Wellness Weekends: Open Studio Craft Sessions

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery has been selected as one of just four partners to host the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour, a three-year transformative opportunity to bring world-class art to the North East.Pierre Mignard's The Marquise de Seignelay visits South Shields Museum & Art Gallery from Saturday 29 August - Saturday 7 November 2026.Families can drop into the learning room to take part in creative workshops, inspired by the masterpiece on loan, where children and adults can explore art-inspired crafts together.Saturday 5 September: FeltUse felt to create an under the sea menagerie scene.Saturday 12 September: God and GoddessUse craft materials to create mythical objects like crowns, wings, belts and more.Saturday 19 September: Mythological Alter-Ego Self PortraitCreate a mythological alter-ego self portrait and draw yourself dressed up as your favourite mythological hero, god or animal.

Or if you'd prefer, you can design a special costume, a magical sidekick or pet and write about your ultimate superpower.Saturday 26 September: The Ultramarine Blue ChallengeUse only shades of blue, gold and white paint to create an abstract or landscape artwork, inspired by Mignard's masterpiece on display at the museum.Saturday 3 October: Chalk Pastel VolcanoesUse bright red, orange and black chalks and pastels on dark paper to draw a smoking volcano, drawing inspiration from Mignard's The Marquise de Seignelay.Saturday 10 October: Love LettersCreate your own special card for someone you love.Saturday 17 October: Fan FareCreate your own beautiful fan using card and lolly sticks, to keep you cool.Saturday 24 October: Clay MotifsUsing clay and sequins, make your own sea life or mythological creature.Saturday 31 October: Flights of FancyMake a winged feathery bird from craft materials.Saturday 7 November: Collaborative Mignard Themed CollageFamilies can drop in to decorate a big mural using a variety of art materials.