A course in Mindful Sculpture will be held at Alton Library on Fridays from January 17 to February 14 between 1pm and 3pm.

Tutor Russell Bignold will introduce participants to the world of tactile three-dimensional art.

It will be a walk-through experience focusing on understanding different types of sculpture, understanding the materials and techniques used, and learning the language around sculpture as an art form. The course will enable participants to relax and improve their mental health and well-being.

By the end of the course they will be able to apply the language used in sculpture, create sculpture charts and records to use correct measurements for creating scale models, list some key fundamentals to creating a sculpture, identify the value of mathematics in their work, and describe the impact of sculpture on their mental health and well-being.

Russell Bignold said: “In this course we will look at creating a small maquette using water-based clay that can be worked as a first step into this world.

“Using casts to copy from, I will show you the essential tools and measurements needed to make an accurate copy, moulding the clay with our hands and fingers and then specific tools to create your own version of the work.

“You will use turntables to enable sculpting from all around the piece and get the true feeling of working in a three-dimensional environment. This course is provided by a commissioned sculptor and painter.”

This course is for anyone interested in discovering sculpture as an art form and a way to keep the mind stimulated. No previous knowledge or experience is required. Participants should bring a notebook, pen and apron.

Tuition is free and materials cost £15. To book visit https://shop.hants.gov.uk/collections/learning-in-libraries, speak to Alton Library staff or call 02392 232957.