Connect, create, companion - November 2026

Art therapists are invited to join us for a relaxed gathering to connect with community and create alongside other art therapists. Each month we visit a different arts-friendly venue in Melbourne, so it's also a great opportunity to scope out spaces available to run groups and workshops.

This month we will be visiting The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. I will set up camp on Palm Lawn (click here for an interactive map); from there you are welcome to explore the many beautiful nooks and crannies of the garden.

Each gathering follows a 'choose your own adventure' approach, where you are free to choose how you'd like to use this time together. You might decide to:

• do some making while chatting with others

• co-inquire into a shared experience

• form a pair or trio to companion one another

• get to know other art therapists

• seek input or encouragement for the next steps in your practice

• plan a collaborative project...

What to expect:

• We begin with an Acknowledgement of Country shortly after 2pm

• I'll invite everyone to introduce themselves - our little community is growing and we often have a mix of familiar and new faces join in

• I'll ask if anyone has anything they would like to offer to others (e.g. food, materials, supporting someone else's inquiry...), or if there is something they would like to ask of from the group (e.g. talk through a learning edge, test an idea, ask for photo documentation for marketing...)

• From there, we are self-organising. You are welcome to make alongside others in the main group, break out to work more privately, catch up... whatever feels right for you

• I'll remind us when we have 10min remaining. As we come to a close, I'll share the plan for the following month.

I will provide:

• sunscreen

• a large picnic blanket

• some communal snacks

• a collection of communal art materials

Please bring along:

• any specific art materials you plan to work with

• a water bottle or other beverage (we won't have tea & coffee facilities)

• something to sit on if you have it - a picnic blanket or folding chair

• any favourite snacks you'd like to nibble on.

Want to stay in the loop?

You can find the remaining dates for 2026, and sign up to be the first to find out when tickets are released here: https://www.understoryarttherapy.com.au/connect-create-companion