Barge art on a boat

This is a fun afternoon of creativity where you’ll discover the colourful world of barge art - the traditional narrowboat style of painting - on the front deck of a river boat in Portishead Marina. Your experience will be hosted by Barbara, a practising artist who works in painting, sculpture and print, with a particular interest in folk art and boat culture.

With Barbara’s help, you’ll make unique, memorable creations to brighten up your home or give as bespoke gifts. You’ll be able to adorn small household items, like mugs, tea light holders, wooden spoons, with simple decorative canal ware motifs. You can choose what you'd like to paint from Barbara's collection, or if you'd like to, bring along your own small item to paint (we would need to discuss this beforehand as it would need to a little preparation). There will be designs available as a guide, and also a hand out on the history of barge art which you can take with you or which can be mailed beforehand.

The front deck is a peaceful, private waterside setting where Barbara will provide all the materials and inspiration you need with the painted backgrounds already prepared for you.

Barbara will be available for gentle guidance, and there will be a glass of wine with nibbles to help the flow of the creative process - the scene is set for a lovely afternoon with creative mementoes to take home with you!