WORKSHOPS

PROFILE
KITE GALLERY
KITE WORKSHOPS
CONTACT
INSPIRATION
KITE FESTIVALS
ART IN THE PARK, PRESTON
LINKS
delta kite
delta kite
kite workshop
kite workshop
kite workshop
kite workshop
Training sessions for Park Rangers and kite making workshops for young people took place in Preston. Organised as an 'Art in the Park' activity, the scheme encourages local people to become actively involved with visual art and the environment. It is part of the urban regeneration programme.

During the first training session I worked with Park Rangers on kite construction techniques, materials and workshop methods. Particular emphasis was placed on reusable materials, making use of bamboo window blinds for spars and polythene shopping bags for sails. These were the basic ingredients for small kite construction. Simple paper kites were also made, decorated and flown on cotton line, using handles cut from cardboard packaging.

In the second workshop the type of kite we made was determined by the age and previous level of experience of the participants. Part constructing the kites before the workshops made things easier for those with less nimble fingers. Some children who, in school, exhibited a range of challenging behaviour benefited from one to one guidance during the workshops.

Over the two days there were 30 participants. The atmosphere was always productive, with everyone actively engaged and enjoying the creative activities and developing new skills. Children and adults left the sessions towing a kite behind them and wearing a big smile.