A TOWN is launching its first art workshops this week as part of a series of taster sessions for people in the community.

This weekend Kirkby Lonsdale CIC (Kirkby Lonsdale Community Interest Company) is launching the first two workshops in the new Phoenix Rising art taster workshop programme with Melling visual arts organisation, Green Close.

The workshops will take place online, offering the community a safe space to be creative, socialise and learn something new.

Gratitude Gallery, a smartphone photography workshop led by artist Ginny Koppenhol, and Myths & Legends, a mapmaking workshop led by illustrator Kremena Dimitrova, will take place this Friday and Sunday.

These taster sessions will lead onto the wider Phoenix Rising programme, funded by the Thriving Communities grant from the National Academy for Social Prescribing, Arts Council England, Natural England and Historic England, which has been offered to help communities across north and central Lancashire and south Cumbria recover from coronavirus.

Town manager Janet Nuttall met with Green Close director Sue Flowers and Phoenix Rising artist Danielle Chapel-Aspinwall this week to visit the Lunesdale Hall, where face-to-face workshops will take place after May 17, in accordance with government regulations.

The feeling was optimistic, as all parties looked towards planning a brighter future and even more opportunities for the community to recharge with Danielle’s Kirkby Towntastic making and drawing and Sue’s Tree of Life working with clay workshops.

Sue Flowers, director of Green Close, said: “We are very excited for the Kirkby Lonsdale taster programme to begin this week, having designed and developed creative activities for people struggling with lockdown throughout the pandemic.

“Now, with thanks to Kirkby Lonsdale CIC, Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Trust and major investment from the Thriving Communities Fund, we can support even more people during this difficult time as everyone adjusts once again to normal life.”

Further details and booking information can be found at www.KirkbyLonsdale.info/phoenix-rising/ or by enquiring at the Kirkby Lonsdale Tourist Information & Gift Shop on Main Street.