Katharina Nyilas - Into the Forest Exhibition

I first came across Katharina Nyilas' illustrations at an exhibition at The Print Shop in Quakers Friars. I loved her work immediately- such delicate little lines and exquisite details. Her work is usually inspired by environmental concerns, which is why her upcoming exhibition 'Into the Forest' and focuses on the preservation of the ancient forests in the UK. You can look at her website here - I think my favourite is the pattern made with the colourful krill. After graduating from the University of Westminster with a degree in Illustration, Katharina now has a studio space at Hamilton House in Stokes Croft.

I'm now helping Katharina out with the marketing side of the exhibition, which means learning lots about different social medias and contacting a lot of people - do check out our blog, twitter and facebook pages to get the latest news and events. The exhibition begins with an opening on the 6th February from 6-9pm at Hamilton House, with complimentary cider provided by Severn Cider who are also supporting the welfare of our precious ecosystem. I think it'll be a really fun evening, some hot, spicy cider and some beautiful art - then maybe head to the Canteen next door afterwards? 

Not only is there the exhibition from the 7th-13th, but Katharina has also organised a number of wildlife themed workshops run with other Bristol based artists. These range from etching, monoprinting to book binding, as well as Sarah Dennis' paper cutting workshop which we ran back in November! You can see the details and sign up on Katharina's blog by clicking on the 'workshops' tab.

Finally, there is also a competition on the go - whoever guesses the name of the animal and plant beginning with 'F' in the following image wins the limited edition print. 

- Sacha

Support Helicon

This has been a hectic and exciting term for Helicon! With a (nearly) entirely new committee, we have developed a new look for the blog as well as bringing you our first arty event of the year, and compiling the magazine from all the amazing submissions we received.

Our magazine, released termly and made up of contributions from our readers, has been printed for the students of Bristol for over a decade. This terms issue, 'Lost & Found', will be released in the first week of next term, so make sure you follow us on Facebook to find out how to get your hands on a copy!

Here at Helicon, as much as we love digital - there is something to be said for sitting down an enjoying a proper printed magazine. We really need your support to enable us to keep printing Helicon, so that we can continue to produce a magazine showcasing your work which can be picked up, read and enjoyed off screen.

By becoming a member for just £3, you will help us achieve this. As a member you can also gain discounted entry to all our creative events and workshops (we have lots of exciting things in store for you in the new year!) and you can also sign up for the Helicon Book Club, details of which will be announced in 2014. Sign up to be member via the UBU website, and please help us to keep Helicon in print.

Have a very happy new year from all of us at Helicon - we are looking to bringing you lots more exciting developments in 2014!

Pictures via here and here.

The Folk House Creative Arts courses for the Spring term open now!

The Bristol Folk House on Park Street runs a huge number of creative arts courses: Arts and Crafts, Pottery, Writing, Languages, Music, Dance, Drama, Fitness and Personal Development.

The Folk House is an education centre tucked away on Park Street- pretty much opposite Boston Tea Party there's a little alleyway that leads to a cute little courtyard. This is the Folk House, home to all these great art courses and also hosts live music events and art exhibitions in their café-bar.

Their courses are now open for enrolment for the Spring term, starting in January. I would highly recommend signing up for one-even the choices just under 'art' are endless and all equally tempting- Cartoon Making, Illustration and Print-making to name a few.

I signed up for Digital Illustration to get to know the computer programmes that graphic designers used a little better. It's a six week course and not too pricey at all.

Have a look at all the courses they offer here:

http://www.bristolfolkhouse.co.uk/courses.php

Sacha

New Screen Printing workshop in Easton

Rolfe and Wills began printing a year and a half ago, creating colourful and original prints for all sorts of things- homeware, clothes, furniture. With their quirky little designs, these prints are great for cosy English homes and great gifts. Maybe you've seen some of their work in BS8 on Park Street? The rainbow zebra cushions definitely stick in my mind!

As that the business is going so well, Rolfe and Wills have found themselves a new space- an old garage in Easton that they have renovated into a shiny new studio, with a massive 900 square feet to use.

Now that this studio is all set up, Rolfe and Wills will be offering workshops before Christmas to give everyone a chance to do their own screen printing onto things like T-shirts, totes, cushions and tea-towels etc. Sounds like good fun and useful for Christmas presents!

We'll let you know when Rolfe and Wills have some dates for these workshops so watch this space.

Check out their website here

Sacha