Drawing on art to heal

Aurora Van Mourik is running artful healing workshops. Photo by Damjan Janevski.

A Hoppers Crossing artist is using the tools of her trade to promote positive mental outlooks.

Hoppers Crossing artist Aurora Van Mourik will be running weekly “artful healing” workshops from next week, with participants learning new artistic skills, socialising and expressing themselves in a supportive and friendly setting.

The workshops will run every Thursday until mid-December, after which participants will show their work in a group exhibition.

Van Mourik said the workshops were aimed at people who feel isolated, depressed, lonely or bored, adding that no previous art experience was required.

Van Mourik, who suffers from bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety, said she had frequently used art as a tool to relieve the effects.

“It allows us to tap into our inner child,” she said.

“It’s an unconscious communication with our soul.”

The artful healing classes will start on October 6 and run every Thursday at the Wyndham Arts Incubator Hub, corner Watton Street and Duncans Road, Werribee, from 10am-noon.

The cost is $5, which includes art supplies, tuition, tea and coffee.

Email auroravanmourik@gmail.com for more information.