As part of Spinning a Yarn and our ongoing exploration of the rich heritage of Wool in Somerset, artist Gary Mills has introduced members of the Somerset Art Works Online Art Group to the wonderful world of felting. Using natural, renewable, biodegradable, and sustainable British wool, the group has been guided by Gary to explore wet felting and needlefelting, discovering how easy traditional craft techniques can be to access at home. 

In a field of many short term workshop offers, the regular SAW Online Art Group sessions have become valued, consistent highlights in participants’ lives. Working with a variety of artists in a range of creative materials and media, the group aims to create a truly accessible platform and community for people to engage with art and creativity in a way that works for them. It not only encourages creativity and the development of new skills, but also enriches wellbeing, through being part of a community and creating a sense of belonging. The Online Art Group opens up space and time-out from the stresses of life and an opportunity for some ‘me time’, for self-expression and increased self-confidence.

Arts and Crafts have really been capturing public imagination in recent times, as seen with Tom Daley’s Olympic knitting and backed up by a recent survey revealing that people engaging with creating art and craft have greater ratings for happiness, life satisfaction and feeling that life was worthwhile, than those who did not. This applies even after taking into account other factors known to have an impact – including age, gender, deprivation, poor health, and employment status.
We love to see our Online Art Group members sharing their creativity, and if you’d like to share your experiences of how taking part in art and crafts helps to improve your life, a wider audience can be found – The Guardian is asking for your stories!

Somerset Art Works – Online Art Group
Running throughout the year, first and third Wednesdays 6.30 – 7.30pm on Facebook Live. Plus recordings to revisit at any time via the Facebook group page – take part at a time that suits you.
For Somerset residents – free places available (donations welcome).
New members welcome.
https://quietplacesathome.online/
Contact Emily for more information and bookings, admin@somersetartworks.org.uk