Free creative workshops exploring menopause through photography, self-portraiture, cyanotype and collage. No experience needed.

HOT FLASH MOBPhotography, Self-Portraits & Creative Collage

What does menopause look like?

Not the version we're usually shown - but your version.

Hot Flash Mob is a free series of creative workshops exploring identity, visibility and the lived experience of menopause through photography and art.

We invite anyone currently experiencing perimenopause or menopause, whether naturally or through medical treatment, to become part of this collaborative photography project. Together, we'll explore how this often-overlooked stage of life can be made visible through images, objects, colour, memory and creativity.

The project is led by photographer Dr Jo Gane, with artist and Menopause Makes producer Ann Middleton.

No previous artistic or photography experience is needed. These are welcoming, relaxed sessions - just bring your curiosity and willingness to explore your own story.

What might you explore?

You might choose to explore:

The changing body

Heat

Time

Identity

Clothing

Medicine & care

Rest & exhaustion

Brain fog

Home & everyday life

Joy & resilience

You could bring an object, a photograph, a piece of clothing, a memory or a colour that means something to you - or simply bring yourself.

THE WORKSHOPS

Wednesday 9 September | 10am–12pm

Pinhole Camera Workshop

Discover the magic of pinhole photography and make your own simple camera while exploring one of photography's earliest techniques.

No previous photography experience is needed.

Led by Dr Jo Gane

Wednesdays 16 & 23 September | One-hour sessions | 10am–4pm

Hot Flash Mob - Self-Portrait Photography

A one-to-one creative photography session with Jo Gane.

Working together, you'll create expressive self-portraits that celebrate identity, strength and individuality. Whether you're feeling confident, vulnerable, powerful or playful, this is an opportunity to be seen in your own way.

No modelling experience is needed - just come as you are.

These collaborative self-portrait sessions are intended for people currently experiencing perimenopause or menopause, whether naturally or through medical treatment. The photography is about documenting lived experience and creating your own representation of this stage of life.

Please book one available one-hour session.

Led by Dr Jo Gane

Wednesday 30 September | 10am–12pm

Cyanotype Workshop

Transform photographs, pinhole negatives and found objects into beautiful blue cyanotype prints using one of the earliest photographic printing processes.

If you'd like to print a photograph that you have made outside the workshops, please send it to us approximately one week before the workshop so that Jo has time to prepare it as a negative.

Led by Dr Jo Gane

Wednesdays 7 & 14 October | 10am–12pm

Collage Workshops

Using your photographs alongside magazines, text, colour and mixed-media collage, you'll create expressive artworks exploring identity, womanhood, ageing, memory and menopause.

Inspired by feminist artists and activists, we'll experiment with cutting, layering and reimagining images to tell our own stories.

Led by Ann Middleton

WHO CAN TAKE PART?

Hot Flash Mob is open to anyone currently experiencing perimenopause or menopause, whether naturally or through medical treatment.

You don't need to consider yourself an artist or photographer. There is no expectation of previous experience or a particular level of confidence - these workshops are about exploration, experimentation and finding your own way to tell your story.

You are welcome to book individual workshops rather than attending the whole series.

WHERE?

Priory Visitor Centre (LTB Showrooms)

Coventry

All workshops are FREE, but booking through Eventbrite is essential as places are limited.

We look forward to creating, experimenting and making menopause visible - together.

Description supplied by the event organiser.