Creativity for Wellbeing Programme - Art Pop Up

A fun drop-in session, evolved to a drawing club, participants often bring their own materials and sketchbooks to work in.

Sometimes the group draw a subject together with direction from the artist, from mandalas to cartoons, other times they develop their own work. Largely graphic art focus but all styles and abilities very welcome. We have a high number of participants with learning disabilities.

Sessions begin with a short mindfulness exercise, then personal reflections are individually explored through a variety of art processes, from drawing, zen tangling, painting and printing to collaging, taught by the workshop lead, with positive affirmations encouraged around the 5 Ways to Wellbeing. Participants are supported to explore which processes work best to facilitate their own mindful reflection & creative exploration. Firm focus on the creative process rather than the outcome, learning and experimenting rather than producing a ‘perfect picture’ every time.

Once a month the group will be led by a MHFA artist exploring different craft activities in a taught session. Suitable for participants with complex accessibility requirements. Participants decide with the workshop leader on the crafts they want to explore.

Twice a month the group focus on a longer-term craft project co-designed in sessions led by a trained volunteer (previously examples - blanket making, interior design panels for MindSpace), one session a month will focus on card-making or quilling led by another volunteer (skills taught to trained volunteer & group previously by workshop lead).

Observational sketching session led by artist supported by trained listener. No prior experience required, suitable for all. Spend 1.5 hours ‘Taking Notice’ and drawing everyday objects, when weather permits hosted in the MindSpace Wellbeing Garden to benefit from nature connection.

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