Lybster arts centre announces free creative classes and new staff
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North Lands Creative (NLC) glass studio in Lybster is delighted to announce a summer programme of free community classes for children and adults.
The programme was made possible through support from Lybster and Tannach and Creative Scotland. Open to all and free of charge, these classes will be held at NLC’s fully-accessible studio facilities in Lybster, and will be facilitated by local freelance creatives Amanda Coghill and Shelagh Swanson.
Amanda is a florist from Lybster, with 25 years of experience in the industry. She has an RHS Chelsea gold medal as well as two silver medals, has been awarded the British Florist Associations UK Florist of the year in 2017, and has won several awards in the Fusion Flowers Magazine international designer of the year competition. She had her own flower shop in Wick before going freelance in 2013. She is known for her highly creative and detailed designs, showcasing the highest level of craftsmanship. Devoting much of her free time to her passion for all things floral, Amanda demonstrates and teaches all over the country and has also travelled abroad for various floral industry events.
Shelagh Swanson, a 2004 graduate in Fine Art from Gray’s School of Art, Aberdeen, discovered a love for the medium of fused glass during an artist’s residency at NLC in 2006. Subsequent residencies, masterclasses and teaching opportunities in the UK and overseas strengthened her knowledge of the medium, and she now creates work for exhibition and to commission from her studio in rural Caithness. Known for her bold and painterly aesthetic, recurring themes include her relationship to rural landscape, and the dialogue between "man-made and organic structures/patterns that exist within it". She has spearheaded and completed several participatory projects within the UK and is passionate about working within a community context.
Jo Garrett, NLC programme executive, said: " All at North Lands Creative are excited to have these two talented and well known Caithness creatives leading the community programme this summer. Over the school summer holidays, both Amanda and Shelagh will lead separate classes at North Lands, as well as joining forces to teach together for the first time."
The centre also welcomes three new members of staff – Karlyn Sutherland, interim general manager; Eric Dahlberg, studio manager; and Rachel Weir, administrative support.
Originally from Lybster, Karlyn joined the team at NLC in March 2023, after returning to Caithness from the USA, where she was a Visiting Fulbright Scholar at Corning Museum of Glass, New York. A homegrown, internationally-renowned glass artist, Karlyn has a long-standing relationship with North Lands and a breadth of experience within non-profit arts organisations.
Eric received his BFA in glass art from Ohio State University, and his MFA in glass sculpture from the Rochester Institute of Technology. A skilled glass blower and studio technician, Eric relocated to NLC in October 2022 from Bicycle Glass, Minneapolis.
Originally from Glasgow but now living in Wick, Rachel – whose background is in education – joined NLC in March to provide administrative and operational support.
The dates for and details of the up and coming classes are as follows:
● July 10th and 19th: Kiln Forming for Kids – led by Shelagh Swanson
In this colourful and fun workshop which runs over two sessions, participants will be encouraged to tap into their creativity to make varied objects of their own design.
Suitable for beginners aged between 8 - 14 years. 10am - 4pm.
● July 22nd, 23rd, 29th and 30th: Floral Glass – led by Amanda Coghill and Shelagh Swanson
An open community session during which participants will be introduced to floral art inspired by Ikebana, the centuries-old Japanese art of arranging flowers. Dealing with themes such as placement, composition, colour choice and minimalism, each participant will develop a piece over the course of the weekend, with elements being translated into kiln formed glass.
Suitable for beginners aged 12 and over, and those with some fusing experience. 10.30am - 4pm.
These classes are free to attend and are expected to fill fast. In the event of oversubscription, NLC will operate a waiting list. To reserve your place or for any questions please contact Rachel at info@northlandscreative.co.uk or on 01593721229.
The NLC team is also making plans to be on the move with a mobile glass furnace, offering audiences introductions to basic glass blowing techniques.
