Explore Patterns

During our hour and a half studio, we will explore pattern drawing in a relaxed, supportive space and build community through creativity, conversation, and shared making.

Did you know that incorporating repetitive, mindful art practices like patternmaking into your day-to-day life can help reduce stress, improve focus, and promote a calmer mindset? Join us Wednesdays from 1:00–2:30 PM EST / 6:00–7:30 PM GMT / 8:00–9:30 PM IST this Spring and connect with other makers who want to slow down and create together. All skill levels are welcome. No prior art experience is needed.

Required Materials:

• Paper or sketchbook
• Something to color with (markers, colored pencils, pens, crayons, etc.)
  

Come slow down, get into a creative rhythm, and discover how patterns can support relaxation and well-being.

Sessions are open to individuals over the age of 18. Please come expecting to engage with fellow participants, either verbally or through the chat, preferably with camera on. There will be diverse participants present in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, geographic location, sexual orientation, and more, with the expectation of respect and courtesy for all individuals.

Note: the studio space may be locked after 10 minutes, so please ensure that you are on time for the session. If no participants show up within the first 20 minutes, the studio will close for the day. Ticket sales will end 15 minutes before the event starts.

PennWest's virtual community studios promote wellness through creativity and self reflection. We know that through art we can foster connection even while we are apart. The studios are a place for people from all walks of life to come together and make art as a community. We seek to promote mental health awareness and activities that cultivate positive mental health habits.

The studio runs several days a week at varying times throughout the year. Schedule changes about every 4 months.

The studio is run by the Art Therapy Program at PennWest University in Pennsylvania, USA. Our masters level students lead the studios in order to gain experience.

· The virtual studio is FREE to anyone, over the age of 18, that wishes to join.

· Come one day or many (no cap, but we ask that if you sign-up, then you attend)

· Artistic training or skill is not required.

· Begin a new piece each time or work on pieces in progress

What to expect:

· The first 5-10 minutes of each session will be a time to "gather."

· Working time: After checking in, we will spend 45-60 minutes working on our art while continuing to engage in conversation and connecting with one another. About each half hour, we will reconnect and discuss ideas for continuing or adapting the prompt if a new direction is needed.

· Closure: typically the last 10-20 minutes are reserved for sharing our art. Attendees may show what they made if they wish.

· Please note: if no participants show up within the first 20 minutes of a session, the studio will close up for the day.

Some ground rules:

· When entering the meeting, please have your name displayed on your screen – we will not let people in and/or may remove people who do not have a name displayed.

· Some form of participation is required. The studio is designed to be interactive, and it may be off-putting to other members if there is someone who is just sitting in the background, not participating. Although we prefer participants to have their videos on, we understand this is not always possible, due to wifi or other issues. In these cases we ask that you participate by voice and at least introduce yourself at the beginning of the group.

· Please arrive on time! If you are more than 5 minutes late the studio may be locked, and then you won't get to participate.

*NOTE: Once you register you will receive an email about 2 hours before the event to access the zoom meeting through the online event page*

If you have any questions, you can contact the studio at ArtTherapy@Pennwest.edu