For anyone who's been itching to pick up a paintbrush, try collage, or dive back into craft, Melbourne's Create & Connect is your chance to get hands-on and have fun again.
These monthly workshops, hosted in Naarm/Melbourne by artist and facilitator Merichel Sanchez, are designed for people who want to tap back into their creativity without pressure or judgement.
Each session is a reminder that making art does not have to be serious, structured or even good. What matters is the feeling it sparks inside you.
Create & Connect – Melbourne
- When: Saturday, 21 February, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
- Where: Ross House Association, Melbourne, VIC
- Tickets can be purchased here
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At its core, Create & Connect is about giving people space to create simply for the joy of it.
Everyday life can make exploring your creative side harder than it should be, with work, study, and responsibilities often leaving little room for play. And when we do find the time, perfectionism or self-doubt can easily get the best of us.
These sessions carve out a safe, welcoming space to let go of all that; you can simply show up as you are, grab a brush, pen or pair of scissors, and see where the process takes you.
Each two-hour workshop explores a different medium, from zine-making and collage to painting or mixed media.
All materials are provided, along with snacks, drinks and a friendly community atmosphere. There is no set outcome, no grading, and no competition.
You might walk away with a finished piece, but it is just as valid to leave with hands covered in glue and a smile.
The first workshop this year is a zine-making event.
Zines are self-published mini magazines that can be about anything and everything; traditionally a way to share ideas and stories in an easy, accessible format while building community. There are countless ways to make them, and this session is all about embracing a playful spirit. There’s no pressure to make something profound, just the invitation to explore.
Merichel will also have a box filled with prompts, themes and ideas for anyone who needs a spark to get started, with topics spanning everything from your affection for cats, to your take on capitalism, to your love, or maybe a little annoyance for, your sister.
Create & Connect attracts all kinds of people, some attendees are artists looking for a fun creative reset, while others have not picked up a pencil or craft knife since high school.
Many come simply because they miss the feeling of doing something with their hands. What ties everyone together is a shared hunger to play and explore without expectation. If you have been craving colour, connection and a little creative chaos, Create & Connect is a chance to slow down and fill your cup.
For more information, head here.
