Creative Calm workshops
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.
Creative Calm sessions
Friday 11 April
| Morning 9.30am for a 10am-12pm workshop |
Afternoon 12.30pm for a 1-3pm 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 |
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 |
| Raising Plants from Seed 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. Book online |
Help Your Houseplants to Thrive 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). Book online |
Saturday 12 April
| Morning 9.30am for a 10am-12pm workshop |
Afternoon 12.30pm for a 1-3pm workshop |
| Pruning for Beginners 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. Book online |
Propagation from Cuttings 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. Book online |
| 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 |
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 |
| Creative Writing Introduction and techniques, with Vignesh Vyas. 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 |
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-12pm workshop |
Afternoon 12.30pm for a 1-3pm 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 |
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 Introduction and techniques, with Vignesh Vyas. 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 |
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].