour by layering a wet wash over a different dry colour with mixing colours in a palette. We will also use sponges and other techniques for texturing.

Please bring own materials unless stated.

Sat 9 Nov
10am – 3pm
£38

•   9 Nov from £38

Led by Stuart Maxwell

A phenomenon of modern times but rooted deep in the 20th century. Mordern calligraphy is easily adaptable for either formal or informal work.

Thur 14 Nov – 12 Dec
2.30pm – 4.30pm
£55 per 5 week course | £10 materials cost to tutor (approx)

•  14 Nov from £55
•  21 Nov
• 3 more dates...

The perfect opportunity to browse for unique presents as local artisan stallholders showcase their handmade wears. Enjoy all your favourite festive snacks and beverages together with a well stocked bar featuring craft ales, mulled wine and a full food menu.

The night market also features live music.

WHY? Your Christmas shopping just got a whole load more fun!

Long Barn Free entry

To apply for a stall at our Night Market click here

To apply for a stall at our Artisan Fair click here

•  15 Nov FREE
•  16 Nov FREE

Led by Louise Temple.

Learn how to create a handmade door wreath year after year. Handpick from a vast array of materials to make an individual design.

Autumn

Sun 17 Nov 4pm - 6pm and Tues 26 Nov 7pm - 9pm
£40 per session | plus £15 materials fee

•  17 Nov from £40
•  26 Nov from £40

An immersive exhibition to explore and discover.

The Gallery is transformed by work created by local children as part of our annual art competition. Inspired by our Christmas production, The Bear by bestselling author, Raymond Briggs.

Visit the story den for storytelling sessions while you’re here for tales from the land of Bears and beyond.

This year's exhibition is curated by visual artist Amelia Pimlott and students from BCA college as part of our young creatives project.

•  19 Nov FREE
•  20 Nov FREE
• 42 more dates...

Led by Karen Carter

We will learn how to use acrylics in a thick impasto style to mimic the qualities of oil paint, incorporating structure gel and palette knife work to add body to the picture surface. We will also look at the use of glazes and varnishes to modify and enhance our work. A basic knowledge of acrylics is desirable.

Fri 22 Nov
10.30am – 3.30pm
£38 per class | plus £1 cost to tutor

•  22 Nov from £38

Led by Same Sky.

Get ready to join the parade!

Lantern Making 2.0 is brand new this year and takes place across 6 hours at Norden Farm.

Across a full day, working as a group, guided by our professional artist you will create a large-scale willow structure which will shine bright in the parade!

This workshop is suitable for adults. Pre-booking for this workshop essential.

Got children who want to get involved? Take a look at our Lantern Making workshops for 3+ years or Lantern Making workshops for 6+ years workshops.

Sat 23 Nov
10am – 4pm
£17.50 per person

•  23 Nov from £1750

Led by Karen Carter

Explore the textures, shapes and decay of urban industrial landscapes. Through a semi abstract approach we will produce dramatic images combining charcoal, paint and textural surfaces.

A basic experience of acrylics is desirable.

Fri 29 Nov
10.30am – 3.30pm
£38 per class | plus £2 materiel fee

•  29 Nov from £38

Led by Caroline Crawford

Referencing Ancient paintings of Japanese mountains. Students will work with Windsor & Newton watercolours to create a mountainscape, featuring line, tonal washes and solid colour detail.

Sat 30 Nov
10am – 3.30pm
£44 per session plus £4 materials cost to tutor per session

•  30 Nov from £44

Led by Louise Temple

Learn some floristry tips to create the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one to take home and enjoy.

Sun 1 Dec
4pm-6pm
£35 per session plus £15 materials fee

•   1 Dec from £35

Led by Handy Dan's 3D Prints

Learn how to design and 3D print personalised items. Participants will need to bring their laptops and have an account for Tinkercad (This software is free and works on all computers).

Sun 8 Dec
11am – 4pm
£30

•   8 Dec from £30