Our North West Art Group this month is Art for Happiness! After completing teacher training qualifications whilst working in adult education, Rebecca Freear established her art classes in 2000. Since then the classes have gone from strength to strength. The way art can transform people’s lives makes working with students a hugely rewarding experience for Rebecca. Let’s find out more about what the group get up to…

When & where do we meet?

Art For Happiness meet on Tuesdays in Croston, morning and afternoon. They focus on the sense of well-being which can grow when you engage with others in creative activities.

Payments are made in advance for four-week blocks.

Beginners are made very welcome with support and guidance from Rebecca as well as encouragement from others in the class.

How do the classes run?

A medium plus a theme usually runs for three or four weeks but students are always free to opt out and work on an independent project. Because the groups are small – no more than ten in the room – Rebecca is able to give each person the support they need at every session. Everyone is encouraged to work from original images, whether sketching from objects or using their own photographs.

What media do we use?

People who come to the classes often comment on the wide range of topics and techniques covered, these include drawing using pencils, pens, charcoal and pastels; painting with watercolours, acrylics, oils and inks as well as other methods like collage and print-making. Composition, perspective, observation and personal expression are key to making pictures and subject-matter ranges from landscapes, faces, still-life, buildings and flowers to animals, abstracts and more.

What our members say

Comments from class members are probably the best way to get a feel for what the classes are like.
They say:

“I was introduced to art class by my friend, Margaret when my husband died and I needed to get out and meet new people. Not only did I meet new people and make new friends, gain an introduction into drawing and painting lots of different subjects and using different mediums, it also gave my confidence a great boost. That is why I like to come to art classes.”

Doreen

“You can try a wide variety of taught techniques and materials. Classes have a warm , relaxed atmosphere and no pressure. Rebecca gives individual attention when needed with positive and constructive feedback.”

Margaret

“I think a class should take you out of your comfort zone occasionally or else “if you always do what you’ve always done you’ll always get what you’ve always got”. There is a social element once the class of individuals coalesces to become a group of friends.”

Roger

“Going to Rebecca’s class is the feel good activity of my whole week. Lessons are about doing something different, with Rebecca encouraging you out of your comfort zone, guiding
your creativity into achieving a piece of work that gives a positive sense of achievement and, for me, amazement of “I’ve actually done that!” So, thank you Rebecca, I’m so glad I met you!”

Irene

To find out more

Contact can be made though Rebecca Freear by email [email protected], facebook or instagram