Workshops

ART ATTACK PAINT DANCE AS FEATURED AT WESTIVAL 2019

COMING AGAIN IN 2022 WESTIVAL

Following its huge success as part of Westival in Westport 2019 then shelved during the pandemic,we are planning to roll this again in 2022.

Are you curious about "synaesthesia" what you would create if you could paint what you feel, see what you hear and leave your mark on a wall?

Have you ever wanted to go wild and let rip to create a visual of your favourite dance track?

This is your chance to flick, splatter and hurl paint where we pump up the volume, free dance and express your visual voice to create a fun group piece and your very own to take home.This is a fun cathartic experiential workshop for groups of friends and workmates. Nicky and Siobhan guide you through some warm up exercises then we crank up the music and invite you to dance and paint creating your own canvas to your chosen dance track in the boogie booth.

BOOKABLE TAILOR MADE WORKSHOPS IN YOUR SPACE OR MINE

My workshops are designed to build great memories. You will learn new skills and techniques, gain confidence, create something wonderful, have fun, whilst being lavished with yummy homemade refreshments.They can be themed for Christmas, Easter, Mother's day ,Birthdays ,Hen Parties or tailor made. ..

It's a fantastic way of making unique gifts for friends and family whilst experiencing a new environment. From Craft mornings to furniture make overs, jewellery making , decorated pots and jars , scented candles and Seaside chimes. I am constantly playing with new ideas so if you see anything on my website that you would like to make just ask and lets make it happen !. Choose your date ,pick your workshop and Contact me for a price .See more details and lots of images below!

Do you fancy having a CRAFTY COFFEE AND CAKE EVENTS or a BOOZY BRUNCH whilst creating something ?

DRIFTWOOD SIGNS: Make your own design for a room, person, garden with lettering and stencils using paint,sand,shells,rope and real driftwood.

SCENTED CANDLES: We will upcycle candles add colouring,aromatherapy scents,lavender and rosebuds and set in scallop and oyster shells

DECOUPAGE: Using vintage prints of flowers,birds,butterflies ,stamps,graphic mags and broadway memorabilia we will upcycle a wine bottle for a candle holder or single stem vase or why not bring your own box, lamp base,vase,piece of furniture!!!

WESTPORT WINDCHIMES: using local shells, sea glass,driftwood, bells and wire you will make a fabulous momento using natural gathered pieces and we can even go and gather them first if you have time .A visit to a local charming beach to collect your treasures can be arranged prior to the workshop

STUMPA: This is an entertaining and insightful talk about the inspiration behind publishing this happy Christmas childrens picture book. Followed by a small craft workshop.

AN POST : A fascinating interactive discussion about the traditional importance of letter writing to emmigrants. Nicky shares the social history and stories behind some of her collection of over 300 letters and 5000 stamps. There will be a showing of a short emotional 15 min documentary which includes interviews with Irish people and explains the inspiration behind her art installation which will then be revealed to you.

PORTRAITS: This workshop is great fun and creates amazing results. Each person paints each others so you go home with a portrait of yourself. Fantastic for a family, team or hen group max 10.

To book call me 00353 858317894 or email nickydowdartistinresidence@gmail.com

My mantra is DO IT!

Transform a piece of furniture,paint it,reupholster,decoupage,or combine all three in a workshop and make a mess in my house not yours!.

It can take on a new lease of life.

Driftwood signs,decoupage bottles and upcycled scented candles are some of the workshops we get upto in the 2 hour Thursday lunchtime Craft,coffee and cake sessions at The Gallery brewery place Westport €10

HEN PARTY

Giggles and glitter to kick off your weekend with the girls.Something different for your special day.

I was so smitten with the Kirsty's Christmas Alice band that I made one for myself and thought that they would make the funkiest Hen Headresses . So as my Granny always said "If you want to get ahead get a hat!" You'll make a cool entrance flocking in like Carmen Miranda in your pompom, flower decked crowns - they look delicious enough to eat.I can suggest various venues in Westport or I can come to you with all the materials for you to create your own head dress ,sipping wine,bubble s,cocktails and glittering your faces. It takes about 2 hours so get in touch for a costing -starts from €30 per head

Don't forget to keep in touch through facebook for future play days or you could also join my mailing list.

Click here to edit text

Here's what some workshop guests have to say:

'I felt thoroughly spoilt and inspired when I left. Time flew and I can't remember when I last laughed feeling so relaxed.'

'I didn't know anyone and don't consider myself particularly creative. Nicky was so relaxed and welcoming, I met some lovely new friends and was really very proud of what I created. Lots of people commented on my Easter Tree when I got home.'

'I'm definitely coming back and staying locally next time to make a weekend of it. I learned so much.'

'I was amazed that everything was included - our lunch was lovely and all hand prepared in front of us - so I felt like I was picking up cookery tips too. A really wonderful day and right on my doorstep.'

'Nicky had gone to so much trouble for the course, everything was prepared in advance and she gave us her undivided attention for the whole of the day. It was friendly, easygoing and relaxing and I was thrilled with the results!'

Easter Trees

On a gorgeous spring morning a group of ladies arrived to make these fabulous Easter Trees. While they enjoyed home made pastries and coffee, I demonstrated the techniques and then we went out into my garden to collect the branches. We made our own leaves and wired them on to the branches, and painted eggs. After lunch and a little glass of bubbles, we continued with our egg decorating and finished off our sensational show pieces! Can't wait for the next workshop!

Email me if you would like to go on my mailing list or have any specific requests. email: nickydowdartistinresidence@gmail.com