Creative Wellbeing Course (4 Sessions)

Creative Wellbeing Course (4 Sessions)

Wednesdays @ 1:30 - 3:00

24th June, 1st, 8th, 15th July

Join us for a relaxed four-session creative wellbeing course designed to help you slow down, connect with others, and explore creativity in a supportive environment. The course focuses on creative play, self-expression, and mindful making rather than artistic ability.

No previous art experience is needed. All materials will be provided.

This course is supported by the GM Mental Wellbeing Grant and is inspired by the Five Ways to Wellbeing: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give.

Session length: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total sessions: 4

Session 1 – Zines, Junk Journals & Experimental Drawing

The first session is all about loosening up creatively and letting go of the idea that art can be done “wrong”.

Through playful drawing and mark-making activities we will experiment with different materials and techniques. Activities may include drawing with the non-dominant hand, using unusual objects as paintbrushes, large-scale drawing, pattern making, and simple monoprinting.

Different creative stations will encourage participants to express emotion, explore materials, and start conversations around creativity and wellbeing. We will also begin small zines or junk journals that can hold ideas, drawings and reflections during the course.

Session 2 – Ceramic Pinch Pots

In this session we will work with clay to create ceramic pinch pots or small sculptures.

Participants can follow their own ideas and themes such as pets, dream pets, mushroom houses, or worry monsters. Clay is a calming and tactile material that allows people to create freely without focusing on perfection.

For those who wish, pots can also become “worry pots” where written worries can be stored as a small wellbeing ritual.

The ceramic pieces will be taken away to be kiln fired and will be ready for glazing in the final session.

Session 3 – Collagraph Affirmation Prints

In this session we will create collagraph printing plates using drawing, mark making, and textured materials.

Participants will design prints that express something meaningful to them — an affirmation, a personal strength, something they are proud of, or something they want to work towards.

The plates will be inked and printed so each participant leaves with a piece of artwork that can serve as a reminder during moments of self-doubt.

Session 4 – Glazing Your Ceramics

In the final session we will glaze the ceramics created earlier in the course.

A range of high-quality glazes will be available and participants will learn how glazes work and how colours can be layered and experimented with. There will be space to play with colour, pattern and mark making to create a finished piece that feels personal.

The pieces will then be taken away for their final kiln firing.

The Five Ways to Wellbeing

The sessions gently incorporate the Five Ways to Wellbeing:

• Connect – sharing creativity and conversation in a supportive group

• Be Active – engaging hands-on with creative materials

• Take Notice – slowing down and observing the creative process

• Keep Learning – exploring new artistic techniques

• Give – encouraging and supporting one another within the group