Our first workshops! Youth Group 1/3

Not only did we have our first Secondary School Hunky Punk Workshop yesterday, we also had our first Youth Group workshop, which was a whole lot of fun!
These Hunky Punks we made from brightly coloured socks, stuffing them and decorating them. There was a great turn out and some very creative and unique Hunky Punks created - Can't wait to go back next week and make some more!

Here's Julie with her creation!

Our first workshops! Huish Secondary 1/3

We had our first workshops yesterday- and they were a great success! Sarah and Julie ran the first at Huish Secondary School with a group of 20 Year 7's. After an introduction to Hunky Punks and what they are, the students designed their own Hunky Punk. Some based theirs on things they are scared of, others combined featured from multiple animals but all looked suitably scary!

Then we took the first step to making their designs a reality by drafting a paper pattern from sugar paper.

Students also began on sewing scales from fabric which will become part of a huge communal Hunky Punk!

Next time the students will be using their paper patterns to cut the fabric and make the bodies of their own Hunky Punk designs - I'm very excited to see how they turn out!

And the workshops begin!

We're working hard putting the finishing touches on the workshop materials for our first two workshops tomorrow! First in Huish Academy and then onto the Youth Group at Langport Community Centre. Check back here to see how we got on later in the week.

Artist Profile: Sarah Dicks

Before we make a start on the project I'd like to introduce the three artists who will be running the workshops in both schools and the community and thought I might as well start with myself!


SARAH DICKS
AGE: 24
EDUCATION: MA Costume, BA(Hons) Costume with Performance Design
OCCUPATION: Visual Artist
WEBSITE: www.sarahdicks.com
FACEBOOK: Sarah Dicks
TWITTER: @sarah_dicks


BIO: Hello! I am the lead artist working on The Hunky Punks Project and I am a Visual Artist based in Bristol. I specialise in Costume, Set and Puppetry design for Theatre.

As a costume designer I decide what the actors in a performance will wear, first by drawing designs and then either making or buying clothes to make the design a reality. Sometimes I work by myself with the Director, but often I work with a team of Costume Supervisors and Costume Makers.

Costume designs for the Dorset Wind Gatherers for Battle for the Winds (Opening Celebrations of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Sailing Events in Weymouth and Portland) Photo: Sarah Dicks

Costumes in Performance at Battle for the Winds (Opening Celebrations of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Sailing Events in Weymouth and Portland) Photo: Bill Bradshaw

As well as costume design for theatre, circus and events, I like to try my hand at a lot of things! I design and make puppets, and have been working as a Puppetry Assistant on the UK Tour of Disney's The Lion King. I was recently the Art Director of a BBC TV Pilot, I am a visiting tutor at the Arts University Bournemouth and I also run workshops in Carnival Costume and Puppetry, Working with Willow and various other craft workshops.
I live in Bristol with two friends and two kittens, love surf pop/garage rock, collecting vinyl, owls and 1950s clothing.

MY INVOLVEMENT IN THE HUNKY PUNKS PROJECT:

I will be leading the workshops to create the Hunk Punk monsters in the schools and community alongside Julie and Penny. I'm very excited to get started and see what the participants create using the recycled fabrics and materials. I will be managing the blog and curating the Hunky Punk showcase exhibition at the Langport Festival. 

I have also been awarded a bursary by Somerset Art Works (SAW) to develop a piece of my own artwork to accompany the exhibition. I'll keep you updated of how it is developing, also on this blog.

Welcome and Hello!

We are the very beginning of an exciting project taking place in the Langport Community.

The grotesque rooftop carvings of All Saints Church have inspired a community project and the spawning of a whole new generation of Hunky Punks in the form of peculiar creatures made by the young people of Langport out of fabrics and recycled materials.  Led by professional artists, made over a series of workshops with young people from Huish Academy, Langport Youth Group and Huish Primary School, these creations will be displayed as part of Langport Festival 01-08 June.

Watch this space for more information about those taking part, upcoming workshops and the Hunky Punks we create!

Open Day: Create your own Hunky Punk

Now offering an opportunity for local people of all ages to make their own Hunky Punk!  

Drop in workshop led by the project artists on Saturday 8th June, all ages welcome, call in anytime between 2pm and 4.30pm.  Children to be accompanied by an adult, adults encouraged to join in too, open to all!

Hunky Punks made will go into our dramatic display and be entered into the competition!

Winners announced at 5pm.

FREE event

All Saints Church Langport, Somerset. Friday 8th June. 2-5pm. FREE. All welcome.

For more info contact Somerset Art Works 01458 253800 info@somersetartworks.org.uk

Hunky Punks Exhibition: Langport Festival

As part of the Langport Festival, the Hunky Punks made throughout all the workshops will be showcased in All Saints Church, Langport.

Please come and see the local communities unique toy creatures showcased in a dramatic display.
Saturday 1st June - Saturday 8th June. During normal church opening hours.

Also chance to make your own Hunky Punk and enter the competition on the final day of the display: Saturday 8th June. More details here

Open Afternoon: Create your own Hunky Punk

Now offering an opportunity for local people of all ages to make their own Hunky Punk!  Drop in workshop led by the project artists on Friday 03 May, all ages welcome, call in anytime between 3.00 and 5.30pm.  Children to be accompanied by an adult, adults encouraged to join in too, open to all!  Hunky Punks made will go into our dramatic display at the church for Langport Festival. FREE event

All Saints Church Langport, Somerset. Friday 3rd May. 3-5.30pm. FREE. All welcome.

For more info contact Somerset Art Works 01458 253800 info@somersetartworks.org.uk