Model a Monster

Model a Monster is a clay sculpting workshop at Exeter Phoenix on Thursday 29 October, running from 2pm to 4.30pm in the Top Studio. It's open to all ages and skill levels, so you can bring the kids along or just turn up yourself if you fancy a few hours of getting your hands dirty.

The session is built around the basics of sculpting in clay, and the goal is to bring a character to life. You'll be drawing on legendary creatures, gargoyles, folk tales, and your own imagination to figure out what your monster looks like. It's a good way to pick up the fundamentals of working with clay while making something you can actually take home.

Leading the session is Sarah John, a practising ceramics and fine artist who's a regular at Exeter Phoenix. Her work has long centred on the observation of human and natural form across 2D and 3D media, and she focuses on teaching 'ways to see' and sharing skills in an informal atmosphere, so it's more about the process than getting it perfect. If you're new to clay, that's a helpful way to go into it.

The workshop is part of Exeter Phoenix's October half-term family programme, which runs alongside film screenings, theatre and other spooky workshops throughout the break. It fits the season well enough: Exeter is reputed to be one of the most haunted cities in the country, and the city itself leans into the atmosphere this time of year, with the medieval Underground Passages and its UNESCO City of Literature status both playing their part. If you're in the mood for something a bit eerie, this sits right in the middle of it.

Tickets are £15 per adult or £20 per pair, with each additional person in a group of three costing £10, all subject to a £1.50 ticketing system charge. There's also 10% off all food and hot drinks at the Cafe Bar for anyone attending. It runs from 2pm to 4.30pm on Thursday 29 October in the Top Studio at Exeter Phoenix.