WEA courses

Modern Art’ arouses strong feelings - like it or loathe it! Explore Constable and Turner, understand the Pre- Raphaelites and the Impressionists. Trace the development of ‘Modern Art’ from the beginnings with Cezanne, through the revolutions of Picasso and Mondrian, to the British artists such as Tracy Emin and Antony Gormley. Discuss whether ‘found art’ such as Duchamp’s ‘Fountain’ or Tracy Emin’s ‘My Bed’ are really art at all. Examine the importance of modern art galleries. Understand the contexts and the development which have influenced art in the twentieth century.

Do you want to feel empowered and confident using English in your professional setting? This course is designed for anyone who wants to take their communication skills to the next level. You will: Develop a strong foundation in business English vocabulary and grammar. Practice writing clear and concise emails, reports, and presentations. Master the art of delivering impactful presentations and participating effectively in meetings. Build confidence in negotiating, giving feedback, and handling difficult conversations. Through interactive activities, role-plays, and real-world case studies, you'll gain the practical skills you need to succeed in today's global workplace. By the end of this course, you'll be able to communicate clearly and confidently with colleagues, clients, and superiors, making a strong impression and advancing your career."

An oversimplified view but still a very useful one is that in the 1950s there was still largely a respect for “tradition”. By contrast the 1960s saw challenges to all traditions and conventions. In many areas of public and private life, traditional conventions were challenged. In the theatre world, “kitchen sink drama” appeared. In the visual arts, artists produced even more abstract individualistic products, with “installations” replacing paintings and sculpture. Music became even more experimental. In the course, these developments and many others will be illustrated, including projects of the decade which we still enjoy.

Discover the art of precision and creativity in our Sewing for Business Course. Dive into the fundamentals of machine sewing, mastering essential techniques and garment construction. From threading the needle to embellishing, you'll gain hands-on experience and the confidence to bring your design ideas to life. In parallel, embark on a beginner business journey, learning the basics of entrepreneurship for a sewing venture. Explore market trends, pricing strategies, and customer engagement to turn your passion into a profitable enterprise. Join us for a transformative learning experience that blends craftsmanship with entrepreneurial acumen, equipping you for success in the world of sewing and business.

This course will explore how photos can be used as a vital stimulus for creative writing. Over two days, you will look at the work of some of the world’s finest photographers, from André Kertesz, to Walker Evans and Garry Winogrand. Using these images as starting point, the course will explore how other photos can be used as a means of unlocking your own powers of creative writing and observation. The course will also look at how established authors have used photographs in their own work, from John Berger, to Susan Sontag, Tony Harrison and Geoff Dyer

scover the fascinating life and work of 20th century artist, Paul Nash. Chart his significant impact on British art from 1914 to his death in 1946: from his experiences as Official War Artist during both World Wars; and his contribution to the development of British Surrealism and modern landscape. The course explores also Nash’s fruitful collaboration with his wife, the writer and Suffragette, Margaret Odeh. Central to this course will be a focus on Nash’s interest in spirituality and Eastern philosophies, exploring how his paintings articulated certain subjects and motifs that helped him make sense of a world of conflict.

What is a muse? How and why has this convention endured for centuries? On this focused course, we explore the identity and representation of the muse through the lives and work of three female artists: Claude Cahun (1894-1954), Eileen Agar (1899-1991) and Isabel Rawsthorne (1912-1992). Each week we focus on one artist, examining their individual backgrounds, training and a range of influences that helped to shape their practice across either painting, photography or sculpture. By exploring their work and artistic intentions we will discuss how the traditional concept of the modern muse was powerfully subverted by each of the artists.

This is a 6 week watercolour painting course for anyone wanting to learn or improve their painting skills. You will learn how to draw and paint within a group of like-minded budding artists. Guidance and support is offered throughout the course from our talented tutor, to develop your artistic skills. You will also have the opportunity to connect with and support others in a small artistic community. No previous skills in watercolours are needed to join this group. This course is held in Nailsworth, Stroud, in an independent living community and you will find peace and relaxation in a wonderful Cotswold setting.