What will I learn?

In this immersive workshop, you’ll be introduced to the art of botanical relief plaster casting and the expressive technique of frottage. The day begins with a gentle guided walk along the River Slea, where you’ll forage for natural materials such as leaves, seed heads and grasses.

Back in the studio, you’ll learn how to prepare and roll clay, arrange your collected materials into a balanced composition, mix plaster correctly, and choose an appropriate mould. You’ll create your own unique botanical cast, capturing fine natural textures in beautiful detail.

While your cast dries, you’ll take part in an experimental frottage session, exploring mark‑making through rubbings of natural objects. To finish, you’ll be shown simple techniques to enhance the surface of your cast and bring out its intricate patterns.

This is a relaxed, hands‑on and delightfully messy workshop. 

What will I take away with me?

You’ll take home either one large or up to three small plaster casts, plus a small booklet of frottage rubbings and imprints created during the session.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

Please wear old clothes or an apron, and suitable shoes for walking during the foraging element. All other materials are provided.

Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – no previous experience is needed.

About the Artist/Facilitator 

Liz Kelleher’s’ artistic practice is rooted in the narrative potential of the South Lincolnshire Fens, with a central concern being historical and current threats to the area’s natural ecologies, exploring and reinterpreting both historical and contemporary narratives and objects. She experiments directly with the ‘material’ of her research such as agricultural machinery, organic objects and mock archaeological remnants which coalesce into large scale, process driven sculptures. Her current body of work ‘A Fenland Archive’ interweaves large scale metal/mixed media sculptures, casts, prints and an archive of found, salvaged and collected objects from the area, working with communities to question the value and significance of found objects. 

Access Information - Workshop

When you enter the Hub, head to the shop reception and a Visitor Experience Assistant will be able to show you to the room.

The workshop is on the ground floor, you can see a picture of the room below.

The workshop is temperature controlled and well lit.

You are close to all toilet facilities, also on the ground floor. You will have access to two disabled toilets.

You are welcome to take drinks or snacks into the workshop if required.

If you would like to talk to a member of staff about access, please email info@hub-sleaford.org.uk or call 01529 308710.