6 Creative Things to Try at Boom Studios in the New Year
Whether it’s a new year’s resolution to be more creative, or just a wish to try something new in 2026, we have all the art and craft classes you need right here in Bangor! Or, why not finally explore that business idea, or volunteer in the community?
Here are Boom Studios’ “6 things to try” in 2026:
1 Sharpen up Your Drawing Skills
Drawing is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your art practice. Learn to really see and draw from life, finally master proportions or shading, and practice mark-making techniques. It has so many applications from field-sketchbooking or nature journaling, to effectively composing paintings, mindfulness, creating a portfolio of figurative work, illustration, the list is almost endless.
Lots of our classes incorporate drawing in one way or another but particularly Life Drawing, running year-round, or commit to the year and join Bangor Sketch Club!
2 Express Yourself Through Creativity
We think creativity is one of the best ways to relax, learn problem solving skills, or feel a sense of accomplishment. It is also therapeutic, allowing for a wide range of expressive techniques. Each and every one of our art and craft classes covers this in some way but some top picks include Painting with Acrylics, Art for the Heart Mixed Media or why not connect with natural rhythms via Circle of Seasons Craft Collective?
Many of our classes also have a great social element - find your tribe here and get stuck in!
3 Get that Business Idea Rolling
Trade is our monthly membership programme, offering artists, designers and makers the support to launch or develop their business. Designed by creatives for creatives, jump in to our 12-month cycle of professional development and work through tailored content, attend our monthly meetups, avail of the coworking space, and more.
Why not start now - the sessions begin again on 7th January with a 6-week website bootcamp, taking your through the nuts and bolts of planning your revamped/new website, to choosing a platform, design and getting everything up and running.
4 Make Your Own Gifts & Homeware
Time and funds are precious right now - why not feed 2 birds with one scone (that’s totally the saying isn’t it?) and take part in a fun, skilled craft workshop that results in practical items you can keep or gift? Not only do you have the actual item in your hand - you have the skill to replicate it in the future!
You have a regular opportunity to do this with Gabriela’s Jewellery/Metalsmithing, and seasonal workshops going live throughout the year, but of course all sorts of artwork can make a wonderful gift/decor too, check out our Studiomates Directory list to help you browse.
5 Volunteer in Your Community
We are always delighted to welcome new volunteers in to Boom Studios! This year we are working towards the Volunteer Friendly quality mark with the assistance of Volunteer Now, and hope to make your experience event better.
Roles may include helping with events such as Late Night Art Bangor, community art programmes, assisting in the workshop, light renovation work/clean-up days, assembling art packs, helping at outside events such as markets or festivals, exhibition stewarding - anything really! Volunteers are a valued part of the Boom team and we design our roles carefully to lend skills and provide support to those involved.
6 Make a culture calendar
From January - November, we are part of Late Night Art Bangor. On the last Thursday of the month, Bangor’s arts venues open thier doors from 6-9pm with a superb variety of artists, open studios, exhibitions and activities. Boom Studios is involved in various events and festivals thoroughout the year; sign up to our newsletter so you never miss a thing!
We hope you have a restful festive season and hope to see you at Boom Studios in 2026! If you have a query about an art or craft class in Bangor, or want to hire a Boom artist to come to your business/private event, please contact marianne@boomstudios.org.uk
For volunteering queries, please contact jenni@boomstudios.org.uk
Office reopens on 5th January.