ARMA Proposal: Abstract Bunny Rabbits Workshop Series at Bluecoat Gallery Courtyard, 2015

Exploring Abstract Creativity Through Bunny Rabbits

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In 2015, artist Alison Little proposed an exciting and thought-provoking art workshop series for the Bluecoat Gallery Courtyard in Liverpool. The program, developed under the ARMA proposal, centered on a seemingly playful yet conceptually rich theme — “Bunny Rabbits.”

However, these were not intended to be the soft, fluffy creatures of children’s tales. Instead, they symbolized abstraction, movement, and imagination, offering participants of all ages an opportunity to explore artistic expression through innovative forms and materials.

A New Focus Every Week

The Bunny Rabbit Workshop Series was designed as a multi-week creative program, with each session focusing on a unique interpretation of the rabbit theme. This structure allowed participants to return for new experiences and continue developing their skills over time.

The initial sessions explored bunny forms crafted from vinyl fabric. Participants learned how to:

Print outlined bunny images onto fabric,
Create custom designs using fabric pens,
Assemble their bunnies through sewing or sticking techniques.

Each finished piece was then photographed before being taken home by the artist-participants, turning every workshop into both a communal art-making event and a personal takeaway experience.

Want to have a go at home? Crafty Arts do a great range of fabric pens and kits to get your creativity in motion.

Expanding the Theme: From Hopping to Habitats

As the workshops progressed, new creative themes were introduced, each inspired by a different aspect of rabbit life. These included:

Hopping: Expressive motion-based activities, including feet painting and movement exercises to capture the energy of a hopping rabbit.
Burrowing: Interactive tunnel constructions encouraging exploration and play, particularly for younger participants who could physically engage with the structures.
Healthy Eating and Carrots: Workshops linking nutrition and art, using carrots and natural materials as both inspiration and medium.
Habitat and Conservation: Sessions highlighting environmental awareness and the importance of protecting natural habitats through creative design.
Fur Textures: Studies of pattern, texture, and material to explore tactile elements of artistic creation.
Storytelling and Puppetry: Collaborative exercises such as comic strip production and puppet-making, allowing participants to bring their bunny characters to life through narrative art.

Interested in growing your own carrots and creating habitats, Sow Grow Gather dives into the subject in depth with some handy practical projects.

Mini Activities and Quick Creative Sessions

For shorter workshop slots or drop-in participants, the program incorporated mini art exercises such as:

Origami bunnies,
Finger painting,
Quick fabric design challenges.

These shorter sessions ensured that the program remained accessible, inclusive, and dynamic, catering to a broad range of visitors and time commitments.

Origami techniques are a great way of getting your mind thinking around construction and the potential to develop new concepts.

Beyond Art: Engaging the Mind and the Environment

While rooted in visual creativity, the Bunny Rabbit workshop series aimed to transcend the traditional boundaries of art education. Through themes like healthy eating and conservation, Alison Little’s program encouraged participants to think critically about ecology, sustainability, and well-being — all while engaging hands-on with art-making processes.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Creativity and Community

The ARMA Proposal at Bluecoat Gallery Courtyard (2015) by Alison Little exemplified how a simple concept — the bunny rabbit — could become a platform for artistic exploration, environmental awareness, and community connection. By blending abstract art practices with educational engagement, this series offered a unique space for people to learn, create, and reflect together.

Hopping motion to make artwork.

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