Workshops and Events
Free weekly creative sessions take place in our cosy cafe— open to everyone, no need to book.
✨ Create & Connect
Wednesdays, 10:30–12:30
Bring along whatever you’re working on—whether it’s a sketchbook, drawing, crafting, or something else—and enjoy a friendly, supportive space to share ideas and connect with others.
✏️ Drawing for All
Thursdays, 10:30–12:30
Spend the morning drawing. Take inspiration from the current exhibition or your own project and sketch in a relaxed atmosphere. Bring along paper and dry drawing materials.
🧵 Sew Creative
Fridays, 10:30–12:30
Drop in for stitching sessions with fellow makers. Get involved with our year-long community project, Known & Sewn or bring what you are currently working on and let your creativity flow.
Did you know you can hire our workshop space?
Bright, welcoming, and full of natural light, our workshop space seats 8–10 people comfortably — and it’s available for just £10 per hour. With its own kitchen and flexible layout, it’s perfect for classes, small group activities, or creative meet-ups.
Get in touch to book [email protected]
UNDERSTANDING ABSTRACT ART
A SERIES OF LECTURES BY LEN GREEN
Wednesdays 4, 11, 18 & 25 March 6-8 pm
Join artist and educator Len Green for an engaging series of talks exploring abstract art. Through clear examples and accessible discussion, these lectures will help demystify abstraction and deepen your understanding of how abstract art works, why it matters, and how to enjoy it with confidence.
£60 pp
Please choose shipping option G) Workshops free shipping
Please note: When purchasing a place for this lecture series, the email confirmation serves as your ticket. We will have your name on file, so you don’t have to print it out.
The Life and Legacy of Hope Bourne
An Illustrated Presentation by Lisa Eden, Vice-Chair of The Exmoor Society and Lead Trustee for the Society’s Resource Centre
Friday 27th March
7pm – 9pm
This takes place at The Parish Rooms, Market Place, Somerton.
‘Rooted & Rural – The Home of The Wessex Wanderer’ – in collaboration with ACEarts Gallery, is pleased to present this very special event coming this March.
This is a fascinating talk celebrating the life and work of Hope Bourne, the much loved Exmoor writer and artist known for her deep connection to the landscape and remarkable self sufficient way of living.
This talk will explore Hope’s philosophy, writing and art and we will hear where this sits in the enduring legacy she left on Exmoor and beyond.
Whether you’re already familiar with her work and publications or simply curious about one of the moor’s most intriguing figures, this promises to be an inspiring and thought provoking evening.
In addition, the evening will raise funds for ACEarts, but also for the small but growing Somerset based Charity ‘Farmerados’, which provides friendly, supportive spaces for members of the farming community to connect, listen without judgement, and share life’s experiences and challenges.
This takes place at The Parish Rooms, Market Place, Somerton.
Doors open at 6:30pm for wine and nibbles.
Please choose shipping option G) Workshops free shipping
Please note: when purchasing a place on this workshop, the email confirmation serves as a ticket; we will have your name for the talk so there is no need to print it out.
Journaling Our Landscape
The Spring Sessions – in-person workshops
with Anna Baker
Friday 27th March: 12 to 2.30
or
Saturday 28th March: 2 to 4.30
The Spring journal workshop
We will be exploring ways of responding to the natural world.
You can expect to work with experimental mark-making, simple print and transfer techniques.
You’ll be taught how to turn your responses into a pocket-sized concertina journal.
This workshop is about connecting with the land around us, slowing down, and noticing the small things.
It’s an opportunity to explore visual recording processes, play with ideas, and/or loosen up your sketchbook approach.
It’s suitable for absolute beginners through to established artists.
Please choose shipping option G) Workshops free shipping
Please note: when purchasing a place on this workshop, the email confirmation serves as a ticket; we will have your name for the workshop so there is no need to print it out.
Porcelain Paint Pens – kids workshop
Kids Ceramic Decorating Workshop – Easter Special
Saturday 4th April – sessions at 2pm or 3pm
Join us on Saturday 4th April for a fun and creative kids’ ceramic decorating workshop! Using porcelain paint pens, each child will decorate a ceramic Easter basket.
Session times:
2:00pm
3:00pm
Price: £5 per child
Booking: Advance booking required – available in the gallery or online
Parents or carers must stay with their child, but you’re very welcome to relax with a coffee and a seat in our café while they create.
Spaces are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment!
Please choose shipping option G) Workshops free shipping
Please note: when purchasing a place on this workshop, the email confirmation serves as a ticket; we will have your name for the workshop, so there is no need to print it out.
Colour, Design & Composition
A Three-Week Workshop Series with Sandra Meech
Tuesdays 14, 21 & 28 April
11am–1pm
ACEarts Café, Somerton
£30 per person (for all 3 sessions)
Limited to 6 participants
Join artist Sandra Meech for a practical and inspiring three-part workshop exploring colour, design and composition.
Week One: Understanding Colour
Working from your own source material (or a photo provided), we’ll explore the colour wheel, tonal values, and how to isolate key colour areas from an image. Participants will identify a focused palette of 5–7 colours and consider proportion, balance and harmony. Coloured pencils and handouts will be provided, along with example samples for inspiration.
Week Two: Exploring Design
We’ll look at how we perceive images in landscapes, magazines and artworks, and explore classic compositional structures such as the rule of thirds, stripes, T-shapes and angled compositions. Using a limited colour palette, participants will experiment with coloured papers and magazine cuttings to create a range of small design studies.
Week Three: Composition Through Collage
Building on previous sessions, we’ll develop simple landscape or abstract compositions using collage. This may include glueing paper or pinning fabric onto cotton, with the possibility of incorporating stitch. Sandra will demonstrate techniques, with a sewing machine available for optional demonstration work.
This small, supportive group is ideal for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of colour relationships and composition — whether working in textiles, mixed media or other creative disciplines.
Acrylic Painting – From the Beginning
with Mandy McAllen
£210 for the complete programme.
Whether you prefer to spread paint on thick and juicy or mix it thin and transparent; whether you work with vibrant colours or blend subtle hues, acrylic is a very versatile medium offering as many possibilities as your imagination allows.
In a course of six workshop lessons with Mandy McAllen, you can learn the skills to give your ideas expression.
For beginners, or those who want to build their confidence.
Further Information
This course consists of six sessions, held on the first Friday of each month from 10:15am to 12:45pm.
Session dates: 1 May, 5 June, 3 July, 7 August, 4 September, 2 October
Whether you’re interested in landscapes, portraits, or abstract painting, it’s essential to develop a solid understanding of your materials – what they can do and how to use them effectively.
In this course, you’ll explore the fundamentals of acrylic painting, including colour mixing, brushwork, and a range of techniques, supported by creative and enjoyable exercises in a friendly environment.
Mandy will also share her expertise on materials, colour choices, surfaces, and brushes.
To help you get the most from the course, you’ll be encouraged to complete a small amount of homework between sessions.
Please bring:
• An apron or overall (note: acrylic paint does not wash out!)
• Any paints and brushes you already own – we will discuss these in class
• A disposable mixing palette, or a white china/plastic plate
• A water pot
• Rags
• And most importantly, an open mind!
• A workbook will be provided by Mandy.
Limited spaces so book early to avoid disappointment
Please choose shipping option G) Workshops free shipping
Please note: when purchasing a place on this workshop, the email confirmation serves as a ticket; we will have your name for the workshop so there is no need to print it out.
WORKSHOP TERMS AND CONDITIONS
A Cancellation must be made 7 days before the workshop date for a full refund, after that time you will be offered the opportunity to transfer to another workshop of the same value. Your booking means you agree to these terms and conditions.
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