Creative Calm workshops
Please note: Due to unforeseen circumstances, several workshops have been canceled, see the updated table below.
Re-balance your life with relaxing, nature-based activities.
Join us at ARU in Writtle, where we'll be hosting free workshops promoting ‘Creative Calm’ on our countryside campus. Enjoy an expert introduction to plants, photography, filming, art, creative writing, AI and more.
These two-hour workshops are ideal for beginners and you're welcome to book more than one session. Follow the links below to book.
The sessions are funded by Culture Chelmsford.
Friday 11 April
Morning (9.30am for a 10am-12 noon workshop)
Creative Mindful Practices
Enjoy a sound walk followed by botanical drawing in a glasshouse. Learn how to engage with mindful practice by drawing upon your five senses in a wellbeing exercise designed to focus the mind, with Sam Humphreys. You may bring your own sketchbook and pencils, or use the drawing tools provided.
Book online
Raising Plants from Seed (event cancelled)
Nothing beats the excitement of growing your own plants from seed. ARU Senior Lecturer, Mick Lavelle, explains the basics, and shares his hints and tips. All attendees will get hands-on experience. If you wish, you can bring a packet of seeds with you to sow on the day.
Afternoon (12.30pm for a 1-3pm workshop)
Urban Sketching in the Countryside
Embrace the relationships between man-made structures alongside nature by introducing basic urban sketching into your creative practice, with Sam Humphreys. You may bring your own sketchbook and pencils, or use the drawing tools provided.
Book online
Help Your Houseplants to Thrive (event cancelled)
Do you yearn for a bit of greenery in your home? ARU Senior Lecturer, Mick Lavelle, shares his top tips on caring for houseplants to ensure they not only survive but thrive. You’re welcome to bring a plant with you – tabletop specimens only (maximum 1m in height).
Saturday 12 April
Morning (9.30am for a 10am-12 noon workshop)
Pruning for Beginners (event cancelled)
Your easy introduction to pruning. Watch a demonstration from ARU Senior Lecturer Mick Lavelle and learn how to select and look after your pruning tools.
Creative Writing Using Surroundings
Learn how to develop your creative focus by drawing on your own resources and experiences, with Sam Humphreys. This exercise will help you to develop your ability to express yourself creatively using text and abstract practices (such as zentangles).
Book online
Creative Writing
Introduction and techniques, with Vignesh Vyas.
Book online
Nature & AI - The Evolution of Art Through Technology
Dive into the evolution of artistic tools from the brush to the algorithm and discuss how AI – specifically Midjourney – can be a powerful creative partner, with Alistair Gillan. Get hands-on experience crafting AI-generated, nature-inspired artwork, collaborating to shape prompts.
Book online
Afternoon (12.30pm for a 1-3pm workshop)
Propagation from Cuttings (event cancelled)
Propagation from Cuttings: Taking cuttings is a quick, and often easy way, to increase the number of plants in your house or garden. Learn about common, straight-forward methods with ARU Senior Lecturer with Mick Lavelle.
Urban Sketching in the Countryside
Embrace the relationships between man-made structures alongside nature by introducing basic urban sketching into your creative practice, with Sam Humphreys. You may bring your own sketchbook and pencils, or use the drawing tools provided.
Book online
Script Writing
Introduction and techniques, with Vignesh Vyas.
Book online
Nature & AI - The Evolution of Art Through Technology
Dive into the evolution of artistic tools from the brush to the algorithm and discuss how AI – specifically Midjourney – can be a powerful creative partner, with Alistair Gillan. Get hands-on experience crafting AI-generated, nature-inspired artwork, collaborating to shape prompts.
Book online
Sunday 13 April
Morning (9.30am for a 10am-12 noon workshop)
Creative Mindful Practices
Enjoy a sound walk followed by botanical drawing in a glasshouse. Learn how to engage with mindful practice by drawing upon your five senses in a wellbeing exercise designed to focus the mind, with Sam Humphreys. You may bring your own sketchbook and pencils, or use the drawing tools provided.
Book online
Therapeutic Filmmaking
Using AI, with Vignesh Vyas.
Book online
Photographic Techniques
Explore the nano/macro world of nature, with Basir Sheikh.
Book online
Afternoon (12.30pm for a 1-3pm workshop)
Urban Sketching in the Countryside
Embrace the relationships between man-made structures alongside nature by introducing basic urban sketching into your creative practice, with Sam Humphreys. You may bring your own sketchbook and pencils, or use the drawing tools provided.
Book online
Therapeutic Filmmaking
Using AI, with Vignesh Vyas.
Book online
Photographic Techniques
Explore the nano/macro world of nature, with Basir Sheikh.
Book online
Useful information
Advance booking is necessary; spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Parking will be available in our student car park.
Workshops may involve time outside or in greenhouses. We recommend that you wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing.
Basir Sheikh’s photography workshops will include opportunities to take your own photos, so please bring your smartphone to the session.
If there is anything we can do to make a workshop more comfortable or accessible for you, please contact us on [email protected].