Half-term Bod Squad workshops for 12-16 year olds with Alison Ollerhead / Arting UK

Aimed at 12-16 year olds, Bod Squad sessions provide opportunities for young artists to explore new techniques and materials, connect with professional artists and reflect on their own work. Participants are encouraged to analyse and discuss ideas, developing a deeper understanding of art and how to talk about it. Over time, this progression builds skills, confidence and a sense of ownership. Whether you are thinking about studying art further or just want a space to be creative, Bod Squad is a place to grow.

https://www.arting.uk (https://www.arting.uk/)

SESSION 1-MUSSELS

Monday 26 October

Mussels are bivalve molluscs with elongated, asymmetrical shells. Their shells are dark blue, black and brown with the insides being nacreous [nacre-mother of pearl]. They feed on plankton and clump together on wave washed rocks which helps them to hold firm against the force of the sea. They are eaten by humans, starfish and seabirds and found in both sea water and fresh water.

SESSION 2-SCALLOPS

Tuesday 27 October

Scallops are bivalves which are found in all the world’s oceans. They are ‘free-living’ with many species capable of swimming short distances across the ocean floor. They can escape from predators by using jet propulsion created by clapping their shells together. Their symmetrical, fluted, fan shaped shells are a range of colours and are often used in popular culture to symbolise pilgrimage, rebirth and protection.

SESSION 3-BUTTON TOP

Wednesday 28 October

The shell of a small sea snail which lives in intertidal and deep sea waters. It has a coiled shell which grow at different speeds determined by water temperature and depth, availability of food and oxygen levels. They feed on micro algae and seaweed detritus and they are a source of food for humans, otters, seals and walruses. Their shells come in a range of colours, sometimes tried and hermit crabs use empty shells for protection.

SESSION 4-ABALONE

Thursday 29 October

Abalone shells are distinctive for their flattened ear-like shape, they have a nacreous interior which issued for decorative purposes and holes for respiration and releasing sperm and eggs, they can lay up to 11 million eggs at a time. Their flesh is considered a delicacy both raw and cooked. The unique structure of the shell means that great force causes the shedding of layers rather than cracking meaning that scientists are studying it for insights into body armour.

SESSION 5-RAZOR

Friday 30 October

A razor clam is the common name for a range of species with elongated shells which live under the sand using a powerful foot to dig down to a safe depth exerting pressure of 28.4 psi [a car tyre is 32 psi]. They live on sandy beaches in Canada and Northern Europe and the shell can reach 23 cm in length. They are edible for humans and can be caught by pouring salt into their breathing holes making them come out of there hole to be grabbed.

Description supplied by the event organiser.