A little update on our drawing sessions...
If you aren't aware, we run free or affordable access drawing session for adults. These have proven to be extremely popular. The session are run by me (Holly) and I always so overwhelmed by what they achieve - after each session I look through the photos and think 'wow! But it really isn't about the outcomes. It is lovely to leave with a lovely piece of art but it's about more than that.
mental health and WELLBEING
We started these projects to try and help people appreciate the wonderful benefits of drawing to wellbeing and mental health. I have drawn since a child and always known how much I enjoy it. But the value of drawing to mental health really made itself known to me during the Covid 19 lockdown period. What a time that was. There were many people at home, needing something to help them feel connected, relaxed and positive. There were also many people working very hard who needed to disconnect from work and unwind. I started a drawing group where we set drawing challenges every day called Draw and Create. The group operated through Facebook and we had around 1800 members (we still do). It was such a pleasure to do but also a reminder of how much drawing helped with focus, wellbeing and helped people to stay positive. Thankfully, the lockdown period is over but the the lessons learned made us realise we needed to extend this more We continued with a free drawing group online for around a year, and then we began to look at funding options to run these sessions in person. This began with Draw More (with thanks to HEY Smile for helping us to purchase a projector and get started) in Pocklington, which continues to run to this day. Running now for almost three years, the sessions run one Friday evening a month at Pocklington Arts Centre and operate on a 'pay what you can afford' model. There is no financial barrier to participate - even if money is tight, please do come along. We draw a different thing each session, have time to chat and make friends and its a great way to spend a Friday evening. Lots of out participants have made firm friends through the group. It does tend to book up quickly and we only have space for around 30 per session - BUT.... we do get cancellations last minute so if the session is showing as full, please email us at hello@threadandpress.co.uk and we will add you to the waiting list - it is very likely we can add you last minute. Once you have attended, you can book for the following session by signing up on out sign up sheet.
a feeling of achievement
In the midst of a frustrating day, things we cannot control and sometimes, feeling like we aren't good enough or that we haven't achieved what we want to - drawing is a great way to achieve something to be proud of. These sessions are open to everyone and aimed at those with little or NO drawing experience. It is a guided tuition session whereby I draw and explain, and you follow along. Using this format, we can show you how to plan out your artwork, use proportions, add shading and use various drawing media. We don't just stick to pencil either - we use watercolour, watercolour pencils, pastels, ink... it's a really is a great way to learn whilst also very relaxing.
meeting others
I don't know about you, but I found that as I got older, I favoured family life and time at home. But this does come with consequences - when I moved to the town I live in around 15 years ago, I knew noone. I worked out of town and I had no real way to meet other people. Joining a club (the local running club for me) really helped my to build a positive hobby as well as a way to meet other people. Running isn't for everyone and it did make me think that it would be great to have a way to meet others in a creative environment. There are lots of art groups around, but feedback to me was that there wasn't much with instruction for pure beginners who wanted to join in, rather than worry about outcome. We wanted to create a safe space where everyone felt supported and everyone could achieve. But also a place where people could make friends. These sessions are so supportive and friendly - it is a wonderful space for people of all ages to meet and get to know others.
WITHOUT FINANCIAL BARRIERS
We have always been passionate about providing opportunities to everyone, regardless of income. We have been lucky to have had great support from Hull and East Riding Charitable Trust and Health Stars, and without their support, these projects would not have been possible. We run our sessions on 'pay what you can afford' or free to access, and we plan to continue this going forward. We are looking at funding options for 2027 - so watch this space!
To join in with one of our sessions, see our Draw More sessions (Pocklington) and our Love to Draw project (Patrington and Hull)
Have a look at what we got up to in ouR sessions this month
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