Converge
Art and design courses
Discover the art courses we offer.
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All our courses may be subject to change. You will be notified of these changes if necessary.
Art: Drawing On Life
Course length: 10 weeks
Learning type: On campus learning
On this course you will study drawing as a way of exploring the world, gaining knowledge through intelligent observation.
Art: Drawing on Life offers an opportunity to appreciate the incredible beauty around us. You will explore the subtle and ever changing quality of light, the delight of form and symmetry and also grapple with perspective, composition and colour.
During the course you will develop your own mindfulness, and find inspiration, purpose and pleasure on your individual journey of healing and recovery.
This course is open to new students who have not attended a Drawing on Life course before.
Art: Mixed Media
Course length: 8 weeks
Learning type: On campus learning
This course gives you an opportunity to explore different art materials and styles.
During the course, you will attend a set of practical sessions and use a variety of methods, allowing you to tap into your own creativity.
Your work may be selected for exhibition at the end of term.
Digital Art and Design
Course length: 8 weeks
Learning type: Online via Converge Connected
This course is an introduction to digital art using Inkscape, a free-to-download vector programme. Some people describe it as a free version of Adobe Illustrator. We'll cover all the basic tools in Inkscape, as well as taking a peek at the more advanced ones. Inkscape has many applications, including business card design, poster design, photo alterations, template making and fine art. The course will cover how you can use digital art as an adjunct to your regular art practice. It will also teach you how to prepare your digital files for printing. You'll discover you can make unique and exciting art with this programme, even if you don't consider yourself to be good at drawing or painting.
Students will need their own desktop or laptop computer to download the programme (a tablet or iPad won't be suitable). Inkscape will run on a Linux, MacOS or Windows (64-bit) operating system. Please note that Windows users will need Windows 8.1 or higher (i.e., earlier versions of Windows may not work). Most computers less than 12 years old will run Inkscape.
If you want to check out the programme, you can find it on the Inkscape website.
Origami
Course length: 8 weeks
Learning type: On campus learning
This course is an introduction to some of Japan's unique traditional arts.
During the course you will make an origami box and lid, kusudama (flower ball) and cranes. For those who want a challenge you can also make tiny crane earrings!
As the course progresses you will lean about the history and culture behind the patterns.
You will also have the opportunity to make kanzashi fabric flowers, traditional folded cloth bags (furoshiki) and notebooks constructed using an ancient Japanese book binding technique.
All materials are provided and no previous experience is required.
Art: Expansive Drawing Skills
Course length: 10 weeks
Learning type: On-campus learning
Art: Expansive Drawing Skills introduces students to a wide range of drawing and mark making approaches, encouraging both technical development and creative exploration. Across five themed blocks, students will experiment with materials, scale, observation, and expressive techniques to build confidence and broaden their artistic toolkit. By the end of the course, students will have developed a broad set of traditional and experimental drawing skills, increased creative confidence, and a stronger ability to follow structured teaching while also pursuing independent ideas.
This course is most ideal for Converge students who have already completed Art: Drawing on Life.
Introduction to Jewellery Skills
Course length: 8 weeks
Learning type: In-person, taking place at Poppleton Community Railway Nursery
Discover a range of fun and accessible jewellery making techniques using beads, wire, resin, polymer clay and other contemporary materials. You'll also learn how to present your work professionally, including simple packaging and display ideas, whether you're making gifts or thinking about selling your creations.
Introduction to Mask Making: Art, Story and Self
Course length: 8 weeks
Learning type: On-campus learning
This 8-week creative course offers an introduction to exploring the art of mask-making as a way of expressing emotion, identity, character and imagination.
Through gentle introductions to the history and symbolism of masks in different cultures and contexts, alongside playful creative prompts, reflective discussion, and supported art-making, participants will have the opportunity to create their own masks in response to different themes.
Drawing inspiration from visual art, storytelling, theatre and personal experience, students will gradually build confidence in creative self-expression, working toward a final open-ended piece. There will also be an opportunity to experiment with bringing the masks to life through simple drama or movement games in the final session, thereby bridging links between different disciplines and Converge courses.
Nature and Us: Experimental Artistic Method
Course length: 10 weeks
Learning type: On-campus learning
This course is a creative and playful space for students to learn, explore and combine a variety of artistic and mindful methods. The experimental artistic methods taught as part of this course will allow Converge students to delve into the creative act as a field of personal, material research, which assists us in accessing a deeper connection with the natural world and consequently, ourselves.
Students will use artistic methods to investigate the complex beauty of repeated pattern in nature, which can shed a deeper light onto foundational, everyday concepts such as: change, growth and connection. Converge students will gain skills in unconventional art practices and will be encouraged to think inventively.
A pleasure to be around like-minded people, students and tutors.
— Converge student
