A series of artist-led workshops and a collaborative exhibition at Spode Works Studios.
3 May to 13 June 2025 at ACAVA Spode Works Studios, Stoke-on-Trent
The Butterfly Bush Effect is a new programme of free workshops and events taking place at ACAVA Spode Works Studios in Stoke-on-Trent this spring. Led by resident artists and shaped in collaboration with local communities, the project explores the heritage and changing ecology of the Spode site through creative making.
Over several weeks, ACAVA artists will host hands-on workshops ranging from charcoal drawing to cyanotype printing, natural dyeing, painting, and embroidery. The series offers an opportunity for local people to work directly with artists in the studios, reflect on the site’s industrial past and present, and contribute to a special exhibition that will celebrate the stories and future of Stoke Town.
All workshops are free to attend. Some require booking in advance.
Local videographer Joe Brennan will be documenting the project, including workshops, new artworks, and community participation.
Workshop programme
All workshops take place at:
ACAVA Spode Works Studios
Elenora Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1QQ
Charcoal Drawing Workshop with Charne Visser
Saturday 3 May, 10am
A session for those with some drawing confidence. Explore urban sketching and the industrial textures of the Spode site.
Monoprint Workshop with Charne Visser
Saturday 3 May, 2pm
An open-access session—no prior experience required. Experiment with printmaking processes inspired by the site’s history and natural forms.
Saturday 17 May
Botanical Cyanotype Workshop with Natasha Mchugh
Saturday 17 May, 2pm
Create striking blue-and-white images using natural materials found on-site. This is a drop-in session, open to all ages and experience levels.
Painting Workshop with Joyce Iwaszko
Saturday 24 May, 11am
A hands-on workshop for ages 5 and up. Participants will paint buddleia, butterflies, and bees onto stones—drawing inspiration from Spode patterns and the ecology of the site.
Natural Bundle Dyeing & Collage Workshop with Natasha Mchugh
Saturday 24 May, 2pm
Explore plant-based dyeing techniques and create layered collage pieces using natural pigments. Drop-in, open to all.
Golden Hour Painting Workshop with Joyce Iwaszko
Sunday 25 May, 7pm
An evening session recommended for adults. Reflect on the day’s light and mood through expressive painting.
Drawing and Collage Workshop with Nadine Wilde
Monday 9 June, Time TBC
Drop-in workshop. Build visual stories using mixed media techniques that reflect Stoke’s evolving urban and cultural environment.
Embroidery Workshop with Nadine Wilde
Wednesday 11 June, Time TBC
Details and booking link to be confirmed. This tactile session invites you to work with fabric, thread, and memory.
Final Exhibition
The series culminates in a public exhibition in late June 2025. Works produced during the workshops will be showcased across the Spode site, including Spode Museum and ACAVA Spode Works Studios. The exhibition will celebrate the site’s heritage, its creative future, and the voices of those who live and work in the area.
Contact and access
For more information or access enquiries, please contact Dan Southward at dan.southward@acava.org
Venue:
ACAVA Spode Works Studios
Elenora Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1QQ
A short walk from Stoke-on-Trent train station
All workshops are free to attend. Some may require booking, see links above.
Project partners and supporters
The Butterfly Bush Effect is a collaboration between ACAVA Studios, Spode Museum, and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Supported by the Stoke High Street Accelerator pilot, funded by the UK Government via the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
