Stress-busting activities help visitors unlock their creative side

Warrington Museum and Art Gallery is encouraging visitors to rediscover their creative side thanks to two new playful projects.

Getting creative – regardless of ability – is said to help with stress reduction, improved mood, enhanced cognitive function and a boosted sense of self-esteem.

So the Museum team have launched a new group exhibition which celebrates and explores the simple joy of drawing alongside free crafts sessions specifically for adults.

Let’s Draw runs until 11 January and showcases works from locally and internationally renowned artists with the belief that drawing helps us observe the world around us, acting as a bridge for social connection.

So as well as the chance to view a vivid and varied collection playful doodles and sophisticated sketches, the show features interactive prompts inviting members of the community to participate – even those who think they can’t draw.

Roger Jeffery, Producer for Warrington Museum and Art Gallery, said: “With Let’s Draw, we’re aiming to make art more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

“We’re encouraging visitors to try drawing, focus on the enjoyment of the process, and forget the final outcome. We want to move away from the pressure of ‘getting it right’ and break down the belief that some people just ‘can’t draw’.”

Meanwhile, the Museum has also introduced fortnightly craft sessions called ‘Whimsical Wednesdays’ to give adults the chance to take a break from routine and meet new people with some hands-on and stress-busting activities.

The free drop-in sessions, every other Wednesday between 10.30am and 12.30pm, have been launched in response to the success of the weekly ‘Crafternoons’ for children and their families.

Steph Clemens, Museum Development Manager for Warrington Museum and Art Gallery, added: “Given our Saturday Crafternoons are so popular with children, we really wanted to give grown-ups the chance to get creative too – as well as giving our talented staff the opportunity to share their skills.

“Sometimes it’s hard to find the time or the inspiration to do something arty or crafty, so we’re making that space at the Museum, and providing ideas and materials to get people going.

“Most importantly, it’s a chance to have a chat and a cuppa, have a bit of fun, and re-energise for the rest of the week.”

Let’s Draw is free to view at Warrington Museum until 11 January, and anyone inspired to share their own creations on social media can use the hashtag #letsdrawwarrington.

For upcoming dates and more information about Whimsical Wednesdays, visit wmag.culturewarrington.org/visit-us/adult-craft-sessions-whimsical-wednesdays