Meet Louisa, MFT Art Facilitator

Meet Louisa, MFT Art Facilitator in Tadworth, Elmbridge and Leatherhead. In this interview, she explains how she got into art, what happens at a typical art group, why she loves teaching so much and how creativity can really support your mental wellbeing!

Q1: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, how you got into art and working with MFT?

My name is Louisa, and I’ve been facilitating the Tadworth, Elmbridge, and Leatherhead Art and Craft groups for over a year and a half.

I’ve had a love for painting since I was young, always gravitating toward anything artistic. As someone who struggled academically at school, art became my refuge, where I thrived and found peace through self-expression and getting lost in the process of creation. While I enjoy exploring new materials and juggling various projects, I’m always drawn back to painting and have maintained my own painting practice since studying at university.

I’ve known about MFT as a charity since childhood, remembering it as The Clubhouse. I began as a volunteer at MFT’s Leatherhead art group and soon transitioned into facilitating it. I’m incredibly grateful to work for MFT, where I can share the knowledge and skills I’ve gained and also some of the benefits of creativity for wellbeing.

Q2: Can you describe what happens on a typical art group?

A typical session begins with me arriving in my craft-mobile, bringing all the materials so you don’t need to bring anything yourself. In Elmbridge or Tadworth, I’ll have a theme, project, or activity planned for the session, or sometimes for a series of weeks. Examples of this could include step-by-step painting sessions, themed collages, beginner watercolour lessons, drawing trees, or something craftier. While this is the plan, members are always welcome to use the materials to explore their own ideas, make adjustments to my suggestion, or simply draw inspiration from it. We’ll approach the activity together, and I’m there to answer any questions.

In Leatherhead, we do things a bit differently to fit around what people want to do. Half the group is just happy doing their own thing, and the other half likes to complete the activities that I set up.

We play calming music, spend time as a group and there’s usually a cup of tea or coffee, along with some biscuits, ready to enjoy.

Q3: Why do you think art helps our mental health?

Engaging in creative activities provides an opportunity to focus on the present moment. It allows us to slow down, take a break, and be fully immersed in what’s in front of us – whether that’s simply enjoying the moment or losing ourselves in the act of creation.

This is why the groups work so well. By dedicating time and creating a space to step away from our struggles, people often express appreciation for the chance to simply sit and focus on what’s at hand. Not only does this give us an opportunity to learn something new and practice, but art, in general, encourages us to notice different things and explore new ways of seeing. It reframes our perspectives, which I believe is far more important than creating something considered “good.”

I think as adults the act of play is lost; I find that art can become a way to reclaim it. Experimenting with new materials and techniques allows us to approach each piece with the curiosity and spontaneity that childhood play embodies.

The sense of achievement we gain from making a piece of art contributes to confidence and feelings of positivity. Moreover, through the act of making, it’s crucial to remember that perfection isn’t the goal. Your creation doesn’t need to resemble anyone else’s; it’s uniquely yours, and that individuality is what makes it special.

Q4: What do you get out of teaching for MFT?

I have the privilege of meeting some amazing people and introducing them to a variety of materials, projects, and different ways of seeing that might connect with them. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch people’s confidence grow and to offer them the opportunity to continue creating both within and outside the groups. I’m always thrilled when someone shares something they’ve created outside of group, using the techniques we’ve been practicing in class!

Ultimately, my favourite part of teaching for MFT is seeing how everyone perceives the activity or theme in their own unique way. I love seeing the diverse outcomes and the different styles that emerge as participants work through the session.

Q5: What do you do to look after your wellbeing?

Making time to spend as much time outside as possible, no matter the weather, is essential for me. Being active, slowing down, and exploring new areas through hikes, walks, and small adventures are incredibly important. It allows me to recharge, shift my perspective, and gather new inspiration for both my personal practice and ideas for the groups.

The environment I spend time in is very important to how I feel. I love filling my space with colour, plants, and brightness. I’ve painted on my ceiling and created calm environments that bring me joy and a space to unwind.

Though it can be challenging at times, I push myself to try new things and take up new hobbies, like yoga and rock climbing.

Last but not least, getting a solid night’s sleep is crucial for me to fully enjoy and engage in all of these activities.

Want to join Louisa’s Art Groups?

Louisa runs the following Art Groups for MFT:

• Art In Elmbridge – on Wednesdays, 1pm-3pm at St Peter’s Community Hub, West Molesey.
• Art in Tadworth – on Tuesdays, 1.30pm-3pm at Tattenham Library.
• Arts & Crafts in Mole Valley – on Tuesdays, 11am-12.30pm, at Leatherhead Methodist Church.

To see what other art groups or activities we run, visit our Activities, Courses and Groups page or view Our Calendar.

All art groups are free for Surrey residents (aged 16+), in need of mental or emotional wellbeing support. Register with us online and book your place at info@maryfrancestrust.org.uk or on 01372 375 400 or SMS 07929 024 722.

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