Free self-led art sessions every Tuesday between 1pm to 3pm at The Meeting Place, Orchard Centre, Dartford. Workshop program as per below –  3pm to 5pm with a £5 voluntary donation

February         3rd        Silk Painting with Ruth

Silk painting applies dye to silk, letting colours flow and blend naturally. Using simple resist and layering, you will create soft, luminous patterns.

February         17th      Taster Session – Scrap Quilting with Mandy

Scrap quilting turns leftover fabrics into colourful, improvisational patchwork pieces.

March             3rd        Taster Session – Visible Mending with Mandy

Visible mending celebrates the history and beauty of worn textiles. You will learn mending techniques that can turn repairs into expressive, story-filled designs.

March             17th      Taster Session – Kantha Stitching with Mandy

Kantha is a running-stitch technique used to repurpose cloth in India. You will learn this simple technique and enjoy the calming, repetitive flow of mindful stitching.

March             31st      Taster Session – Sashiko with Mandy

Sashiko is a Japanese decorative stitching method. You will practise classic patterns, explore tools and fabrics, and create a small decorative piece.

April                14th      Collage with Ruth

Layer paper, textures, and found materials to create expressive, one-of-a-kind compositions in a playful, intuitive way.

April                28th      Taster Session – Mindful Journalling with Mandy

Mindful journalling blends reflective writing, mark-making, and simple art techniques to help you tune into your thoughts in a calm, nurturing space.

May                12th      Silk Painting with Ruth

Silk painting applies dye to silk, letting colours flow and blend naturally. Using simple resist and layering, you will create soft, luminous patterns in a playful, absorbing process.

May                 26th      Simple Mono Printing with Elly

Mono printing creates one-of-a-kind images using ink and simple tools. Explore layering, texture, and spontaneous mark-making in a fun, freeing way.

June                 9th        Get to know your brushes with Mandy

Learn how brush shape, angle, and pressure affect marks. This practical session helps you gain confidence and discover textures with the brushes you already own.

June                 23rd      Collage with Ruth

Layer paper, textures, and found materials to create expressive, one-of-a-kind compositions in a playful, intuitive way.

July                  7th        Slow Drawing with Mandy

Slow drawing focuses on gentle, meditative mark-making. You will explore natural forms and patterns in a calming, mindful creative process.

July                  21st      Momigani – Paper to Fabric with Mandy

Momigami is a Japanese technique that transforms paper into soft, fabric-like sheets. You will create tactile surfaces perfect for stitching, folding, or collage in a hands-on, soothing process.

August             4th        Art with Botanical Brushes with Mandy

Create and use brushes from leaves, twigs, and grasses to make expressive, unpredictable marks, adding playful freedom to your artwork.

August            18th      Branch Weaving with Mandy

Branch weaving uses natural branches as looms. You will weave fibres into sculptural, textured pieces that feel organic and expressive.

August             25th      Nature Weaving with Mandy

Nature weaving transforms leaves, grasses, and seed heads into simple, earthy compositions, encouraging observation and a connection with the natural world.

September      1st        Circular Weaving with Mandy

Circular weaving lets you create small, sculptural pieces on a round loom, exploring rhythm, texture, and colour in a meditative, enjoyable way.

September      15th      Neurography with Collage with Mandy

Neurography combines flowing lines with mindfulness. Paired with intuitive collage, it creates layered, personal artworks without needing prior drawing experience.

September      29th      Easy Alcohol Inks with Mandy

Create vibrant, flowing patterns using alcohol markers and everyday alcohol in a playful, experimental process.

Excursions

Friday, 13th March      

Royal Watercolour Society Exhibition, Bankside Meet Up (Free)

Monday, 20th April       

Greenwich Park/Observatory Sketching Party (Free to visit the park / £24 entry fee to the observatory)

Thursday, 14th May      

Shoreham Aircraft Museum Sketching Party (£5 entry on arrival)

Thursday, 25th June      

Margate, Archers Coach Travel Group Day Trip (£27.50 coach fee)

Thurs, 9th/Fri 10th July    

Lavender Fields, Castle Farm Sketching Party (Free to visit farm and shop, entry fee to go into The Lavender Fields)

Sat, 11th/Sun 12th July  

Carry on Crafting Festival, Ardingly Meet Up (£15 pre-book or pay on arrival)

Friday, 31st July                

Summer Exhibition, Royal Academy Meet Up (£25.50 pre-booked ticket essential)

Monday, 3rd August        

Frida Kahlo: Making of an Icon, Tate Modern Meet Up (£25 pre-booked ticket essential)

Please buy your ticket and arrange your own transport for Meet Ups or Sketching Parties and for the Group Day Trip direct from Archers