REGISTER HERE

2 MAY 2026

Entry to the Open Day is FREE, and you are very welcome to visit without attending a workshop or tour. However, if you plan to attend without booking a ticketed activity, please register your visit in advance. Please use the button below - we look forward to welcoming you.

Tour Times:

TOUR A: 10:00 - 11:00am

TOUR B: 11:30am - 12:30pm

TOUR C: 1:30pm - 2:30pm

TOUR D: 3:00pm- 4.00pm

Visitors will be shown around the studios where sculptures will be being made in a wide variety of processes, both traditional and experimental.  Visitors will see the full range of procedures that contribute to the professional activity of being an artist from conception through realisation, storage, distribution and installation. There will be the opportunity to meet with the artists and discuss with them issues ranging from creativity and making artwork through to economics , networking and studio management as well as all matters practical.

Tours are Suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Photograph Barney Hindle

Demonstration Times:

Morning: 11.10 - 11.25am

Afternoon: 12.45 -1.00pm

At this year’s open day, visitors will have the opportunity to step inside the working life of Matt Black Barn through a series of live studio demonstrations led by Studio Manager Jasmine Simpson.

Jasmine plays a central role in the studio, assisting both Andrew Sabin and Laura Ford in the production of a wide range of works with a breadth of technical knowledge, she will demonstrate key processes used within the studio, including press moulding, offering a rare chance to see how materials are shaped, handled, and transformed. These short demonstration sessions will provide an up-close look at the methods behind the work.

Whether you’re familiar with sculpture or completely new to it, the demonstrations are designed to be informative, and accessible inviting you to better understand both the creative thinking and experimentation that underpin the work produced at Matt Black Barn.

Sat 7 June

Entry to the Open Day is FREE, and you are very welcome to visit without attending a workshop or tour. However, if you plan to attend without booking a ticketed activity, please register your visit in advance. Please use the button below - we look forward to welcoming you.

Sessions:

Sat 7 June 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM or 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Join sculptor Wilfrid Wood for a fun and interactive workshop where you’ll explore faces through the art of sculpture!

Create a unique piece of art that captures the expressions and energy of someone special—whether it’s a friend, family member, or even a favourite celebrity. Play with colour, shape, and form as you discover your own way of expressing the unique character and personality of your subject.

In this hands-on session, you'll experiment with sculpting faces out of plasticine and leave with your very own plasticine sculpture to take home!

Suitable for ages 16+

Photograph: Ellius Grace

Sessions:

Sat 7 June 11 -12.30 or 2.00 -3.30PM

Join Emily Warren for a fun-filled and creative day of exploration in the world of paper mâché! In this hands-on workshop, you'll have the opportunity to craft your own unique paper mâché model, whether it's a bird, bug, or beast—let your imagination run wild!

Emily will guide you through her signature techniques, encouraging you to embrace the messy, artistic process as you bring your creature to life.

Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to expand their skills, this workshop promises a day of creativity, fun, and plenty of messy moments. Don’t miss out on this chance to make something amazing and learn a new craft!

Suitable 16+

Sat 7 June, Times:

TOUR A: 10:00 - 10:45am

TOUR B: 11:30am - 12:45pm

TOUR C: 1:30pm - 2:15pm

TOUR D: 3:00pm- 3:45pm

Visitors will be shown around the studios where sculptures will be being made in a wide variety of processes, both traditional and experimental.  Visitors will see the full range of procedures that contribute to the professional activity of being an artist from conception through realisation, storage, distribution and installation. There will be the opportunity to meet with the artists and discuss with them issues ranging from creativity and making artwork through to economics , networking and studio management as well as all matters practical.

Tours are Suitable for all ages, children under 16’s go free, please supply their details when booking. All under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.