By Matthew McKenzie FRSA BEM
I’m pleased to share two creative opportunities from SHARP Art Gallery: a new term of its online Drawing Club and an invitation to contribute to its winter exhibition, The Philosophy of Evergreen.
Through my work with unpaid carers and poetry groups, I value opportunities for people to express themselves without pressure. Sometimes words come easily; at other times, a drawing, a colour or an image can offer another way to explore what we are feeling.
These opportunities may interest carers, people with lived experience of mental health difficulties, and anyone looking for time to be creative.
The Drawing Club returns this November
SHARP Gallery’s Drawing Club offers an online space to relax, draw and explore your creativity. Whether you want to find your voice through drawing or simply set aside some time for yourself, you are welcome to take part.
There is no need to have attended previous terms. Each session stands alone, so newcomers can join this term.
Sessions include:
- Time and space to spend drawing.
- An optional drawing prompt for inspiration.
- An optional technique to try.
- An optional theme to guide your work.
The emphasis is on having an opportunity to create, with suggestions available if you would find them helpful.
Dates and how to join
All sessions take place on Microsoft Teams, from 2–3:30 pm, on the following Tuesdays:
- 3 November 2026
- 10 November 2026
- 17 November 2026
- 24 November 2026
- 1 December 2026
- 8 December 2026
Places are free. To book, scan the booking QR code on the Drawing Club flyer or email Anna-Maria.Amato@slam.nhs.uk for booking and joining details.
Anna-Maria explains that the group is for anyone who feels art could help with their mental health. Please share the flyer with someone who might appreciate the opportunity.
The Philosophy of Evergreen exhibition open call
SHARP Gallery is also inviting expressions of interest for its winter exhibition:
The Philosophy of Evergreen — What do we retain in a world of impermanence?
It is a theme that opens up many possibilities. What stays with us when circumstances change? Perhaps a memory, a relationship, a cultural tradition, a sense of identity or something we have learned about ourselves.
For unpaid carers, it might prompt reflection on the parts of ourselves we hold onto through changing caring responsibilities. These are simply possible starting points; contributors can explore their own response to the exhibition’s question.
To express an interest in exhibiting, email Anna-Maria.Amato@slam.nhs.uk with an image or an idea of what you would like to submit.
The deadline is Friday 27 November 2026.
The exhibition is planned to run from the third week of December 2026 until mid-February 2027. Contact Anna-Maria for further information about submissions and arrangements.
More creative opportunities for carers
In her update, Anna-Maria also shared that SHARP Gallery held its first workshop for carers at my Carer event in October and is planning further sessions.
There are also plans for an exhibition of carers’ artwork, alongside an award-winning piece by a carers’ advocate. Carers interested in these opportunities can contact Anna-Maria directly to find out more.
I’m pleased to see creative spaces being developed where carers can contribute their own ideas and experiences. Alongside the responsibilities of caring, having time to make something for ourselves can be valuable.
Find out more
For Drawing Club bookings, exhibition enquiries or information about future carer workshops, contact:
Anna-Maria Amato
Curator, SHARP Art Gallery
Email: Anna-Maria.Amato@slam.nhs.uk
You can also find out more about the gallery at:
https://slam.nhs.uk/sharp-gallery
Thank you to Anna-Maria and SHARP Gallery for sharing these opportunities. Please pass them on to carers, friends and community groups who may be interested.
