By Kate Hodges
06th June 2019
MAKE Nature-Powered
Harnessing the power of nature to create art can result in mind-blowing pieces. Be inspired by these incredible artists who fuse trees, send canvasses into forests for nature to create paintings, build honeycomb vases with bees, or work with crystals, horses and even lightning! Why not try painting with the rain, stencilling apples or making a mushroom stamp? Find lots more inspiration here
EVENT Behind the Gates
Open Farm Sunday is a chance to peek behind the gates and into the fields and paddocks of our nation’s food providers. Understanding the way our crops are grown and the route from field to plate is vital for our children’s health and our agricultural future, and this is a really fun way to gain that knowledge. There will be a farm near you to explore, and most will be hosting activities that might include a chance to meet the animals, walks, nature trails, tractor rides, pond dipping or arts and crafts. Free.
EVENT Arty Party
Last year’s Children’s Art Week saw over sixteen thousand pint-sized Picassos visiting 101 venues, exploring new ways to create paintings, textiles, photos, prints and crafts. Galleries are again preparing to get happily paint-spattered, as they welcome the tide of visitors – for many children, it’s their first visit to a formal art space. Find an event at a cultural hub near you – there are events for educators (including home educators) during the week, and for families at the weekends. June 8–16.
RECIPE Stay Sharp
The woods and hedgerows are starting to come into full bloom. This year, we will be looking for lime flowers, which start to blossom in June and July. Why not try making lime tea (find a recipe here). It’s said to be calming and a good bedtime drink (find out more about the medical properties of lime flowers here) Alternatively, try making a cordial or lime flower cakes
EVENT Making Waves
Birmingham University’s Inspired Festival is a chance to peek behind the doors of the educational institution at shows and performances. Saturday is the free Family Fun day, in celebration of World Oceans Day – make eco-friendly jewellery, paint pebbles, explore an ocean-dwelling bug gunge tank, learn about sustainable fashion, try junk modelling and enjoy an under-the-sea virtual reality experience. Plus lots more. Book your free advance tickets here Find out more about World Oceans Day here!
