CALAT Croydon Adult Learning and Training

Creative Arts

Overview

CALAT believes that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the benefits of self-expression and the joy of Creative Arts and Crafts.

So, are you feeling creative?

Have you considered taking up a new hobby or maybe you would like to develop skills that would make extra money or enhance your career? CALAT Arts and Crafts courses are suitable for entrepreneurs, people wanting to start their own business and those developing their life skills.

All our courses are led by tutors who are experts in their field and are passionate about sharing their love of their subject. They promote the value of learning as a group, sharing our experiences and discoveries in a positive and nurturing environment.

Courses

Our courses include:

Art history and art appreciation is taught at CALAT using interactive and dynamic seminars. Great Art is made more accessible by an engaging look at the art itself and the life and times of the artists who created it.

We take a close look at both Modern Art and art from pre 1900. The classes often include a trip to a London gallery such as the National Gallery, Tate Britain and Tate Modern. These courses are ideal for people new to the subject as well as experienced learners.

CALAT offers courses in WordPress and Photoshop Elements, two powerful and cost effective tools in enabling the creative entrepreneur.

A practical drawing and painting course for all abilities, from complete beginners, those wanting to refresh their creative skills or if you simply have the desire to create for pleasure and relaxation.

The course will be tailored for each individual and can be undertaken with limited materials if necessary.

Using a variety of materials, learn a range of simple but effective mark making and drawing techniques to bring out your inner artist.

Let your creativity blossom in a supportive and friendly learning environment.

Our well-equipped and comprehensive dressmaking classes cover the essential skills required for making dresses successfully. There are also courses for more experienced learners who want to develop professional skills.

CALAT offers accredited City and Guilds Dressmaking courses. You will receive expert tuition and benefit from 1-2-1 and group learning which will enable you to grow in confidence with your dressmaking skills.

CALAT’s practical painting and drawing courses offer the experience of working in a variety of media and approaches. There are classes that suit experienced learners and complete beginners too.

Focus is on developing personal creativity and expression as well as on learning and developing core Art Skills.

Classes are now available in the daytime, evening and at the weekend.

Get the most out of your DSLR camera and explore your creativity. CALAT’s photography classes are taught by professional photographers experienced at delivering creative and engaging courses for learners.

The courses are ideal for someone thinking of a career in photography or for someone who wished to use photography skills as part of their job.

CALAT offers a wide range of photography courses, from NCFE Levels 1 and 2 to introduction to photography classes, ideal for people new to the subject.

COURSE: NCFE Level 1 Photography – starts 19 September 2022

Dates and locations

There are multiple options on offer:

  • different venues across the borough, as well as online
  • course duration from 1 week to 31 weeks
  • at times to suit you – days, evenings and weekends

How to apply

You will need to apply online and, depending on the course, complete an initial assessment to check your skill level.

Please contact calatcreativearts@croydon.gov.uk for more information.

Meet the team

Mark Huggett - Creative Arts curriculum manager

Mark Huggett - Creative Arts curriculum manager

I have a Degree in Fine Art and a PGCE in Art and Design and have taught Art in secondary school, Sixth form college and in Adult education extensively . I run the blog and Jazz Label Jazz Direct and have performed at Arts and Music Festivals including at the Tate Modern, Glastonbury Festival, Notting Hill Carnival and the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

I run the Creative arts programme for CALAT and teach Art History and practical art subjects. I believe in Art for all and the positive impact it has on the individual and the community. In lockdown I set up a successful Online teaching programme using e-learning to deliver traditional art skills in a new and engaging way

Mania Row - Painting, Drawing, Art appreciation tutor

Mania Row - Painting, Drawing, Art appreciation tutor

I am an artist and an adult art educator and hold an MA in Museology from University of London and B.Ed. Honours and Cert Ed. in Art and Education also from University of London. Over the years I have been Head of Art and Design Departments at several secondary schools in London and an OFSTED team inspector for art. I have worked in Adult Education both in Croydon and Bromley since 2006 and am thrilled that my Art Appreciation and Drawing & Painting classes are fully subscribed.

I took part in the Abstract Expressionist show at Museum of Modern Art In New York in 2018 & Seaside Gallery USA Miniature Show 2012. My work has exhibited at the Burnham & Maldon Art Trails 2012 & at the Slack Space Alchemy 3 Colchester 2013 & The Lovely Gallery in 2015 and 2016 and more recently I took part in group exhibitions with the Bromley Art Society. I hold an annual Open Studio event my studio, Atelier Montsale which is now in its seventh year.

Philip Bedford - Photography and digital arts tutor

Philip Bedford - Photography and digital arts tutor

I am a professional photographer and photography teacher and have run my own freelance photography business for over ten years where I continue to develop a broad portfolio of photographic work (you can view this by clicking on my name or title). I have built up a wealth of teaching experience by working at numerous Adult and Further Education organisations in Brighton and London, including running workshops for other photographers for the Royal Photographic Society. I am really proud to have published ‘Sussex in Photographs’, a collection of photography from over the past five years taken across the beautiful East & West Sussex landscape.

Anne Cooper - Dressmaking tutor

Anne Cooper - Dressmaking tutor

I have been teaching clothesmaking and pattern cutting for over 15 years and at CALAT for 6 years. I started my career as a costume maker for theatre, film and television which gave me plenty of experience in cutting and making a wide range of garments. I now have my own business making bridal and special occasion dresses for clients. At CALAT I teach two non accredited courses and a City and Guilds in Fashion, level 1 and 2. I love sharing my knowledge with students and watching how they progress and achieve. I believe it is important to be a practising professional, to keep up with trends and share experiences in the classroom.