24.06.2025
In this week long workshop, we focus on gaining confidence in creating sculptures using polymer clay, inspired by Frode Bolhuis’s Daily Sculptures project. You will explore both the technical and artistic sides of working with this versatile material. Starting from scratch, we build up skills through clear instructions, hands-on exercises, and playful experimentation.
Throughout the sessions, we’ll work on developing our understanding of form, texture, and color, while learning practical techniques such as armature building, surface treatment, and finishing methods. Mistakes are welcomed — experimentation is key — and you will be encouraged to work freely and intuitively.
We’ll create many small study objects to loosen up and discover possibilities, as well as several more detailed figure sculptures where you can apply your new ideas and artistic voice. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a personal collection of sculptures, as well as the skills and inspiration to continue working independently.
Materials required: Polymer clay, pasta roller. We will have a small quantity of these available to rent, but we recommend that you purchase your own so you can continue to work with polymer clay after the workshop.
No prior experience is necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to dive in!
Two bursary places are available for artists working within a ten-mile radius of Derby City Centre, for whom this workshop would be transformative to their practice. To apply, please send your CV, a statement of practice, and a link to your website and social media to venuehire@derbymuseums.org, by June 30th. You will be informed if successful by July 4th.
Submit your news items to editor@artsderbyshire.org.uk or fill out this news submission form.
You can also register as a member to list your arts business and events in our directory.
Find out what’s on with the Arts Derbyshire newsletter.
Artists, creatives, cultural providers, arts and health specialists – Sign up for one of our professional mailing lists.