Come along to meet members of Flo's friendly local artist network and practice drawing from our life model. We'll welcome you with hot drinks and biscuits to help the inspiration flow!

The session will not be tutored so you will need to work independently and bring your own materials (including boards/easels if required). Come along from 6:15 to get settled in.

We do not want the fee to be a barrier to taking part. Please get in touch if you'd like to discuss before booking.

CREATIVE WRITING with Annie Wilson

Book with Annie by emailing at annecumbria@btinternet.com

Monthly Creative Writing in 2026 at Florence with Annie Wilson. Wednesdays 1 - 3 pm on Jan 28, Feb 25, March 25, April 22, May 20, and June 24 - using as our stimulus the theme of TRAILS. You will create three or four pieces of writing. No experience necessary but all is valued. £15 cash on the day per workshop or special offer when paid in advance. Enquiries to Annie on annecumbria@btinternet.com 

Whether you write regularly or you haven’t since leaving school, you are very welcome. All experience will be valued. Sessions are fun and serious.

A great deal of research shows the benefit to our wellbeing of mindful, creative activity, such as writing in a group. You will certainly grow in confidence.

Each workshop stands alone though you may experience greater benefit from attending all 4.

Annie’s original degree was in Drama Education. She has delivered a wide variety of Community Education courses through the WEA (Workers’ Educational Association) around Cumbria and beyond, with a special interest in mental health. Her freelance work has been facilitating Creative Writing in Community and Recovery settings. Her aim is for individuals to develop their writing practice in a secure group setting which gives pleasure and may lead to fulfilling independent writing. Annie lives in Cleator Moor.

Suitable for those aged 19+ years. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have an Access toilet.

Clay Club is a fun and creative four-week course designed for young people aged 8–18 who would like to explore pottery and ceramics. Across the sessions, participants will be introduced to the basics of working with clay, including a chance to have a go at throwing on the potter’s wheel.

Guided by an experienced tutor, young makers will learn fundamental pottery skills in a relaxed and supportive environment, building confidence as they experiment with different techniques and ideas. The course encourages creativity, curiosity, and hands-on learning, with plenty of opportunity to get messy and have fun.

No previous experience is needed, and all materials are provided. Book here!

Course dates:

• 18.04.2026

• 25.04.2026

• 02.05.2026

• 09.05.2026

Please note optional firing costs £10pp and is payable at the end of the course.

We believe creativity should be for everyone, so if cost is a barrier we’re happy to offer a friendly discount for those eligible for free school meals - just get in touch via florence@florenceartscentre.com.

This course is fully booked but more dates will be coming very soon!

Discover the magic of the potter’s wheel in our 4-week beginners throwing course. This intimate course is the perfect introduction to wheel throwing, held on our brand new pottery wheels in a relaxed and welcoming studio setting.

Across four weekly 2-hour sessions, you’ll learn the essential techniques of throwing, including centring clay, shaping forms, and developing confidence on the wheel. Guided by experienced and inspiring potter Cath Ball, you’ll receive hands-on tuition and plenty of individual support as your skills grow week by week.

Ideal for complete beginners, this course offers a creative, mindful escape and a chance to learn a timeless craft at a comfortable pace.

Course Dates:

• 18/04/2026

• 25/04/2026

• 02/05/2026

• 09/05/2026

An optional £10.00pp is payable for firing of items at the end of the course.

No booking required, just show up with something to do! This is a free event for people who want to have a cuppa and a chat while doing something creative. Our regular craft cafe visitors will be able to share their skills if you’d like to learn something new such as knitting or crochet. 11am-1pm

No booking required. A FREE event for people who want to have a cuppa and a chat while doing something creative! Bring something creative along with you. Meet the Fabricate artists working in their SEED exhibition gallery; get their advice on stalled textile projects and mending; meet Eva and find out about the history of wool.

Back by popular demand, MOSCOW DRUG CLUB… (named after the song) Are a heady and waggish mix of Jazz French musette Latin Grooves and New Orleans Swing. Combining their original material with songs by the likes of Jaques Brel, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen & Eartha Kitt, Moscow Drug Club deliver an intoxicating and intimate musical experience you you won’t soon forget.

Be sure book your ticket to experience the amazing music of Moscow Drug Club at Florence Arts Centre.

Brought to you by Arts Out West

Tickets back be purchased online here or in store, we hope to see you there!

Take some time to get away from phones and iPads and come together as families for some quality quiet time listening to traditional folk tales on a winter theme. Bring a blanket and snuggle up together for some cosy interactive stories!

Interactive stories will engage younger children with actions, sound effects and repetition.

Best suited for families for children ages 3 to 8.

Please contact us if you have any additional access needs. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have an Access toilet.

Come along to meet members of Flo's friendly local artist network and practice drawing from our life model. We'll welcome you with hot drinks and biscuits to help the inspiration flow!

The session will not be tutored so you will need to work independently and bring your own materials (including boards/easels if required). Come along from 6:15 to get settled in.

We do not want the fee to be a barrier to taking part. Please get in touch if you'd like to discuss before booking.

CREATIVE WRITING with Annie Wilson

Book with Annie by emailing at annecumbria@btinternet.com

Monthly Creative Writing in 2026 at Florence with Annie Wilson. Wednesdays 1 - 3 pm on Jan 28, Feb 25, March 25, April 22, May 20, and June 20 using as our stimulus the theme of TRAILS. You will create three or four pieces of writing. No experience necessary but all is valued. £15 cash on the day per workshop or special offer when paid in advance. Enquiries to Annie on annecumbria@btinternet.com 

Whether you write regularly or you haven’t since leaving school, you are very welcome. All experience will be valued. Sessions are fun and serious.

A great deal of research shows the benefit to our wellbeing of mindful, creative activity, such as writing in a group. You will certainly grow in confidence.

Each workshop stands alone though you may experience greater benefit from attending all 4.

Annie’s original degree was in Drama Education. She has delivered a wide variety of Community Education courses through the WEA (Workers’ Educational Association) around Cumbria and beyond, with a special interest in mental health. Her freelance work has been facilitating Creative Writing in Community and Recovery settings. Her aim is for individuals to develop their writing practice in a secure group setting which gives pleasure and may lead to fulfilling independent writing. Annie lives in Cleator Moor.

Suitable for those aged 19+ years. Our centre is wheelchair accessible with parking on site, ramped access to the studio door and level throughout. We have an Access toilet.

11am - 4pm Saturday 14th March

FREE entry

This is a chance to celebrate textiles of all kinds - especially vintage, preloved and reused with:

• CRAFT AND VINTAGE STALLS including demonstrations of textile techniques

• CLOTHES SWAP CUMBRIA - swap or shop with the fantastic selection this volunteer organisation provide. Bring something to swap or make a donation for something you take. MAXIMUM 5 ITEMS DONATED

• SEED EXHIBITION by Fabricate textile artists and guests

• WORKSHOPS by local textile artists - see individual events on the calendar to book a space

• REFRESHMENTS by Truly Scrumptious

• STASH BUST Sell your unwanted fabric, yarn and haberdashery or come buy some bargains:

  • Come and see what’s on offer to buy - CASH ONLY

  • Turn out your cupboards and make a bit of cash!

    • Bring items to sell in advance or on the day:

      • in a plastic bag clearly labelled with the sale price, your name and phone number,

      • NB £1 per bag will be retained by Florence Arts

      • You must pick up unsold items by 4pm Saturday as we can’t keep them and they will be thrown away or sold for donations to Florence Arts

Ever wanted to try the potter’s wheel? This relaxed one-hour introduction is the perfect chance to get hands-on and have a go at pottery throwing using our brand new wheels. Guided by an experienced tutor Cath Ball, you’ll learn the basics of centring clay and shaping simple forms, with plenty of time to experiment and enjoy the process.

No previous experience is needed – just curiosity and a willingness to get a little messy! Whether you’re ticking it off your bucket list or simply trying something new, this session offers a fun and creative introduction to working on the wheel.

Please note an optional £10.00pp is payable on the day to fire items.

Ever wanted to try the potter’s wheel? This relaxed one-hour introduction is the perfect chance to get hands-on and have a go at pottery throwing using our brand new wheels. Guided by an experienced tutor Cath Ball, you’ll learn the basics of centring clay and shaping simple forms, with plenty of time to experiment and enjoy the process.

No previous experience is needed – just curiosity and a willingness to get a little messy! Whether you’re ticking it off your bucket list or simply trying something new, this session offers a fun and creative introduction to working on the wheel.

Please note an optional £10.00pp is payable on the day to fire items.

Ever wanted to try the potter’s wheel? This relaxed one-hour introduction is the perfect chance to get hands-on and have a go at pottery throwing using our brand new wheels. Guided by an experienced tutor, Cath Ball you’ll learn the basics of centring clay and shaping simple forms, with plenty of time to experiment and enjoy the process.

No previous experience is needed – just curiosity and a willingness to get a little messy! Whether you’re ticking it off your bucket list or simply trying something new, this session offers a fun and creative introduction to working on the wheel.

Please note an optional £10.00pp is payable on the day to fire items.

No booking required, just show up with something to do! This is a free event for people who want to have a cuppa and a chat while doing something creative. Our regular craft cafe visitors will be able to share their skills if you’d like to learn something new such as knitting or crochet. 11am-1pm

No booking required. A FREE event for people who want to have a cuppa and a chat while doing something creative! Bring something creative along with you. Meet the Fabricate artists working in their SEED exhibition gallery; get their advice on stalled textile projects and mending; meet Eva and find out about the history of wool.

Ever wanted to try the potter’s wheel? This relaxed one-hour introduction is the perfect chance to get hands-on and have a go at pottery throwing using our brand new wheels. Guided by an experienced tutor Cath Ball, you’ll learn the basics of centring clay and shaping simple forms, with plenty of time to experiment and enjoy the process.

No previous experience is needed – just curiosity and a willingness to get a little messy! Whether you’re ticking it off your bucket list or simply trying something new, this session offers a fun and creative introduction to working on the wheel.

Please note an optional £10.00pp is payable on the day to fire items.

This practical, hands-on workshop is ideal for beginners and improvers who would like to explore the unique qualities of porcelain through hand-building techniques. Guided by ceramic artist Cath Ball, participants will learn how to work confidently with porcelain clay, focusing on creating delicate forms and beautifully textured surfaces while embracing the material’s translucency and ability to capture fine detail.

Using simple hand-building methods, you will experiment with imprinting texture into porcelain using lace and a selection of found objects. Throughout the session, Cath will offer guidance on handling porcelain, avoiding common pitfalls, and achieving clean, refined results.

The final outcome will be a cylindrical form, which can be finished as a mug, vase, or plant pot. Participants can choose their preferred form and colour, ensuring each piece becomes a unique and personal object to enjoy for years to come.

All completed work will be professionally fired in Cath’s studio and will be ready for collection approximately 5–6 weeks after the workshop. Book here!

Please note £20.00pp is payable on the day in cash to the artist, for materials and firing your finished item.

Ever wanted to try the potter’s wheel? This relaxed one-hour introduction is the perfect chance to get hands-on and have a go at pottery throwing using our brand new wheels. Guided by an experienced tutor, Cath Ball you’ll learn the basics of centring clay and shaping simple forms, with plenty of time to experiment and enjoy the process.

No previous experience is needed – just curiosity and a willingness to get a little messy! Whether you’re ticking it off your bucket list or simply trying something new, this session offers a fun and creative introduction to working on the wheel. Book here!

Please note an optional £10.00pp is payable on the day to fire items.