Rosewell woman hopes art classes help during Covid recovery

Rosewell artist Fiona Maher, who is offering art workshops in May at the Steading.

With Covid cases falling and restrictions now easing across the country, Fiona Maher is set to host art classes for all ages in a new venue in the village. Her ‘Break Out of Lockdown’ art workshops are intended to “start your creativity in fun and Covid compliant sessions” at The Steading on Carnethie Street.

Fiona will offer a mixture of classes in May, including screen printing, dry point etching and plaster carving.

She said: “Prior to lockdown I was running 'Print Club' in Edinburgh alongside family based sessions, and a range of other projects across Mid and East Lothian .

"Art classes offer a social opportunity , but they also present participants with challenges such as problem solving, looking at things differently and learning a new skill. This will maybe uncover a talent in people they didn’t know they had. It’s about providing opportunities for people, and I really like delivering the classes and unlocking people’s potential.

"Hopefully they also have some fun. It’s like adult playtime. It’s a relaxed experience and hopefully they learn a new skill, which they can carry on at home if they want.

"I know a lot of people have been stuck indoors, so this is a way of socialising again and releasing their creativity. It’s really important for mental health.”

Fiona, who used to offer art adult education classes at the old Greenhall school in Gorebridge, is keen to get started. She said: "I’m looking forward to getting back to it. I tried delivering online classes during lockdown, but it wasn’t for me at all.

"It’s much easier to help people learn art face to face.

"All of the classes are taster sessions , but will still offer an experience that will see something completed .

“A further set of sessions will be offered in June along similar lines with four taster workshops.

"We all need a wee treat after such a long period of lockdown and a wee bitesize class to whet the creative appetite could be just the thing.

"And it’s at the new Steading, where there is really good parking and a bus stop outside, so it’s really accessible for people, and I’m looking forward to using it.”