The Surprising Benefits of Neurographic Art

We recently had the pleasure of running a special Mindful Art Club session with Gifted Women, a charity that supports women with multiple disadvantage to access employment opportunities.

The wonderful afternoon was filled with creativity, community and calm using a Mindful Art Club favourite, neurographic art – a gentle drawing technique that encourages relaxation through the process rather than the focus of a final product.

What is neurographic art?

Neurographic art is a therapeutic practice developed by psychologist Pavel Piskarev, as a way to help people process emotions and reduce stress through creative expression!

The idea is simple, instead of trying to draw something ‘perfectly’ (whatever that means anyway!) you draw free-flowing lines, shapes, and patterns that represent your thoughts and feelings. As you add curves, colours, and connecting lines, the picture begins to evolve often in ways you didn’t expect!

Neurographic art is about letting your mind relax while your hand moves freely, simply enjoying the process of creating. The process is recognised for being calming and meditative, helping to quiet those busy thoughts and bring a sense of peace and focus. It’s clear to see why we love neurographic art so much at Mindful Art Club!

Mindfulness and empowerment

Collaborations like this with Gifted Women show how mindfulness and creativity can support mental health, confidence, and emotional wellbeing, especially for women rebuilding their lives and careers. Peggy and Emma were inspired by the openness and creativity in the room, as everyone approached the exercise differently. It was so wonderful to see how mindful art allows for both individuality and connection.

We’re so grateful to have shared this time together and we look forward to more creative partnerships that help people find calm, confidence, and connection through art. Click here to find out more about Gifted Women’s work.

Be sure to like and subscribe to our new YouTube channel and have a look at some of the wonderful art created in this session! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and get ready to enjoy our fun tips and tools for managing anxiety with mindful art.

October 22, 2025October 20, 2025

New Women’s Mindful Art Club!

We are pleased to share that as of Friday 17th October, our new Women’s Mindful Art Club has officially launched! Supported by the Livewell Foundation, in the colourful new venue of Greenspace on Mutley Plain, our new group offers women the chance to unwind, express themselves, and connect through mindful art.

Get your free ticket here.

Each session combines art, mindfulness, and gentle conversation, helping members to relax, reduce stress, and nurture their creativity in a safe, friendly environment. And of course, there’s always plenty of laughter too!

We’re happy to be hosting this new group upstairs at Greenspace, 30 Mutley Plain, a welcoming and inclusive community venue that perfectly fits our mindful, creative approach. You can find out more about Greenspace here!

If you’ve been thinking about joining one of our sessions but felt a bit nervous, we think this is the perfect time to give it a try. Because the group is brand new, everyone is finding their feet together which means you won’t be the only new face! It’s a lovely opportunity to connect with others, share a few laughs, and start something positive for your mental health and wellbeing in a supportive space.

Member inspiration!

The last session at the Unitarian Church hall was inspired by a suggestion from one of our members, leading to a really playful afternoon.

We think this video perfectly captures the light-hearted spirit of the women’s group. Instead of adding background music, group members decided to make their own soundtrack – yes, a spontaneous tune broke out in Mindful Art Club! We’re not expecting a chart-topping single anytime soon, but the joy was absolutely contagious and we think this provides a great insight into the warm and inviting nature of Mindful Art Club.

The goal of Mindful Art Club isn’t creating ‘perfect’ artwork, it’s about being present, having fun, and connecting with others. The group’s laughter and creativity in this video show just how art and mindfulness can support mental health while building community and confidence.

Be sure to like and subscribe to our new YouTube channel so you never miss an episode, and get ready to enjoy our fun tips and tools for managing anxiety with mindful art.

October 13, 2025October 13, 2025

When One Door Closes, Another Opens

A new creative space for our Friday afternoon Women’s Group.

We’re saying goodbye to the Unitarian Hall, and hello to new beginnings above the Greenspace shop!

Have you visited this amazing community hub yet? The Greenhouse Community Project supports local artists and those overcoming life’s toughest challenges. Come and be part of something positive in Plymouth.

The Greenspace shop supports local Plymouth, artists and is also a community hub that is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those affected by social exclusion. The Greenhouse Community Project is an independent Community Interest Company (CIC) that focuses on providing support and resources for individuals and families facing hardships such as homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse, and domestic abuse.

Grab your free ticket now for this supportive art group for women, offering creativity, company, a short mindful meditation and an easy art project.

September 22, 2025September 20, 2025

How to Find Mindful Art Club at the Unitarian Church Hall in Plymouth

Looking for women’s art classes in Plymouth that also offer friendly company and mental health support? Mindful Art Club could be just what you need. Co-founder Peggy shows in her short video just how close the group’s venue is to the city centre — so if you’re wondering how to find Burgess Hall, here’s your step-by-step guide.

Women’s Mindful Art at Unitarian Church Hall – just three dates left!

From the City Centre to Burgess Hall

Start at St. Andrew’s Cross, right at the top of Royal Parade. From there, head down St. Andrew’s Street, next to St. Andrew’s Church. Keep walking along St. Andrew Street towards the Magistrates’ Court.

Once you reach the court, turn right, and you’ll soon see the Unitarian Church Hall (known as Burgess Hall) just around the back of the church. There’s even a handy shortcut through the nearby Baptist Church car park. In her video, Peggy makes it clear: it’s only a few minutes’ walk from Plymouth City Centre. You can also walk there from The Treasury Cafe-Bar on Royal parade, down Catherine’s Street.

Why Visit Mindful Art Club?

Mindful Art Club isn’t just an art group in Plymouth. It’s also a welcoming space for people looking for free mental health support in Plymouth. Each session combines creativity with mindfulness, offering a simple way to relax, connect with others, and boost your wellbeing.

In the video, Peggy gives us a glimpse of the friendly atmosphere as she arrives at Burgess Hall, sharing a laugh with Emma, who doesn’t really like to be on camera. It’s a reminder that the sessions are about community and fun, as much as they are about art.

Join Us

So, if you’re searching for art classes in Plymouth city centre, or a relaxed and creative form of free mental health support in Plymouth, why not come along? With this short video, finding Burgess Hall couldn’t be easier.

Like and Subscribe!

Our YouTube channel is new – this is only our second short video! Be sure to like and subscribe to our channel so you never miss an episode, and get ready to enjoy our fun tips and tools for managing anxiety with mindful art.

September 15, 2025September 15, 2025

NEW: Six Week Women’s Art Group

Did you know that inner calm is just a four minute walk away from Plymouth’s St Andrews Cross? Join us at the Unitarian Church hall, near Catherine Street, for our NEW women’s art group; a welcoming space to ease anxiety, slow down, and reconnect with yourself. Supported by Devon Community Foundation’s end VAWG fund.

Every Friday at 1.00pm, until 10th October 2025

Tap the link to find more upcoming, free, sessions.

Find Your Way to Mindful Art Club in Just 5 Minutes

August 21, 2025August 22, 2025

CANCELLED: Sunflower Women’s Centre art groups

Due to some recent timetable changes there will be no Mindful Art Clubs at the Sunflower Women’s Centre for the rest of August. Join our mailing list to be first to hear about the free community art sessions starting in September in various Plymouth venues.

Join Our Club and Get Free Downloads

ANNOUNCEMENT: This September we are inviting creative and openminded people like you to overcome anxiety and find peace through mindful art. Enter your email above to get your invitation to our next free sessions, both in person and online.

March 18, 2025April 5, 2025

How to Make a Mindful Masterpiece

Mindful Masterpieces: A Relaxing Online Art Experience

Unleash Your Creativity – No Experience Required!

This is not your typical Paint and Sip event! Mindful Masterpieces is an exclusive and intimate online workshop where you’ll use watercolour to recreate a famous painting – all while embracing mindfulness and creativity in a supportive space.

Guided by Peggy Melmoth and Emma Sprawson, experienced mental health professionals and passionate artists, you’ll enjoy a unique experience that blends art, relaxation, and self-care.

What to Expect:

A warm and welcoming check-in to connect with yourself and others
A guided mindful meditation to ease into a creative flow
An introduction to mindful drawing to free yourself from self-judgement
A step-by-step live painting session inspired by masters like Van Gogh, Matisse, Picasso, and Monet
The joy of creating a masterpiece you’ll actually want to hang on your wall!

Why Join?

No pressure, just fun: Mindful techniques help you relax and enjoy the process
Expert guidance: Led by two BA (Hons) degree-qualified, professional artists
Limited spots available: Small groups for an intimate and interactive experience
The ultimate “me-time”: A creative escape from daily stress, at home, with the drink of your choice!

Prioritise yourself and book your ticket now! Spaces are limited—reserve your spot today and let’s create something beautiful together.

Sign up to our mailing list now to be first to hear about the launch date of this new course.

You will need:

The art materials of your choice
Access to Zoom online meeting software

April 4, 2024April 4, 2024

Our Friday Art Group Has Moved

If you (or the people you work with) are free on Friday afternoons, we’d love you to join us in our new venue, Burgess Hall, behind the Unitarian Church in Plymouth city centre. Each 90 minute session includes five minutes of guided mindfulness, five minutes of mindful drawing, a simple art project, and the opportunity to chat and relax. These sessions are funded by our Crowdfunder campaign, but if you want to donate, to help us continue delivering our service for longer, you can easily do so online.

Book your free place now.

Burgess Hall is behind the Unitarian Church accessed from Catherine Street, (next to The Treasury bar and restaurant, on Royal Parade). The first session at the new place is at 1.00pm Friday 12th April 2024.

As a reminder, we also offer these free mindful art groups:

Mondays 1.00pm Sunflower Women’s Centre

Tuesdays 2.00pm Sunflower Women’s Centre

Thursdays 12.00pm The London Inn, Plympton

Fridays 10.00am Addiction Recovery at Leadworks

Fridays 1.00pm Mindful Art Club at Burgess Hall

May 27, 2023May 27, 2023

Dear Person Behind Me… (Kerry’s Story)

“Dear person behind me. The world is a better place with you in it. Love, the person in front of you.”
Kerry’s message to the world.

Kerry, our Mindful Art Club volunteer, often wears this sweatshirt to group to show other people that they matter.

https://azurabrand.com/products/dear-person-behind-me-sweatshirt

Hi, my name’s Kerry and I come to Mindful Art Club on a Friday at Moments Café.

Mindful Art Club help so many people through tough times, they help with isolation issues, mental health of all kinds and loneliness, They have personally helped me through all of these challenges and more.

I was extremely isolated lonely and depressed, I found Mindful Art Club, let’s say by chance, but I call it fate personally. Emma, who is one of the owners of Mindful Art Club, asked me if I wanted to join when I was at The Sunflower Women’s Centre, I declined at first saying I can’t draw. Emma said, “You don’t need to be good!” so I decided to be brave and joined in group. I was welcomed with a big smile and felt welcome right away. I left feeling I wanted more, I was extremely isolated, lonely and depressed, and I now I attend other groups on a Wednesday and Friday at different locations.

After about a year of attending I offered my help for volunteering, I feel passionate about making sure Mindful Art continues on a regular basis and I would feel lost, lonely and depressed again without it in my life. I do volunteer and I now see how much work Emma and Peggy have to put into it to keeping it going, I appreciate Emma and Peggy and all the volunteers who work so hard to help others.

A note from Peggy and Emma

We know that Mindful Art Club improves mental health and reduces social isolation in Plymouth, because of many personal stories like Kerry’s, and because of a recent research study done by the psychology department at Plymouth University.

Now we need your help to raise enough funds to carry on this weekly support group at Moments Café, in the centre of Plymouth. So please, donate what you can and share this with your friends. Thank you.

Want to help, but don’t have any money? No problem. Use EasyFundraising and brands will make donations to us when you shop online. You don’t have to pay a penny, and you get to support our work.

May 17, 2023May 17, 2023

New: Recovery Art Club

Has your drinking started to worry you?

Is using drugs causing problems in your life?

Are you already in recovery but want to connect with others?

Recovery Art Club is a free, weekly group at Moments Cafe in Plymouth city centre. The group is upstairs in the Arthur Read room and will be running for two months.

Starts: Wednesday 31st May 1.00pm – 2.30pm

Moments Café, 69a New George Street, Plymouth, PL1 1RJ

Even if you can’t decide whether you have a problem or not, you are welcome to come along. There is no art experience required! Friendly and informal. Just grab a coffee and join in.

Connect with others and discover new ways of practising self-care through easy art and mindfulness exercises. Practice being here in the present moment, and accept where you are right now, without self-judgement. We will also be inviting some inspiring guest speakers to these groups, to talk about addiction and recovery.

The group is hosted by Emma Sprawson and Peggy Melmoth. They are the founders of Mindful Art Club, and have a background of working for many years in addiction treatment centres in Plymouth.

Places are free thanks to a grant from Devon Community Foundation, but booking is essential as we expect this group to be popular.

Mindful Art Session

We start with a brief chat about how everyone is feeling, then a short guided mindfulness session, followed by a simple art activity that anyone can do. Our mission is to make mindfulness more fun! We’re not teaching art techniques, we’re just here to play.

Places are limited, so if you cannot attend please let us know and we can offer your place to someone else. Book now.

Not ready for this group yet? Join our mailing list to hear about other free events.

Category: Weekly Sessions