Freedom To Create

As the seasonal shift brings a renewed sense of purpose, energy and growth, so our community continues to bloom. Since opening up the art hub in the new year I’m delighted to say I have been able to prop open our doors to welcome in the spring sunshine this week.

It’s always a treat to greet new faces, and as people are now beginning to find us we are also cheered to be sharing the space we have created with them. In the spirit of the season, we gathered together this Friday for our ‘Freedom To Create’ session, to fold origami kudusama flowers, a gentle celebration of the silent arrival of blossom everywhere.

At Thortify, we place high value on creative time and are enjoying being in an environment where there is evidence of this all around us. Watercolour artist Peter has been enjoying discovering new colour palettes in the longer days of natural light in his corner workspace. We are loving his Sherwood street scenes, and the way they find interest in the ordinary, especially.

*Freshly framed work by Peter in his workspace*

Our resident collage artist’s creative hands have been busy too! The ledge above her desk now hosts a mini-gallery of her thoughtful work that seems to grow each time I visit. Fascinated by her ideas and designs, I can’t resist a peek when I arrive on Friday mornings.

Of course, it’s even better when I catch her creating. There are times when there is so much activity on that wide deskpace that there is very little of the white surface showing, but it looks like I have snapped her space at the start of a new project here - I wonder what that pile of papers will become…?

I genuinely love opening up on a Friday morning. The light streams through the workspace windows, as I venture in to catch up with what the artists have been up to. In the mornings I am still occupied adding a little extra to our budding exhibition space - this week the picture rails went in and are waiting to be painted, ready for their first exhibition in April - exciting!

Too early for the artists, I enjoy a little quiet time with my coffee appreciating the morning sun and bright walls whilst I contemplate the day. I sometimes sit at the middle desk (which is still available to rent by the way) to catch up on my emails and write a task list for the day - it’s such an inspiring space to work.

*Light and airy workspaces for creatives*

By lunchtime someone has dropped in for a viewing, to drop off a donation of art materials or to find out more about the drop-in sessions we are currently offering in the afternoons. We have been so lucky with the support we have received from the community so far.

This Friday, the fabulous Rosie of Bden Glass popped in with a generous donation of paper and paints, she discovered whilst having a spring clean. She felt they were no use to her since her passion for creating beautiful handmade glass jewellery has grown into a thriving business. I must confess, I did enjoy breaking for a natter with her too. Thank you, Rosie - we look forward to you dropping in for a cuppa in the near future.

And collaboration is what we are all about at Thortify. Not wishing to make our Friday sessions prescriptive, we will offer a suggestion but always leave the creative activity open so that participants feel they can express themselves freely.

We give you time to dip into our resources and seek out your own inspiration. It could be an image, a word or colour that sparks an idea. Whatever it might be, we can offer guidance where it’s needed and leave you to it when it’s not. It’s this freedom that truly empowers people to see themselves as creatives - and we feel that’s important.

Our drop-in sessions are free to attend at the moment, but we do encourage participants to make a small donation towards our costs if they are able. If our recent funding bid is successful though, we will be able to expand on available self care sessions, so keep following us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

We certainly have everything crossed here at Thortify HQ!

If you would like to be part of the Thortify Art Hub community, get in touch.

thortify@gmail.com

Or just pop in and see us at The Place Community and Activity Centre in Sherwood on Fridays.

Peace and paintbrushes

Debra Thortify

Freedom To Create

The Power of Pigment