I have always fancied attending a workshop that is focused on nurturing creativity as well as mindfulness and with a focus on being present in the moment. In the craziness of everyday life, a moment of self-reflection seems like a luxury. So, when I stumbled across the advertisement on Facebook for the Sip and Splatter workshop I just could not refuse the opportunity to attend.

The Happy Place CIC was founded last year following the unfortunate closure of the beloved Umbrella Arts in Leigh. Based at The Turnpike Gallery The Happy Place is a non-profit on a mission to create spaces for people to explore and create together. Their central ethos is that everyone is an individual and has a voice to share which is what they offer to facilitate through their art workshops.

From after-school clubs for children to adult well-being sessions, from evening sessions to community outreach initiatives and school visits The Happy Place caters to a wide range of individuals and groups. “Sip and Splatter” their adult evening art workshop establishes their commitment to creating a supportive environment for creative expression.

Sip and Splatter is a simple yet wonderful concept: bringing people together in a warm and inviting environment so they can unleash their inner artist. Held within the cosy setting of the Bailiffs Bar, a venue steeped in creativity and community spirit, the workshops find their home among the cultural hub of Wigan. Previously holding events such as poetry evenings and networking events for creatives courtesy of The Old Courts, the Bailiffs Bar is the perfect setting to unlock creativity.

I did feel nervous before the workshop began, but this quickly went away due to Sammi and Gina’s warm welcome. Their hospitality made everyone feel at ease allowing the workshop to be a magical experience. Throughout the session the bar remained open, allowing people to grab a drink to sip whilst unleashing their creativity. Held in the Holding Cell room of the bar beautifully decorated and secluded from the hustle and bustle of the bar the room provided the perfect ambience for creativity to flourish.

The workshop centred around the theme of bubbles, which symbolise relaxation in various forms: from a soothing bubble bath to the rhythmic waves of the ocean, a sense of playfulness and fun from blowing bubbles as a child. We painted a canvas with a colour of our choice as our background for our bubble creations. Guided by the expertise of Sammi and Gina who showed us how we could use the bottom of caps and cans to create the bubble shapes on our canvas and how we could layer different colours to add depth and dimension to our work. Something I loved about this process was that everyone’s pieces were different which I think highlighted the aims of what The Happy Place aims to provide to the local community.

I enjoyed my experience at the Sip and Slatter Workshop, so much that I have booked a place on the next workshop on the 18th of April. The workshop allowed me to be fully present and produce something, I love which I have proudly up on the wall at home. While I may not be DaVinci, the workshop offers people a chance to be in a safe and nurturing environment without judgment or worry. Allowing them to freely express themselves and allowing their creativity to take hold.

If you fancy Sip and Splatter please follow the link below to book.