Could this be the year you transform yourself into a painter, illustrator, sculptor or potter?

An educational creative arts group in the west of the island have unveiled a programme of courses and workshops, running throughout the year that offer the chance to explore many different creative styles and genres.

The courses, run by Artreach Studios, through the Isle Contemporary gallery in Tynwald Mills and the Aossi studio, Lower Bishopscourt Farm, near Kirk Michael, include a range of courses on ceramics and pottery.

An eight-week absolute beginners and improvers class in ceramics begins on Thursday, March 5, with courses taking place both during the day and in the evening.

This will be followed by two one-day workshops, with a clay pot-throwing session on Saturday, April 4, and a hand-built plate and mug session on Saturday, July 4.

The Artreach team have also started a new six-week course in creative textile work, beginning on Monday, March 2, where there will be the chance to take part in a varied programme, discovering new ways to work with fabrics and needlecraft.

There will also be the chance to create a large-scale piece of art work in the style of Jackson Pollock in a one-day ’Action Jackson’ workshop on Sunday, April 26.

Previous workshops this year have included tips on keeping an art journal and a craft session teaching the Japanese art form ’Shibori’, creating hanging wall art using indigo dying techniques.

Artreach instructor and local artist Colette Gambell said that they take an intuitive and creative approach to their workshops.

’Our teaching method includes a blend of structured skill building, putting meaning into artwork and finding sources of inspiration through original ways of expressing themselves.

’We help develop those qualities unique to the student to help them find their personal style of art practice from whatever the starting point.

’Although we do also provide a number of ad hoc themed workshops too, that suits people dropping in and out for some light hearted art fun.’

More details on courses and prices are available from artreachiom.com