Workshops • Exhibition • Open Studio with Sara Downham-Lotto. Reflect & recharge through guided creative practice. No art experience needed.

A Creative Reset Awayday for Professionals Feeling Stuck or Burnt Out

Feeling overwhelmed by what’s happening in the world right now? With constant news of war, climate crises, and growing division, it’s easy to feel the strain in our daily lives and work. It can leave us wondering: what next - what’s the point?

This one-day experience offers a space to pause, reflect, and gain fresh perspective.

No artistic experience is needed.

This has nothing to do with being ‘good at art’. It’s about using simple, guided creative processes to think more clearly, reconnect with what really matters to you, and find new ways to positively navigate everyday challenges.

Feeling stuck, burnt out, or unsure what comes next?

Set in a relaxed, supportive environment in the heart of rural Northumberland, this is your chance to step away from the noise and enjoy some well-deserved time for yourself.

Led by artist and Arts Lab Rural Peace Hub Director Sara Downham-Lotto, the day blends reflection, art-making, and shared experience in an inspiring setting - with views across the wild North Pennine landscape, artwork-filled interiors, and warm hospitality.

Who it’s for

This is especially for people who don’t see themselves as creative, but are open to trying something different - and brave enough to step beyond their comfort zone

The experience is for anyone who feels:

Stuck or at a crossroads

Burnt out or in need of a reset

Creatively blocked or lacking direction

Or simply feels curious about (re-)connecting with creativity.

No experience needed.

Just bring an open mind - this is a relaxed, pressure-free space with no ‘right way’ to create.

What the day includes

A rich, carefully guided programme designed to restore, inspire, and energise:

Experience, Access & Learning

Artist-led guided creative workshops

Open studio access and artist demonstrations

Live art exhibition around the Hub, offering insight into Sara’s creative process

Preview of Sara’s latest work

Connection & Reflection

Time for reflection and conversation

Opportunity to connect with people from a range of professions

Tangible Value

Opportunity to purchase original artwork (25% discount for participants)

All materials provided

Your own artwork to take home

You’ll also enjoy:

Coffee, tea, and homemade cake on arrival

Vegetarian lunch (soup, cheese, bread, dessert)

Time in the garden with expansive rural views

Optional walk along Isaac’s Tea Trail after the session

What we’ll do together

Making art can feel daunting - especially if you haven’t done it in years (or ever). The day is designed to be accessible, supportive, playful, and freeing.

Guided step-by-step, you’ll:

Experiment with art materials and techniques

Explore ideas through making

Try drawing, painting, collage, and 3D making

Take part in hands-on reflective activities

Build confidence through exploration and play

Create without pressure or expectation

What you’ll gain

This isn’t simply a day out. You’ll leave with a tangible shift in how you think and feel:

More creatively confident

Energised and mentally refreshed

Open to new ideas and perspectives

More comfortable with experimentation and change

You’ll also develop:

Creative problem-solving skills

Communication and collaboration

Flexible, adaptive thinking

And gain insight into how creativity can support wellbeing, connection, and meaningful change.

About Sara

Sara Downham-Lotto is an abstract painter, educator, and arts-based facilitator with over 35 years’ experience working with communities worldwide.

With a background in fine art, art history, social enterprise, and training in peacebuilding and restorative justice, her work explores connection, collaboration, and creativity as a tool for change.

To learn more about Sara and her work, visit her website.

Curious to explore more about Arts Lab and the Rural Peace Hub? Visit the website.

What participants say

“Sara managed each interaction with exceptional care and grace, engaging people of all ages and backgrounds.” - J Morell, Director, Imagine This, Torbay

“An unexpected platform for collective thinking and art making - stimulating, accessible, and deeply engaging.” - Francesco, Steward Manager, Venice Biennale 2024

“Meaningful and focused, without expectations of artistic skill.” - Student of Peace & Conflict Studies, PIASS, Huye, Rwanda

“Fun, varied, and delivered with real enthusiasm and understanding.” - Participant of Arts Lab Making Mondays workshop season, Dartington, Devon

“Completely unique - I’d never experienced anything like it before.” - T Wightman, Lecturer in Education, Plymouth University Institute of Education

Location

Rural Peace Hub (home of Arts Lab)

Allendale, Northumberland

Please search “Rural Peace Hub” on Google Maps for directions.

Dates & Times

Multiple dates across 2026 available (choose one when booking):

May - Tues 5th, Wed 6

Description supplied by the event organiser.