30/03/2026
BDA March Newsletter
Spring is here! Time to turn your mind to this year’s gardens project.
BE A GARDEN ARTIST (or craftsperson) – FOR FREE!
We have found ten stunning new gardens to take part in this year’s Gardens Art and Craft Trail on Bank Holiday Monday 25th May. So why not be a Garden Artist, and show your work (and sell it if you like) in that garden as part of the trail?
For the first time this year we are including craft work as well as art. We are donating all proceeds to charity and It is entirely free to take part but we ask that you donate 10% of any takings to our charities.
We have several artists who have already expressed an interest, If you would like to take part all you have to do is let us know by emailing [email protected] or ringing Mary on 07917 248855. Mary will then allocate you one of the gardens with one or two of the other members (to avoid anyone being by themselves), and answer any questions you may have.
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Workshops - Please note that these are to be paid for on booking and the fee is non-returnable within 7 days of the workshop.
Pastel Workshop - 28th March FULLY BOOKED
Beginner’s Mosaic Workshop - Saturday 25th April -SPACES AVAILABLE
Using broken china and found objects. 10 – 3 at Mettingham Village Hall. The cost will be £20 for members and £25 for non-members, plus £10 for materials. .
Message from Bobbie:
Making something from precious broken or unused china that perhaps has a sentimental value can be great fun and creative, You do not need to be “arty” there are loads of designs you can copy or adapt to make a design. This is a class for those who would like to use broken china and found objects to create a mosaic.
We will be working on about an 8in square backing board.
We will provide the backing board, glue,and some ideas for you to use. We will bring along some suitable plates for cutting up and provide the means to cut them up too. Please bring along any ideas or china you would like to use. Plates are better than mugs and cups , but these may still be useable.
Look for bone china, porcelain etc. Thick heavy plates are difficult to cut and shape. However, look out for items with pattern on them, plus bright coloured plain plates. White or cream plates can make a good background. You can also incorporate found objects such as glass beads, shells etc. The finished face of your mosaic may not be flat, so be aware of this when choosing items.
You will learn how to pick suitable china, cut and shape the pieces of china, glue them onto your design and possibly grout it. Or you can take some grout home and complete it there. I will demo how to grout before the end of the session.
Please be aware that all ceramics have a high silica content and you may want to wear a face mask, particularly if you decide to sand your cut pieces.Eye protection in the form of glasses or safety glasses is mandatory, we will provide some pairs.
Please bring
Eyewear
An old towel
Some sort of tray to cut into, a baking tray is fine.
Apron
Pieces of crockery
Ideas for design ( we can discuss these on the day, please do not expect to be able to complete a very fiddly design in a day!)
Disposable gloves if you have some.
Tweezers
Your lunch!
We will provide backer board, glue, grout, nippers and cutters, toothpicks, collection of crockery,
J cloths, small pots for the glue, spreaders.
As the shards of china can sprint all over the place, please wear sensible shoes and not open toed sandals.
Coffee and tea will be provided.
Please feel free to ring me if you have any questions.
Bobbie Watchorn
07887 648139
Stained Glass Workshops - 2nd May and 13th June BOTH WORKSHOPS FULLY BOOKED
Lino Cutting Workshop - Saturday 20th June - SPACES AVAILABLE
Cost: £20 for members, £25 for non-members.
This will be run by Issy Coe at Mettingham Village Hall 10 - 3.
Softcut lino, tools and inks + 10 prints are included, additional prints at cost.
To book please email [email protected] or ring Mary on 07917 248855
Cyanotype Workshop - 25th July - FULLY BOOKED
Watercolour Workshop - Saturday 17th October - SPACES AVAILABLE
Cost £20 for members, £25 for non-members.
This will be run by Issy Coe at Mettingham Village Hall 10 - 3. To book please email [email protected] or ring Mary on 07917 248855
Coming up -
Jewellery making
Calligraphy
Decoupage
We welcome any suggestions for future workshops.
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2026 Exhibitions
Our Summer Exhibition this year will be at St. Mary’s Church, Bungay between 14th and 23rd August. Details and forms to follow
We will have a Christmas Art and Craft Exhibition between 4th and 12th December, also at St. Mary’s Church.
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Chill Out and Draw
Run by Lin Johnson, this is an opportunity to get together over a coffee and meet others whilst sketching, colouring or just chatting all things art.
This is held at the Fisher Theatre bar, Broad St. Bungay every Thursday 10.30 - 12.30. Materials are provided or bring your own project. Suitable for all abilities.
The Fisher Theatre is fully accessible.
Just turn up.
Di McKenna’s art class is held on Mondays 2 – 4.30pm at Mettingham Village Hall. £16.50 per session Contact [email protected] to book
3rd Wednesday in the month – Screen printing with Jackie Linney 10 – 3 at Mettingham Village Hall. £35 per session. Contact [email protected] to book.
Life Sculpture
Rob Harries runs a sculpture club which meets on the last Friday of every month at Mettingham Village Hall 10am - 3pm.
Bring all that you need; a board to work on (30cm square), your own tools and clay or preferred sculpting medium. There are some tools and some clay is available to buy.
They have a different, professional life model every month.
Enquiries - call Rob Harries on 07831 217490 or 01986 895682
For those who are not yet members, here’s a little bit about us.
Since the conception of Black Dog Arts in 2007 we have been consistent within the town in encouraging local artists to exhibit at street fairs, at the garden art trails and at stand alone exhibitions.
It is our aim to provide an all inclusive forum for local people to participate in and enjoy the arts in all its forms.
We welcome all ages and you do not need to be a Bungay resident.
We have a small membership fee of £12 per year and put on several workshops as well as exhibitions.
If you are not a member and wish to join us, a form can be found on the website. https://www.blackdogarts.org/ Alternatively, contact Karen Leah (membership secretary) 01986 892599, email us at [email protected] or message our page. https://www.facebook.com/blackdogarts
Black Dog Arts is based in Bungay, Suffolk and is a volunteer run organisation aiming to develop art and craft in the Bungay area
