Join us at Whelans Garden Ornaments this March for a rare opportunity to get involved in the making of an artwork. This spring we are making prototypes for Intertidal Allotment, a long-term project creating a functional artwork and new community allotment on the north coast of Sheppey. We are in the prototype stage, making a series of small sculptures that we will install on the coastline this spring, enabling the impact on the local community and ecosystem to be closely monitored.
In this hands-on workshop you will learn how to work with natural cement (a material derived from limestone) to cast prototype Rock Pool Rings in the shape of tyres. These prototypes mimic the tyres already found along the north coast of Sheppey, partly submerged in the sediment on the beach. The synthetic rubber and plastic these tyres are made from pollute the water and release microplastics but they do make wonderful rock pools, teeming with life. For the Rock Pool Rings prototype we are borrowing the form of these tyre rock pools but making them out of natural and sustainable materials. They will be installed on the coastline, creating texture and complexity that encourages habitats and supports biodiversity.
The workshop will involve an experimental process, first casting Rock Pool Rings using natural cement and then adding texture and interest to their surface. You will be guided by Intertidal Allotment lead artist Andrew Merritt and expert art fabricator Tim Walker who has produced work for some of the world’s leading artists, galleries and designers. Please note: this is a messy process and the Factory Space is unheated, so dress accordingly. Wear warm clothes that you don’t mind getting messy, and sturdy shoes. Protective gloves and masks will be provided. The workshop is strictly for adults only (18+).
With thanks to Andre at Whelans for the generous use of the Factory Space.
52 High Street
Blue Town
Sheerness
ME12 1RW
The workshop will take place in the Factory Space at Whelans. Whelans is a 10min walk from Sheerness-on-Sea station and there is free parking available onsite (follow signposts for Whelans customer parking).There are toilets onsite including disabled facilities. Tea and biscuits will be provided.
What should I wear?
Wear warm clothes that you don’t mind getting messy, and sturdy shoes. Protective gloves and masks will be provided.
Do I need any knowledge or experience of working with natural cement or other sculptural materials?
No prior knowledge or experience is needed. We’ll be experimenting with you and learning together.
Can I join halfway through?
Please arrive promptly for the start time so that we can explain the process to you and give you a safety briefing.
Rock Pool Ring Workshop is part of the wider project Intertidal Allotment. Our 2024-2025 Intertidal Allotment events programme invites people to explore ideas and test out materials for a new community allotment on the north coast of Sheppey – a proposed functional artwork by artist Andrew Merritt, one half of the artist duo Something & Son. As we move into the prototyping phase, we will be offering stimulating conversations on the project’s themes and hands-on activities to test materials and forms for the world’s first coastal allotment.
The project is kindly supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and The National Lottery Community Fund. With additional support from Ideas Test, Swale Borough Council, and Kent County Council.
Find out more here.