Open for Art 2026: Layers of self

Join Catherine Paiano for a vibrant and inspiring collage and mixed media workshop for adults, where creativity meets self-expression. This experimental session invites you to explore your identity through bold, large-scale image making on A3 paper.

Using drawing, collage, and mixed media techniques, you’ll create an expressive artwork that represents you. Prefer a realistic, figurative approach? Go for it. Feeling abstract and experimental? Let emotion, mood, and symbolism lead the way. You can even combine unexpected objects and imagery to communicate feelings in powerful, imaginative ways.

Pre-made examples will be shared to spark ideas — then it’s your turn to play, experiment, and create in a supportive, energising environment.

No pressure. No rules. Just space to explore who you are — visually.

All materials will be supplied for you. 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

Catherine Paiano is an illustrator and lecturer who specialises in work for editorial, publishing and advertising. She is particularly interested in exploring socially charged projects with intention to encourage her practice to promote discourse and engage an audience, particularly working on commissioned projects that address the themes of narrative, heritage and place.

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.

Get App

Host or Publisher Jelly