Arty Bods with Lauren Saunders
Arty Bods is a sensory learning programme at Humber Street Gallery for 5-11 year olds.
Sessions
Fold-Out Streets (25.07.26)
We’ll start off this series of Arty Bods with a wander around Charlotte Dawson’s new exhibition at Humber Street Gallery… before stepping inside your imagination and building a world that unfolds in your hands! Children will design and construct their own fold-out street scenes – these could be a familiar place like their own neighbourhood, or a completely made-up world full of surprises, secret doors, and hidden stories.
Expect a hands-on mix of drawing, storytelling, and paper engineering that turns a simple sheet into a living world.
Under the Lamplights (01.08.26)
When the streetlights flicker on, who comes out to play? Children will dive into a twilight world of imagination, sculpting mysterious night-time creatures using clay – anything from friendly forest spirits to cheeky city monsters or magical night-time animals. We’ll explore simple clay techniques to build expressive, textured characters full of personality.
(Grown-ups: please bring a shoebox so both your creations can travel home safely.)
Extreme Conker Championships! (08.08.26)
The biggest sporting event you’ve never heard of is here! Children become the creative team behind their own world-class Extreme Conker squad, designing everything they need to wow the crowd – from team shirts and mascots to medals, banners and fan merchandise.
Bold, colourful, and a little bit bonkers – this is design with maximum energy and competitive flair!
Playground Blueprints (15.08.26)
Ever wished you could design the perfect playground? A spiral slide into the clouds? A swing that flies to the moon? In this workshop, children become playground inventors, sketching their wildest ideas and bringing them to life using acetate drawings and magical cyanotype printing (sun printing that creates beautiful blue designs!).
If the weather isn’t playing ball, we’ll switch to drawing and collage to keep the creativity flowing – no sunshine required for imagination here!
(Grown-ups): As we will be working with sun-sensitive solutions outdoors, please ensure your child is wearing sunscreen, a sunhat, and wearing clothes that you don’t mind getting accidentally splashed / potentially stained.
Window Worlds (22.08.26)
Turn a window into a portal of colour and light! In this workshop, children will create beautiful translucent artworks using layered, see-through and tinted materials to design their own glowing window decorations.
Inspired by the world outside and the stories within, these shimmering suncatchers will transform sunlight into magical colour displays
Waxing Poetic (29.08.26)
What were your earliest memories and dreams? Perhaps a toy, a place or a person. We’ll revisit Charlotte Dawson’s exhibition and chat about the materials she uses to remember.
Using colour washes, wax and scratch tool techniques the children will make ‘hidden’ drawings that reveal themselves as they go.
Let’s reflect, experiment and get colourful!
This session will be delivered by artist Faith Foster.
Accessibility
Is Humber Street Gallery wheelchair accessible?
Yes. You can access every part of the gallery without steps. The entrance is level with the street, and there’s a lift to all floors, including the rooftop.
Do you have accessible toilets?
Yes. We have one all-gender accessible toilet on the ground floor with grab rails and emergency pull cords.
Can I bring my assistance dog?
Absolutely. We welcome guide dogs, hearing dogs and other trained assistance animals throughout the building.
Do you provide large print or accessible exhibition guides?
Yes. We offer large print as standard and Dyslexia-friendly versions of exhibition texts. You can pick them up in the gallery or download them from the exhibition pages of our website.
Is there somewhere quiet I can go if I need a break?
We know the gallery can sometimes feel busy or overwhelming. Ask a member of staff and we’ll help you find a quieter space to take a moment.
Do you offer sensory-friendly experiences?
Some exhibitions include sensory content and we have regular quiet hours. We also have ear defenders available to borrow at the front desk. If you need anything specific, get in touch before your visit. You can find details of our noisy and quiet hours at the top of this page.
Is there Blue Badge parking nearby?
Yes. There are Blue Badge parking bays on Humber Street and surrounding roads, just a short distance from the gallery.
Are your events and workshops accessible?
We aim to make all events as accessible as possible. Access details vary depending on the activity, so check individual listings or contact us with any questions.
What if I have an access need that’s not listed here?
We’re happy to chat and find ways to support your visit. You can call us, email us or drop in for a conversation.