Posted by 
A series of free classes in Preston will use creativity to combat loneliness and mental health issues.
Artists Becky Atherton and Donna Worthington will lead the ArtFull classes, which are set to explore literature, scripts, storytelling, fairy tales, mythology, and craft/art.
ArtFull is a collective of skilled artists and practitioners from in and around Preston that was formed in 2012.
The group – which includes Becky plus Bernie Velvick, Teresa East and Jo Cook – all studied at UCLan, and have years of experience working within community arts.
Read more: Preston Art Society’s 2025 calendar kicks off with abstract still life demo and workshop
Speaking to Blog Preston, Becky said: “ArtFull is a phoenix rising from the ashes of cultural cuts, which have limited the accessibility of local community to quality art.
“We forge ahead – helping community groups access funding for art projects, working with schools, delivering innovative art projects, curating exhibitions, organising festivals with partners and designing accessible publications.
“All the ArtFull team are skilled fundraisers and facilitators and will work with groups and organisations to design and deliver inspired community-led projects.”
Read more: Preston is worst funded city for creatives in England, new study says
The upcoming classes will start on Friday 31 January at Fulwood Methodist Church in Watling Street Road, and will run most weeks until mid-May.
Becky is keen to encourage people to go along, emphasising that no prior experience is needed.
“If you are feeling lonely or isolated and/or your mental health could do with time and space
to think and create, our project is for you,” said Becky.
“You do not need to have taken part in a project like this before. Donna and I are here to help, value your input and guide you through the activities.”
To find out more about ArtFull and the upcoming classes, contact Becky at [email protected] or 07341 319040.
Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.
Read more: See more of what’s on in Preston
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
This story was made possible by you, our readers, and a host of organisations in the city, through our Crowdfund Lancashire appeal, which unlocked support from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund provided by Lancashire County Council. You can see all our coverage and, if you know of an arts project or event in the city we should be covering, you can submit it for our event listings and/or send details to [email protected] for us to cover it as a story on the Blog.
