The summer holidays are now upon us and any families looking to fill in some spare time and express their creative sides, should look no further than Falmouth Art Gallery.

Not only is the gallery staging an extremely family-friendly exhibition of automata and moving toys, but it also invites visitors to experiment with different art materials on the "Doodle Table" or take part in its artist-led creative workshops.

The gallery’s summer exhibition Rodney Peppé: Astonishing Automata and Marvellous Machines, runs until September 12. Rodney Peppé has been crafting handmade toys and automata since the 1970s and is the author of over 80 children’s books. His delightful toys, models, artwork and automata are displayed alongside a selection of working automata from Falmouth’s collection.

The gallery’s "Doodle Table" is out from 11am until 4 pm every day. There will be a range of different self-led activities with a varied selection of art materials to explore. Go along and create your own masterpieces.

Throughout the holidays there will also be a series of artist-led creative workshops for families with children of all ages. All workshops are free - just drop-in to the gallery any time between 11am and 3 pm on the following days:

Saturday, August 1, Tuke boats – imagine Henry Scott Tuke’s Jamaican journey and create a 3D tropical sailing scene; Thursday, August 13 and Sat 15, ARTomata week - making Rodney Peppé inspired toys and automata; Friday, August 28 it's printmaking – create a mono-print, inspired by the rainforest to enter the Spirit of the Rainforest art competition; Saturday, August 29, it's paper toys and peg dolls – make fun toys using string, straws, paper and pegs; Saturday, September 5, fabulous frames – make bling frames to show off your masterpieces.

Falmouth Art Gallery is open from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm and admission is free. For information about the workshops and events contact Charlotte Davis on 313863 or learning@falmouthartgallery.com.