Kinetic Sculpture for 15 – 17 year olds

Program Overview

This five-day summer course introduces students aged 15-17 to the art, craft, and design of mobile sculpture making. Students explore the intersection of art, design, physics, and engineering, developing their own kinetic sculptures. The course emphasizes practical and theoretical learning, experimentation, and collaboration in a creative studio environment. Upon completion, students receive a certificate of attendance and have the opportunity to create a portfolio.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This is a short course designed for students aged 15-17 who are interested in the art, craft, and design of mobile sculpture making. The course aims to introduce students to the intersection of art, design, physics, and engineering, allowing them to develop their own kinetic sculptures. It emphasizes both practical and theoretical learning, encouraging experimentation and collaboration in a creative studio environment.

Outline:

The course is structured over five days, with each day focusing on a specific aspect of kinetic sculpture creation:

• Day 1: Discover and Design: Introduces the history of mobile and kinetic art, explores themes, colors, and environmental impact on artistic vision, and delves into the basics of creativity and design.
• Day 3: Tools in the Workshop: Introduces students to various materials, cutting, forming, and joining techniques, and explores the transformation of 2D materials into 3D shapes.
• Day 4: Open Workshop: Provides an open workshop environment for students to refine their creations, receive technical and creative support, and implement their ideas into projects.
Students receive 25 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor, Mark Beeston. Mark is a multi-disciplinary artist, designer, maker, and facilitator with experience in public and community mobile and kinetic art commissions, creative community events, and technical specialization in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment workshops at Nottingham Trent University.

Careers:

The course is designed to provide a real experience of university life, make new friends, and develop a portfolio. Upon successful completion, students receive a certificate of attendance, which can enhance their CV. The course can also count as a Gold DofE Residential for Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award participants.

Other:

• The course has a limited class size, ensuring one-to-one attention for each student.
• Students have access to the university's library and IT facilities.
• Students are encouraged to bring a notepad and pen, basic drawing and designing equipment, and sensible fully covered shoes for the workshop.
• Accommodation is available for students aged 16 and 17, with a dedicated supervisor(s) during evenings and mornings.
Students aged 15 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
• Students can receive a 10% refund on their course fees if they combine this one-week course with any second course.