As part of Bristol Harbour Festival’s Fringe programme, Spike Island hosts a drop-in workshop for young artists exploring the boundaries between fiction and everyday life.

Inspired by the themes in Spike Island’s exhibitions, Tohé Commaret: Mijitas and Nancy Lupo: Several Chickens Later, children and their carers will work together to build their own fantastical worlds, using drawing, collage and collaborative three-dimensional making processes.

This session is aimed at children aged 5-11 years old and their carers, however all ages are welcome. No previous experience in art making is required and all materials are provided. Attendees should wear clothes they don’t mind getting messy.

Please note: this event is drop-in and as such there may be a short wait upon arrival. While you’re visiting you could also pop into Emmeline Café, our galleries, or our Community Space, where we’ll have art materials and activity sheets available.

Dream and Make

Founded by artist Laura Phillimore, Dream and Make allows children aged 5–11 years old to try out new techniques and approaches to making art, from drawing and painting to collage, sculpture and animation.

Laura Phillimore

Laura Phillimore works across a variety of mediums including installation, sculpture and collage. She trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in Theatre and Costume design. Her diverse background in performance and theatre design, invites audiences into playful and often surreal visual narratives in her artwork.

Phillimore is currently working on a number of community focussed projects and is the founder of Dream and Make, exploring narrative-led immersive art experiences for children and families in London and the South West.

www.instagram.com/dreamandmake_

Image credit: Spike Island Open Studios 2025. Photography by Lisa Whiting