Jo Sheppard

Educational and Community Workshops I develop and run educational and community workshops in various disciplines, including drawing, painting, printmaking and mixed media. Creative workshops provide an excellent opportunity for people of all ages to experience the arts, develop social and cultural awareness, and enhance personal wellbeing. A practising artist and qualified teacher (PGCE) I am also experienced in delivering soft sculpture, ceramics, photography, ICT and various crafts such as mosaic and kite making. I am very familiar with working within the school environment and appreciate curriculum requirements. Workshops are tailored to individual needs and to support the various Key Stages. In addition, I have delivered workshops in non-school environments to all ages, including working at open air cultural events / festivals, within museums and in adult education. I enjoy working with techniques, skills and materials new to the learners and find that this often enables them to produce work that exceeds their original expectations. I am able to share my skills and expertise, whilst stimulating my own creativity – working in a workshop environment encourages me to actively research new approaches, thus developing my own strengths as a professional artist and creative practitioner. Typically, sessions start with an introduction covering relevant personal work and examples, and continue with practical demonstrations – which then lead on to personal development in a creative, informal and enriching atmosphere. I am available for half or full day workshops or shorter mini-sessions, where students can learn basic techniques and develop their own outcomes. If you would like to ask any questions, discuss ideas or book a workshop, please contact me. I hold a current Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check, have full Public Liability Insurance and my full CV is available upon request. For workshop testimonials, please scroll to the bottom of the page. Selected Workshops American Pop Art Printing, Hundertwasser Cityscapes, Printmaking – Natural Forms Abstract Still Life Painting, Monoprinting – Illustration, Fossils – Painting, Printmaking, Clay and Plaster, Discussion and Demonstration with an Artist (Post 16), Painting with RE (Key Stage 1 and 2), Wicker Sculpture, Minibeasts, Cardmaking. Alfred Wallis, Mixed media with Pen and Ink, Fauvism, Gouache Resist, Metamorphosis, Illuminated Lettering, Collagraph and Relief Printing.				Streets Alive Community Workshop   Streets Alive Banner Development   KS2 Alfred Wallis
Key Stage 3 Sculpture		Key Stage 4 Traditional Photography
Key Stage 4 Expressive Portraiture   KS2 Minibeasts   KS3 Illuminated Lettering		KS 3 Metamorphosis   Hoby Painting Group- Group painting (after Theibaud)		Post 16 Sculpture Hoby Painting Group- Collagraph Printing Hoby Painting Group- Personal Project

 

Workshop testimonials

 

Year5 Abstract Art- "My year 5 class had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon doing practical activities that helped them to understand what is meant by abstract art. Jo was extremely well organised, provided appropriate resources and quickly established an excellent raport with the class. She was sensitive to the needs of children who lacked confidence and encouraged the whole group to evaluate their own work and the work of others in a positive way. Watching Jo work with the children gave me ideas for future lessons. I have already recommended her to colleagues in other schools." Julie Gardner, St Bartholemews C of E Primary School, Quorn, Leicestershire (May 2010)

Year 5 Minibeasts- " The session was excellent with all the children very engaged and challenged to try new skills.  The pupils were very motivated and keen to produce a good piece. With a clear structured process which allowed the children to experiment, all managed to achieve a great picture and very much enjoyed the art experience. I would recommend Jo to work in other schools as she had a great manner with the children and managed to get some high quality enjoyable art work from them.  It has also given me ideas of new ways to teach drawing and painting. Both classes really enjoyed her work and the results are great!" John Patching, Deputy Headteacher - Orchard Primary School, Castle Donnington (March 2010)

Adult Education Mixed Media- "Jo provided a fascinating workshop which gave the students an insight into using texture both with oil colour and with water-based media. The students were buzzing with excitement to try out what she suggested and, several weeks later, they are still talking about her workshop!" Mary Byrne, Tutor, Woodhouse Eaves Art Group (March 2010)

Post 16 Mixed media workshop-" I just wanted to say a big thank you for the work you did with the students on Wednesday. They really appreciated the opportunity to hear about your ideas and ways of working as well as seeing the final pieces. It does all give them a much better understanding of the research and planning involved. They really enjoyed your demonstration and I have had the hot wax out this morning, and the sand and they have been very busy experimenting. I can see quite a few of them are really looking for the opportunity of building some of what they have learnt into their own pieces. So many thanks - I know as an ex teacher you will realise how valuable these experiences are for the students - and also how refreshing for the staff!! Great to get some more ideas to play around with especially at the end of this long term! Thanks once again and look forward to seeing you again." Rose Macawley - Hind Leys Community College (Dec 2009)

Years 1 to 6 RE project. " Jo has been a fantastic inspiration for the children. She has wonderful ideas and helps the children to express and collaborate their ideas to produce a great end piece. Throughout all the projects we have done together Jo has always listened to the children, advised and helped them to create a marvelous piece of lasting art of which they could be proud. All the children Jo has worked with have really enjoyed working with a 'real' artist and have been keen to help her each year that she returns to help. Thank you Jo we love your ideas and calming energy that you bring to our school." Amanda Moxon - St Bartholemews Primary School (Feb 2010)