Open for Art 2026: Collage Composition Workshop

Join collage artist, Smithsonian Rösterino, this workshop for artists is a good workshop for anyone wishing to learn more about composition and how we look at and understand art. The workshop has something for beginners right through to advanced artists.

Together we’ll use collage to explore and learn the rules of composition, through intuition, mathematics and the golden section before undertaking a few very simple quick exercises.

These exercises will form the basis of an open discussion about how we look at, interpret, decipher and think about art. Looking at art conceptually through personal context, association and self-reflection, transforms the experience from passive observation to an active, introspective, and often therapeutic process. We’ll investigate narrative through composition within abstract and figurative images and how these exercises might inform your own art practice.

Materials and tools will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring a small amount of collage materials that speak to them if they wpuld like to; These can include newspapers, old books, magazines, wallpaper, stickers, labels, thin cardboard, tin foil, parcel tape, other tapes, photocopies, photographs, old/foreign bank notes, postcards, stamps, etc, etc.

This workshop is for adults.

All the events at the Open for Art Festival are free to attend, there is an option to add a donation to help support the festival if you would like to and feel able to.

If you can no longer attend please let us know as places are limted and we can offer your space to someone else.

About the artist

Smithsonian Rösterino (b. 1976, Guernsey) is an artist, curator, activist and music producer working in a variety of disciplines including mixed media collage, painting, assemblage, digital media, sound installation and music.

Rösterino studied Communication Design at the University of Portsmouth and is a former art lecturer.

Rosterino is based and works in South Wales. His work has been exhibited internationally.

OPEN FOR ART

19 JUNE - 28 JUNE 2026

REFLECT This year marks 10 years of Open for Art — a decade of artists, makers, communities, ideas and shared experiences in Reading’s largest town centre creative festival. As we celebrate this milestone, our theme invites everyone to pause and consider how creativity emerges from people coming together — experimenting, making, and reflecting. Our theme for 2026 is REFLECT.

For 10 days, we’re inviting Reading to slow down and seek out pop-up art in shops and businesses, encounter artists as they work, take part in creative sessions, and join conversations about how reflection shapes artistic practice.

Come and REFLECT with us this summer.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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