CREATIVES wanting to learn different artistic methods to express themselves can pick up tricks of the trade from experts at Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre through a series of workshops.
Individuals aged 14 and above will be taught how to create flowerpots or incense holders with cement.
Trainees will learn how to use specific materials to isolate cement surfaces from water and dust, as well as gain knowledge of the places from where raw materials can be snapped up. The workshop, which will also highlight the supportive businesses, will be held on Saturday from 10am to noon.
Participants will be able to create coasters or medals and learn how to decorate cement products.
Meanwhile, an Introduction to Mosaic Art workshop will be held on Sunday and Monday for those aged 18 and above – from 4pm to 8pm.
It is an artistic technique that uses tiny parts that are regular or irregular pieces of stones, glass and ceramics to create a whole image or object.
Attendees will be introduced to various types of tiles as well as glue and cutters used to create the mosaics. Participants will learn how to use the cutters to create different shapes and to make art using mosaic tiles and fill in gaps with grout.
At the end of the workshop, participants will have created a 20mmx20mm integrated hanging artwork.
The Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre is also organising the Terrazzo Tray Workshop on January 14 from 10am to 1pm for those aged 14 and above. Terrazzo is a composite material poured in place or precast. It is used for floor and wall treatments. Consisting of chips of marble, quartz, granite, glass, or other suitable materials, poured with a cementitious binder, polymeric, or a combination of both, it’s set in concrete and polished to give a smooth surface.
During the workshop, participants will learn about Terrazzo and its history as well as about cement materials and how to create colourful cement flakes. Individuals will also learn how to mix cement and make a Terrazzo tray.
The Terrazzo tray is a multifunctional, round platter that can be used for serving drinks, bread or appetisers, or as a fire-safe dish for candles. Participants will take home a beautifully made Terrazo tray while also gaining ample knowledge of the art.
There is also a weaving workshop on Saturday and on January 14 from 10am to noon for those aged 18 and above.
Fabric weaving is one of the ancient traditional crafts with deep roots in Bahrain’s history. The textile industry was wide spread in certain villages such as Abu Saybi, Dar Kulayb and Makabah. The industry was then restricted to Bani Jamrah village, which in the past hosted close to a hundred factories that employed almost all residents of the village.
These factories were nothing but modest huts of palm fronds where the weaver and his family members would seek refuge from the heat of the sun. Their village was a bustling market, which people frequented to buy their requirements and their fabrics were exported to various Gulf regions.
Also on Saturday and January 14 from 10am to noon is the Potter on the Wheel, again for those aged 18 and above, where trainees will learn about the types of clay, its tools and ways of shaping it.
By the end of the workshop, participants would have created a work of art using the slide formation method and coloured the work after bisque firing with the special designated colour.
All workshops are in Arabic and English and there is a fee (including all tools) for each activity. Email handicrafts.workshops@culture.gov.bh to register and for details.
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