Mandscape has come to an end, but we've had so much fun making everything from photograms to window boxes over the last few weeks. Mandscape artist Laura de Burca has written a blog for us to tell us about her monoprinting workshops.

Workshop designed by Laura de Burca
In the monoprinting workshop, the youngest Ark goers made their very own Mandscapes into inks. Using a variety of tools to draw into the ink, I asked them to imagine they were making the first marks onto the surface of a planet they had just discovered. They seemed to really enjoy this part of the process as it is so direct and energetic, also inventing their own colours proved exciting for many.

Initially they made stencil shapes from paper to lay down before printing, creating strong white shapes in their pieces, these stencils were varied and wonderful! People, trees, ponies, stars, spiders, monsters and lakes featured!

When they were happy with their marks made and their stencils were laid, dampened fabriano printers paper was placed down and the reverse rubbed and drummed upon! On lifting their monoprint, genuine wonder was often expressed, as for many 3-6 year olds this was their first time experiencing the magic of printmaking.

Don't worry if you missed Mandscape - there's still loads going on at The Ark. Our winter programme 'Concerts for Christmas' opens this Sunday - come and join us for some festive fun!