“The call is out to make your mark,” says Farnham Town Council as a series of fun and creative workshops take place. The workshops are open to all, free to attend and are part of a project to create a brand-new public art installation in Farnham.

“At the Make Your Mark workshops, local people will contribute to the town’s new artwork by hammering marks and patterns onto metal sheets that will be used to create the installation. No experience or artistic talent is needed but taking part promises to be lots of fun!” says the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Alan Earwaker. “Artists Livia Spinolo and Natalie Bradwell will be on hand to help and they will provide all the tools needed. Whether you want to hammer out your frustrations under Livia and Natalie’s careful supervision or you have something more creative in mind, the final sculpture will be a permanent artwork in the town and the project promises to be a quirky and unique way to leave your impression on Farnham for years to come.”

The workshops are open to the public and take place on 8 and 22 October (10am to 4pm) at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) and at the Farnham Maltings’ Festival of Crafts on 15 and 16 October (10am to 3pm) and during half term on 27 October from 11am to 3pm. 

The Town Council, UCA, Farnham Maltings and Farnham Public Art Trust ran a competition earlier this year to win a commission to create a new piece of public art for the pedestrianised route alongside the River Wey at Longbridge. Livia and Natalie were awarded the commission by a panel of representatives from Farnham Town Council, Farnham Maltings, Farnham Public Art Trust, New Ashgate Gallery and the University for the Creative Arts. 

Make Your Mark is just one of the activities offering a fun twist to crafting during October Craft Month. The Mayor explains: “As England’s first World Craft Town, we celebrate crafts and creativity all over Farnham in our annual Craft Month. Make Your Mark is typical of how we encourage people to try something new with crafting. Pick up a Craft Month programme or check the Craft Town website at www.farnhamcroafttown.com to see what else is going on.”

As well as hands-on events like Make Your Mark, there are talks, demonstrations, markets and exhibitions, including plenty to appeal to children during half term. Events take place all over Farnham and in the surrounding villages. They are suitable for experienced crafters looking to develop their expertise or people completely new to creative arts.