Art for wellbeing + connection
This inclusive creative course is designed for young women and gender non-conforming young people aged 11 -18 who are neurodivergent (with or without a formal diagnosis).
Over four weeks, we’ll explore a range of creative techniques including mixed media art journals, clay crafting, collagraph printing, mindful mark making – and more.
With a maximum group size of 12, we offer a nurturing space for every individual to explore their creativity, have fun and meet new friends.
Building creativity, confidence + connection
Our goal is to create a safe space for neurodivergent young people to have fun, develop a positive mindset, share experiences – and craft pieces of art they’ll be proud of.
Course outline
Our 4-week course takes place on Saturday afternoons from 3 - 4pm. You can see the full list of dates is below. Here’s an outline of what we’ll be covering.
Week 1
Mindful mark making
In this session, students explore making marks with a whole host of materials from scrubbing brushes and sponges to sticks, Washi tape and stencils. The class is designed to help students express themselves without expectation or the need for perfection. It’s freeing, intuitive and fun.
Week 2
Clay making
Clay is a tactile and therapeutic material to work with. In this session, you are invited to make a nature-inspired tile, using a range of tools and techniques.
There will be a chance to explore different textures and styles and experiment with making processes.
Week 3
Cut + Stitch
Using fabric and stitch, we’ll explore a range of simple textile techniques.
Taking an experimental approach, we’ll then explore links between these techniques and materials to create a textile piece of art.
Week 4
Collagraph printing
In this session, you can explore this tactile and playful printing technique.
Using a range of textured paper and printing inks, students are invited to play with composition and colour as they experiment with the process.
Meet the Team
We’re two creatives with two very different stories, but both passionate about the joy, connection and wellbeing benefits that creativity can bring.
-
Co-founderPolly is a creative adventurer with a degree in 3D design from MMU. With over 17 years’ experience teaching art in secondary schools and art galleries she likes the experimental unknown.
Over the last two decades, Polly has taught printmaking, life drawing, ceramics, textile design, 3D design and Photography - to name but a few subjects. She’s massively passionate about helping people of all ages to tap into their creativity and express themselves through art making.
Outside of school, Polly loves pushing her own creativity and has recently done a year long screen printing course at Spike Island in Bristol, and mixed media technique sessions with Priscilla Jones and Jennifer Collier. She’s a big fan of creating mini art journals with her own family too.
-
Co-founderAfter 20 years of working as an advertising creative and heading up creative teams, Kerry took her creativity skills into the wellness space.
She studied Art Making for Wellbeing at St Martin’s, UAL, completed a Facilitating Writing for Wellbeing course with WEA and in 2022 she completed her 200 hour yoga teacher training certification.
Whether it’s making marks on paper, creating nature mandalas, exploring movement or sharing lateral thinking techniques, Kerry believes we’re at our best when we switch off autopilot and play in the present moment.
What people say about our courses
“Fun and relaxing. So nice to enjoy the colours and materials.”
“It was fun. I feel energised. I didn’t want it to end.”
“A great opportunity to let go and just play. Kerry and Polly are chilled and supportive.”
When and where?
When: Saturday afternoons 3 - 4pm. 13th January, 20th January, 3rd February, 10th February 2024.
Where: Flax Bourton Church, Main Road (A370), Flax Bourton, Bristol, BS48 3PY
Cost: £40pp for the full course.
