Each session will take place at The Art House and are designed to be accessible and inspiring for all. Our experienced local teaching artists are able to guide participants of any skill levels.
Spaces are limited, so you will need to book in advance to secure your place.
Yoga in the Gallery
Take a mindful pause in the heart of Charlotte Smithson’s exhibition Emotional Geographies!
Drop in during our guided Yoga in the Gallery sessions to rest, reflect, and reconnect, simply find a quiet space within the exhibition and take a moment for stillness. These sessions are guided by Amy Kendall of Green Bean Yogi and open to all. Whether you sit, stretch, breathe, or lie down, you’re invited to make space for quiet contemplation amongst Charlotte Smithson’s botanical installation.
Rest is radical! In a world that demands constant motion, choosing to rest is a quiet act of resistance and self-preservation.
Yoga mats will be provided however you may also bring your own.
Saturday 26 July, 10:30-11.30 | Book a place
Saturday 2 August, 10:30-11.30 | Book a place
Wednesday 6 August, 13:30-14:30 | Book a place
Saturday 9 August, 10:30-11.30 | Book a place
Wednesday 13 August, 13:30-14:30 | Book a place
Mindful Marks – A Multisensory Workshop Amongst the Trees with Charlotte Smithson
Immerse yourself in the exhibition Emotional Geographies, in-between the trees where you’ll use your senses to explore the installation using art materials to examine the textures and shapes we encounter. Led by the artist Charlotte Smithson, you’ll explore gestural mark making, journaling, drawing and collage, working with unique brushes, plant inks and charcoal handmade by Charlotte from natural materials. The focus of your creations will be the mindful process, rather than the outcome.
Blending nature, mindfulness and creativity, this workshop will offer a calming, sensory-rich space to slow down, connect with your environment, and express yourself freely. No prior experience is needed – just curiosity and a willingness to explore. Material provided.
Tuesday 29 July, 14:00-16:00
Talk & Draw: Nature-Inspired Sessions
Join us on Friday mornings throughout August for a series of relaxed, creative Talk and Draw sessions inspired by Charlotte Smithson’s exhibition and our connection to nature.
Each session offers a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds and abilities to slow down, look closely, and respond creatively through conversation and drawing. The themes – rooted in nature, care, and belonging – change weekly and are suitable for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned artist or picking up a pencil for the first time.
These sessions are part of our commitment to bringing people together, including those who are seeking asylum or have refugee status, and connecting them with the wider Wakefield community. Everyone is welcome.
Each week throughout August, we’ll explore a different theme drawn from the exhibition – from trees and time to care and seasonal change – through gentle conversation and simple drawing prompts.
Fridays: 1, 8, 15 & 22 August, 10:00-12:00
Drop-in, no Booking required
What Nature Needs: Story sharing for Families
Make the most of the summer holidays with this special family-friendly session in the gallery.
Led by Woodland Trust speaker Roger Parkinson, What Nature Needs will share the wonders of British wildlife, the challenges they face, and what we can all do to help. Through engaging stories and gentle conversation, Roger will share insights into “What Nature Needs” – from protecting ancient trees to planting new ones for future generations.
Whether you’re passionate about the environment or simply curious about our green spaces, this short and accessible session is a great way for families to connect with nature.
Ideal for children under 10 and their grown ups – no booking required!
Thursday 7 August, 10:30-11:00
Drop-in, no Booking required
Breathworks: Mindfulness in the Gallery
Take a moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect, led by The Breath Connection, a Manchester-based duo helping people to reconnect with breath and restore balance.
Breath Connection is a gentle, guided mindfulness session designed to help you slow down and find stillness within the calming environment of the gallery. Surrounded by trees you’ll be introduced to simple breathing techniques and mindful awareness practices that support wellbeing, presence, and inner balance.
After the session, enjoy the summer evening sun on our beautiful Garden Terrace. Drinks will be available from our in-house bar until 8pm, offering a relaxed chance unwind, meet others, and reflect on how we care for each other the natural world around us.
Free and open to all. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Friday 8 August, 17:00-18:00
Nature Photowalk and Sustainable Printing Workshop
Join artist Emily Ryalls for a creative morning of walking, observing, and making in response to Charlotte Smithson’s exhibition.
We’ll begin with a guided photowalk to Belgravia Road, where participants will be encouraged to slow down, look closely, and document the cherry and almond trees planted by Smithson’s grandfather — the inspiration behind Emotional Geographies. Back at The Art House, there will be time to also photograph the trees featured in the exhibition.
After a short break, you’ll explore cyanotype printing, using the photos captured during the walk. These hands-on, sustainable processes are rooted in experimentation, memory, and care.
Participants will need a camera phone to take part. If you don’t have one, please let us know when booking and we can prepare one for you.
No previous experience needed — just curiosity and comfortable shoes!
Please wear clothes suitable for outdoor walking and messy printing.
Saturday 26 July, 10:00-14:00
Tree Talks and Terrace Social with Roger Parkinson
Join us for an early evening of conversation, community, and connection with nature.
Arrive early to enjoy the summer evening sun on our beautiful Garden Terrace. Drinks will be available from our in-house bar, offering a relaxed chance to settle in and connect before the talk begins.
Hosted by Woodland Trust speaker Roger Parkinson, this informal event will explore the vital role trees play in our landscapes, communities, and climate future. From ancient woodlands to new urban planting, Roger will share stories, insights, and ideas about what nature needs and how we can help.
After the talk, head back out to the terrace to continue the conversation over drinks. It’s a chance to unwind, meet others, including the artist Charlotte Smithson and reflect on how we care for the natural world around us.
Friday 15 August, 18:00-20:00 (Talk begins at 18:30).
Drop-in Lumen Print Family Workshop
Celebrate the final day of Charlotte Smithson’s exhibition Emotional Geographies by join us for an introduction to alternative cameraless photography at our family-friendly Lumen Print workshop – perfect for curious minds of all ages!
Lumen prints offer a beautiful way to explore photography without the need for a camera, chemistry, or a darkroom. All you need is photographic paper, plants, and sunshine – and we’ve provided everything (but the sunshine!)
Drop in and create your own prints using fallen leaves from the installation, alongside hand-picked clippings from our Urban Orchard and Garden Terrace. Take your artwork home and discover how nature, light, and time can shape an image.
No booking required – just drop in and get creative!
Saturday 23 August, drop in any time between 10:30-12:30 and 13:30-15:30
No booking required
Emotional Geographies is supported by Wakefield Council Culture Grants Connecting Communities
