The rivers and us: Tracing the River Through Time in Drawing
Join illustrator Adam Gill for an engaging, hands-on family workshop exploring the history of our local river and the many ways it has shaped people’s lives over time through drawing, storytelling, and collaborative making.
Together, participants will co-create a large-scale “Living River Map” inspired by the river’s rich heritage, historical uses, and the stories connected to it. From trade and transport to industry, recreation, and everyday life, families will discover how the river has influenced the local community across generations.
The workshop will begin with creative activities that encourage participants to explore historical river journeys, landmarks, occupations, and memorable local stories. Through drawing, mark-making, and visual storytelling, participants will create images inspired by the river itself, its flowing waters, boats, bridges, riverside industries, wildlife, and the people who have lived and worked along its banks throughout history.
As the session develops, everyone’s contributions will come together to form a large collaborative artwork — a flowing river map woven from shared stories, historical discoveries, drawings, and creative responses to the river’s past and present.
This welcoming and flexible workshop is designed for all abilities and offers an opportunity for families to connect with local heritage, share memories, and discover the fascinating stories that continue to flow through our river landscape.
What to Expect
- – Creative drawing, mapping, and storytelling activities
- – Invent imaginative river creatures and characters
- – Contribute to a collaborative large-scale artwork
- – Explore ideas around rivers, flooding, biodiversity, and community care
- – Take home your own creative pieces
Date: Saturday 29st August 2026.
Duration: 2 Hours 14:00 – 16:00
Suitable for: 7+ years (accompanied by an adult), teens and adults.
Book here: Via Eventbrite
