The Growing Together Art-in-Nature group that I facilitate weekly at the community allotment in Cardiff began a new project recently, creating a loom from salvaged willow staves. Participants foraged for natural materials: Ivy, conifer, bay leaves, catkins, wisteria, bamboo, buddleia, and honeysuckle were all woven onto the loom. This is an ongoing collaborative project that … More Natural Weaving
The Researchers Wellbeing Through Arts project held a celebration of the work created in the Cardiff workshops yesterday at Llanover Hall Arts Centre. The project was initiated to help PhD students to incorporate art into their research methodology and communication. Four Cardiff-based artists were chosen to facilitate workshops: Myself – Intuitive Drawing, Penny Crowley – Watercolour Painting, … More Researchers Wellbeing Through Arts Project
We began the new Art for Wellbeing course with drawing and mark making. As the course unfolds over ten weeks, there is space for participants’ practice to evolve organically without the pressure of outcomes. The first thing I always emphasise is that you don’t need to be ‘good at art’ to make art. There are … More Intuitive Drawing
Postcards from my recent stay on Flat Holm (Ynys Echni).
As part of marking World Refugee Day, participants contemplated the theme of Peace and what it means to them. This could be peace in the world and/or inner peace. They used a variety of ways to represent it within a circle template. Containing artistic expression within a circular form can allow participants to observe their … More Peace Mandalas
‘Growing Together’ is a Breathe Creative collaboration with Ty Canna Mental Health Outreach Service and is based at the community allotments on Bessemer Road in Cardiff. The project is funded by the Arts Council of Wales’s Creative Nature programme with the theme of ‘connecting people to nature’. It. aims to facilitate a creative wellbeing journey … More Growing Together: Creative Wellbeing in Nature
Two workshops for Criw Celf over the Easter holidays: Fantastic Maps in St Vincent Community Centre, Ely, and Windows in Oasis Refugee Centre, Splott. A2: Criw Celf is funded by the Arts Council of Wales and is managed by the Arts Active Trust, working in partnership with arts organisations, galleries and colleges in Merthyr Tydfil, … More Criw Celf Workshops
Collaborative poems featuring the voices of members of the Growing Strong Group in Bridgend.
Diwali celebrations at Wales Millennium Centre this evening, a vibrant celebration of the Festival of Lights and Indian culture in Wales. My card making workshop with leaves, stencils and stamps using water-based ink was enjoyed by the children after their performances, and by visitors passing through.
“At least one third of GP appointments are, in part, due to isolation. Through social prescribing and community resilience programmes, creative arts can have a significant impact on reducing isolation and enabling wellbeing in communities.” – Dr Jane Povey GP, Director, Creative Inspiration Shropshire Community Interest Company; All-Party Parliamentary on Arts, Health and Wellbeing Inquiry … More The Art of Growing Strong
Sarah J Featherstone 