Local artists invited to brush up on their skills at new workshops
27 May 2026
Local people are being encouraged to get creative this summer with two new artist-led workshops planned as part of the Art on Your Doorstep programme, delivered in partnership by the Tower Museum and the National Gallery London.
These engaging sessions are designed to bring art directly into communities while complementing the wider Art on Your Doorstep Trail, which has become an eye-catching feature at a number of locations across the City and District.
On Friday 6 June (2–4pm) at Strabane Library & Alley Theatre, artist Sinéad Smyth will lead ‘Painting the Figure: Through the Eyes of Degas’, a workshop inviting participants to explore movement, gesture and observation inspired by the work of Edgar Degas. Artists will have the opportunity to work from both live (clothed) models and photographic references, experimenting with layering, mark-making and tonal contrast to capture the human figure.
The experience is further enhanced by the opportunity to view Degas’ iconic masterpiece, Ballet Dancers (c.1890–1900), as part of the Art on Your Doorstep Trail currently on display at Strabane Library.
A second workshop, focusing on ‘Movement & Atmosphere’, will take place on July 4th (2–4.30pm) at Killeter Heritage Centre, inspired by exhibitions at The Diamond and Castle Park, Castlederg. This outdoor en plein air session will focus on expressive mark-making in acrylics, exploring weather, colour and emotion. Participants will experiment with brush and palette knife techniques, create charcoal sketches, and produce a small acrylic painting inspired by both the surrounding landscape and featured artworks.
The workshop will include a short visual introduction, technique demonstrations, guided hands-on practice with materials provided, and a group reflection session. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own sketchbooks and drawing materials, and to wear suitable clothing for painting outdoors.
Looking ahead to the events, Museum Service Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Margaret Edwards said: “These workshops are a wonderful opportunity for people of all abilities to engage directly with art in a relaxed and inspiring setting. Through Art on Your Doorstep, we are bringing nationally significant artworks into local communities and encouraging people to respond creatively. I would encourage everyone to sign up, get involved, and experience the benefits of creativity first-hand.”
The Art on Your Doorstep Trail continues to be available across the City and District until the end of September 2026, offering a unique chance to view high-quality reproductions of iconic works from the National Gallery Collections in accessible, everyday locations, which aside from Strabane Library and Castlederg includes the following: St Columb’s Park House, Acorn Farm, Tower Museum and Newtownstewart Castle – view the details at towermuseumcollections.com/art-on-your-doorstep/
The programme reflects a commitment to making art more accessible and fostering creativity throughout the region, with workshops suitable for beginners and more experienced artists alike.
Bookings for the workshops can be made online through the Alley Theatre at
https://alley-theatre.ticketsolve.com/.../1173673434/events
To book the Castlederg workshop contact the Tower Museum at [email protected]