Hello and a big welcome!

I’m Elaine Taylor, Director of Anann’s Arch - though many of the wee ones will know me as ‘Wiggy’.  I created Anann’s Arch to reimagine Visual Art Workshops, Training and Outreach Programmes with a new exciting approach.

Every Workshop I have designed and delivered has taught me a lesson.  I believe learning a new craft or decorating a template is not enough.  I want every single make to tell a story, become personal to the maker and provide a personal expression that engages and stimulates a love of creativity.

Often at the start of a workshops, whether aged 3 or 83, I hear participants say they ‘Can’t Draw’ or ‘Aren’t any good at art.’ I have an essential strategy that includes different techniques to boost confidence so everyone feels like an artist.

 I am passionate about Sculpture.  From a tiny tot making the most elaborate architectural mud pies straight through to choosing my University based on the size of their kiln.  I use figurative forms to tell a story to the viewer; I believe this is important in every single Artwork.  Over the past 8 years I have worked with numerous Arts Organisations, Schools and Local Government Councils to deliver engaging, exciting and innovative Arts activities.

Using Art to express yourself allows you to free your mind, be present and connect with what you’re making - promoting good mental health and laughing your head off in the process.

Hello! I am Kerrie Hanna, Assistant Director of Anann’s Arch.  I am a visual artist specialising in illustration and stained glass in my own art practice, however I love developing new creative skills which allows me to offer new and exciting workshops to participants with Anann’s Arch - so you can also expect workshops in drawing skills, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, papercutting, carnival arts… or whatever best works for you and your group! 

Over the past 10 years I have worked in many different communities, connecting with participants and helping them build confidence in expressing themselves through visual art. Making art is only one aspect of the workshop experience- expect to come away from your workshop having been a bit silly, had a good laugh, got to know the other people in the group better AND have learnt a new hands on skill along the way. 

In our sessions, we will explore themes and stories from our personal lives in our art, reconnecting with heartfelt moments, or using art as a transformational medium to move through a difficult experience. Art has the power to change, and it is my job as the facilitator to create the safe space for you to express yourself. 

BA (Hons) Contemporary Fine Art Resident Artist We Are Born&Bred Founding Member Vault Artist Studios Visual Arts Coordinator Stendhal Festival Princes Trust Explore Enterprise Course  City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Tungsten Inert Gas Weldin…

Elaine Taylor

BA (Hons) Contemporary Fine Art
Resident Artist We Are Born&Bred
Founding Member Vault Artist Studios
Visual Arts Coordinator Stendhal Festival
Princes Trust Explore Enterprise Course
City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Tungsten Inert Gas Welding
People 1st Training Visual Merchandising and Product Display

VaultPortraits-3.jpg
 

Kerrie Hanna

BA (Hons) Contemporary Applied Art
Resident Artist Vault Artist Studios
Princes Trust Explore Enterprise Course

What People Are Saying

‘I thoroughly recommend working with Elaine and her team – they have a creative idea or solution for every event and audience.  Elaine had a fabulous rapport with all the participants and partners and delivered the Workshops with professionalism and flair. I look forward to working on our next project together.

— ROSEANNE STURGEON (Marketing Manager at Young at Art)

Thanks to her mentoring I can now confidently write and lead my own Workshops.

— NIAMH McCann (Mentor Student)

 

Her creativity, experience and knowledge of materials make her a fantastic person to work with. She has great positive energy, is wonderful at getting the best out of people and brings so much to any creative project.

Elaine’s skill set is impressive, she is very hands on and delivers on time and on budget.

I cannot recommend Elaine highly enough and hope to work with her again in the future.

— GILL JOHNSTON (Production Designer)

Elaine is an accomplished, mutli disciplinary Artist with a strong attention to detail. She responds extremely well to any artistic brief and always produces high quality outcomes working closely with participants and audiences. ArtsEkta has also commissioned Elaine to produce a number of thematic concepts for children as part of the Belfast Mela, the largest celebration of cultural diversity in Ireland.’

— KRISHAN TANDON (Project Manager ArtsEkta)

We can’t wait to work with you