"I love attending the Encaustic Card-making Workshops, and the wonderful volunteers that support us! A great evening to work with simple materials to make something really beautiful"

Card-Making Participant, 2018

A monthly workshop facilitated and supported by Hospice Wellington's trained Volunteers to invite gentle and creative expression through the creation of the handmade Hospice Wellington Encaustic Cards. These workshops focus on the use of art as therapeutic in nature, fun and relaxing in addition to strengthening community connections with others. No previous experience is necessary, just a willingness to explore and engage within a compassionate and supportive environment.

This co-creative community workshop event seeks to support the whole person exploring:

• New art-making practice
• Gentle conversation within a supportive environment
• Relaxation, enjoyment and fun
• Emotional expression
• Self-care strategies
• Community connectivity

This monthly workshop exists in a community format supported by Hospice Wellington Volunteers to encourage community engagements and accessing creative expression for self-care and relaxation. All materials are provided, and do not require any previous experience.

Encaustic Card-making Workshops are suitable for all those facing end-of-life experiences or grief and bereavement.

"I want to do it all, but I lack the knowledge and sometimes the Courage to do it on my own. The exchange of ideas and seeing others experiment with a variety of styles and projects from so many talented artists during workshops and Open Studio truly is inspirational and uplifting"

"My children were nervous to attend and now they can't stop talking about it. There is no comparison to this program, I have never experienced anything else like it"

Parent/Guardian, 2018

The Open Studio concept encourages freedom of thoughts and exploratory use of creative materials to support self-expression. This program aims to provide and promote a creative therapeutic environment for all Hospice Wellington clients, supporting the continuation of the individual journey through art-making and narrative practices. Open to those interested in exploring creative expression on their healing journey and to support consistent self-care practices.

The Open Studio program seeks to support the whole person, providing space to explore, A variety of visual materials, Discuss and expand on thoughts and creative ideas, Work independently and self-directed, Engage in dialogue with resident Art Therapist and trained Hospice Wellington volunteers in support of the Open Studio Program.

This is an eight-week semi-open group program. This program operates with a semi-open atmosphere and does require participants to attend each week of a given Open Studio cycle. The Open Studio Program does, however, require a moderate degree of self-direction and self-initiative as it is not structured as a closed group process with regulated engagements with the lead facilitator or Art Therapist.