Art Cart
Every Sunday
1:00 - 3:30
Every Tuesday during school holidays
10:30 - 3:30
With a helping hand from our friendly staff, you can have fun creating your own piece of artwork to take home. Based on the gallery's changing exhibition programme, there's always something new to try!
FREE drop in suitable for all

Playing with Fire
Saturday 29^th November
11.00 - 12.00 and 2.00 - 3.00
Meet jeweller and exhibiting artist Rachel Gogerly as she talks about the enamelling techniques she uses in her work. Learn about champlevé, basse taille and guilloche as you tour the exhibition, get an exclusive look at other examples of Rachel's work and hear a fascinating illustrated talk about the enamelling process in action.  A Freeman of The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths' and classically trained by one of London's leading enamel studios, Rachel is one of the UK's leading fine enamellers working in precious metals.
FREE drop in 

Christmas Art Cart
13 & 20 December
10.30 - 3.30
Join us and make your own Christmas Crown or Christmas Tree Decoration!
FREE drop-in activity for all the family!

Cello Chill
Saturday 10^th January
12.00 and 2.00
We are delighted to welcome Stafford's Musician-in-Residence, Johnathan Price of the Manchester Camerata. For ten years Johnathan was cellist with the Matisse Piano Quartet, broadcasting most of the piano quartet repertoire for the BBC and has performed in concert across Europe and North and South America, as well as performing in Australia, Israel, the Azores, Hong Kong, Macau and Hawaii.  Jonathan can be found on the balcony in the Shire Hall Gallery at noon, and on the mezzanine level of the Library at 2pm.
FREE drop in suitable for all ages 

Tall Tales and Peculiar Pets Saturday 24^th January
10:30 - 3:30
Gather round and listen carefully as ace storyteller Julie Ann Cooper tells incredible tales about some of the unusual animals featured in our exhibition. There's a new story to be heard every 30 minutes throughout the day so stay as long as you like!
FREE drop in suitable for all ages

Love your Pet!
Saturday 14^th February
10:00 - 4.00
Barking mad about dogs or loopy about lizards? Join our animal experts to find out all you ever wanted to know about some of your favourite animals! Drop in before lunch to meet Dave Deakin of the Blue Cross and find out how to pick a puppy, keep your dog happy and safe or how to start training. Braver visitors might prefer Animalantics' unusual pets - throughout the day you'll meet and be able to hold Madagascan Hissing Cockroaches, Giant African Millipedes, Tarantulas, Toads, Lizards and even Snakes!
FREE drop in suitable for all ages 

National Doodle Day
Saturday 21^st February
10:00 - 4:00
Jo Loki is building a doodle garden and she needs your help! Pick up a pen, let your mind wander, and create an exotic flower to 'plant'!
And don't forget to pick up a doodle card and enter your doodles into the National Doodle Day Hall of Fame on March 7^th! Visit www.nationaldoodleday.org for more fun activities!
FREE drop in suitable for all ages

Midday Melodies
Saturday 28^th February
12.30 - 1.30
Staffordshire Performing Arts (SPA) provide high quality teaching and musical opportunities to over 22,000 children and young people across the county. Drop in today for a special recital by some of Staffordshire's talented young performers.
FREE drop in suitable for all ages 

Thomas Peploe Wood
Saturday 21^st March
1.00 - 2.00
Get a fascinating glimpse into the life of Thomas Peploe Wood, a nineteenth century artist living in a small rural community, as you explore our exhibition with local expert, Randle Knight. After an extensive study of Wood's diaries, Randle knows everything about the artist's travels, eating habits and illnesses as well as his social engagements and artworks!
FREE - Limited places (Tel: 01785 278345 to reserve your place)

Easter Art Cart
Saturday 11^th April
10:30 - 3:30
We're celebrating Easter with an eggs-tra special Art Cart! Join Naomi Greaves for fun, seasonal makes, suitable for children of all ages!
FREE drop in suitable for all ages

Seamless Vessels - Felt Bags
Saturday 6^th December
10:00 - 4:00
Join Emma Jackson as you design and create a unique hand felted bag from merino wool and silk fibres using traditional seamless wet felting techniques. Experiment with colour, texture and fibre to create a stunning, personalised gift for a friend (or just treat yourself)!
£15

Belle of the Ball
Saturday 13^th December
10:00 - 4:00
Nothing to wear on New Year's Eve? Antrobus and Grimm have been making theatrical props for over sixteen years. Today the company specializes in leather masks inspired by the comedia dell' arte theatrical tradition. Join Karen Reay-Davies of as you learn to shape, set and colour leather and turn a two dimensional piece of leather into a wearable piece of art. Mischievous jester, decadent Venetian or fantastic fairytale creature - it's up to you! (Bring along your party frock or accessories for the perfect colour and style match!)
£15

Digital Photography
Saturday 17^th January
10:00 - 4:00
Get to grips with advanced digital photography as Eleanor Babb shows you how to get arty and experiment with angles, perspective and editing in Photoshop. Bring along your camera and copies of your own photos for advice and assistance!
£15

Top Dog!
Saturday 31^st January
10:00 - 4:00
If you've fallen in love with Olivia Brown's wonderful ceramic animals then you won't want to miss this chance to meet the artist and find out how she makes them! You'll work with clay to create your very own pet - and then learn how to give it character. Your work will then be fired and ready to collect at a later date.
£15

Acrylics Masterclass
Saturday 28^th March
10:00 - 4:00
Due to overwhelming demand, David Culshaw is back with another acrylics masterclass! You'll experiment on paper, canvas and board as you explore a range of acrylic techniques and try your hand with gels, retarders, levelling mediums and collaging elements. It's the perfect introduction to a new hobby - and the best way to freshen your ideas!
£15 

Paper Garments
Saturday 18^th April
10:00 - 4:00
As requested by you, previous Open Art winner Jennifer Collier returns with a paper garment workshop - but this time for adults! Using found materials and recycled papers, you'll learn stitch, trapping and waxing techniques and construct your own decorative paper clothes and accessories.
£15