CLASS ABOVE

A New Art Group Supporting Adults Experiencing Mental Health Challenges

Anna Timmis, Art-Life

Afew months ago I started to look for a local group that combined art and mental wellbeing, and although there are lots of great art groups in and around Sherborne, I struggled to find one that was specifically aimed at helping adults who are struggling with their mental health. So I decided to start ‘Art-Life’. This is a new community art project providing free art classes in Sherborne for adults who are experiencing mental health challenges.

The art courses will start on 22nd February, every Wednesday for six weeks. A fantastic qualified art tutor will teach participants, step-by-step, new techniques and skills whilst using a wide range of materials. The classes are suitable for all artistic levels, whether you are a budding artist or a complete beginner, our art tutor will be able to guide you. There is no right or wrong in art – anyone can learn to draw and paint. Classes will be small, relaxed, friendly and free of charge.

All materials and equipment will be provided, thanks to Sherborne School who have been incredibly generous and supportive of the project.

This is not art therapy – it’s simply a safe, nonjudgmental space to experience the therapeutic power of positive creativity whilst feeling the support and encouragement of others who may be experiencing similar personal challenges.

By focusing on new skills with others who care and understand, we can start to increase our confidence, self-esteem and mental wellbeing.

Cognitive neuroscientists have found that creating art reduces cortisol levels (markers for stress), and that through art people can induce positive mental states. These studies are part of a new field of research, called neuroaesthetics: the scientific study of the neurobiological basis of the arts. Neuroaesthetics uses brain imaging, brain wave technology and biofeedback to gather scientific evidence of how we respond to the arts. Through this, there is physical and scientific evidence that the arts engage the mind in novel ways, tapping into our emotions and making us feel good.

I was first inspired to start Art-Life after my sister Sally and I visited a brilliant organisation in Gloucestershire that runs ‘Art on Prescription’ mental health art classes. Sally suffered from complex mental health challenges for thirty years. However, the one thing that really helped her to cope with her inner turmoil was the art classes. They gave her the opportunity to immerse herself in creativity; something beyond the mental challenges she was experiencing. She also made much-needed friends, as well as feeling mutually upheld and supported, always coming away from her art sessions feeling better about life and proud of what she had created. Sally sadly passed away in 2020 aged 53 due to complications associated with her mental illness. But having seen firsthand the hugely beneficial effects that art and creativity had on Sally’s mental wellbeing I felt inspired to set up a group here in Sherborne.

With so many of us trying to cope with our own mental health challenges, my sincere hope is that the Art-Life classes will really help people in our community who are struggling.

In the words of Pablo Picasso, ‘Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.’

To join a 6-week Art-Life course please email artlifesherborne@gmail.com, or for more information visit art-life.co.uk