This year, Stamford Diversity Group CIC are hosting a range of Sunday Workshops with local artists, and you are invited to join.

Stamford Diversity Group CIC are a locally run, not-for-profit group whose ambition is to make Stamford and the surrounding areas an inclusive and welcoming place.

On top of running the annual Stamford Diversity Festival, they host a series of workshops throughout the year with artists who hail from across the world, but have found themselves living or working in Stamford.

These workshops are subsidised by the group and are ticketed as cheaply as possible, with the aim of getting as many local people involved as they can muster.

This season, they have three workshops scheduled, from artists, musicians, and individuals with a host of world experience that they are bringing to the Stamford community.

Read on to find out more and to book your places...

Painting with Acrylics with Tony Nero

On Sunday 12 March, Tony Nero will be hosting a Painting with Acrylics workshop for only £18.50 per person.

Tony Nero introduced himself: "Originally from St Vincent in the Caribbean, I trained as a graphic designer in London and worked in the music industry producing record sleeves, posters and magazines for a period that exceeded 20 years. Part of this time was spent running my own graphic studio.

"As a child I enjoyed art and while attending secondary school in London I was encouraged by my art teachers. Over the years my passion for art has grown and being inspired by nature, people, surrealism, life and other artists, I love to paint just about anything. I also love the effect of light and dark and often love to work while listening to music. Learning all the time while trying to improve my work and hoping to evoke something in the viewer.

"The majority of my art being self-taught but I also undertook some formal fine arts training at the London Guildhall University. I first displayed my work at the former Peterborough Art House and I had my first solo exhibition in Peterborough in 2008. Pieces of my work are now held in homes and private collections across the world. I am very proactive in promoting local art in Peterborough. I am also on the committee of two local art groups.

"My past works included local dignitaries such as three Mayors, Councillors, the CEO of the council and even the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire. I have also been very active in promoting Black History Month and Diversity in Peterborough. One of my biggest achievements to date was showing my Black Heroes collection of portraits in an exhibition at Wembley Stadium.

"My Practice: In some of my work, I pursue my fascination with 'Absence of Presence'. The simple concept where we are able to see something that's no longer there, or visualise what used to be. I try to capture this concept in my work by using marks and colours, also leaving out certain features in order to add depth and encourage creativity in the viewer. The abstract nature of my work encourages a sense of excitement of not knowing what will happen with each stroke, and the secret of the final image is to decide what not to include."

Image credit: Stamford Diversity Group CIC.

Djembe Drumming with Luther King

On Sunday 16 April 2023, Luther King will be hosting a Djembe Drumming workshop for only £18.50 per person.

Luther King said: "I am a drummer playing mostly Djembe drums.

"I have been in the music industry for over 20 years, from being part of a world tour to playing at festivals and teaching music in schools all over the UK.

"I play rhythms from all over the world, mostly on my Djembe drums. These goblet-shaped, skin-covered drums are played with bare hands and really help relieve stress. Music is the language of the world and always brings happiness, which in turn creates a feeling of togetherness.

"In many cultures and traditions since ancient times, music has been an important part of prayer and meditation because of the inherent power latent in sound vibration.

"Whether it is for a party or event, education or coaching, therapy and stress relief, team building groups and classes, you will have to come and experience the power of drumming together!"

Image credit: Stamford Diversity Group CIC.

Felting with Eve Marshall

On Sunday 14 May, Eve Marshall will be hosting a Felting workshop for only £18.50 per person.

Eve Marshall concluded: "I have been working creatively with wool for over 16 years. I layer wool, silk and other fibres to create a background for my felted art. 30+ layers of colour and texture go into each piece. Once wet felted, I like to see how much depth and realism I can achieve with my single felting needle.

"My art is inspired by my wanders around the countryside and my wacky brain. Most of my artwork is based on the flora and fauna of Lincolnshire. I spend a lot of time wandering around Barnsdale Gardens in Rutland and creating work inspired by the flowers growing there.

"I enjoy teaching others the magic of felting through short courses based in this area and beyond."

Image credit: Stamford Diversity Group CIC.

All of these workshops will take place between 3 and 4:30pm at Christchurch, Green Lane, Stamford.

Find out more about Stamford Diversity Group CIC here.