The Tuesday Art Club

Painting, lunch and good company with Gabriel Knollys in Rotherfield.

If you enjoy being creative and painting, then The Tuesday Art Club with Gabriel will be a real treat. Gabriel is a self-taught artist who has been running workshops for many years. She is also a fully trained and trusted Good Company Host, ready to welcome older adults for a relaxed day of art, lunch and lively conversation.

Art Club is one of our specialist paid clubs. It runs each week with a regular group and offers something a little different to our usual "Good Company Clubs". The day includes art tuition, home-cooked food and the chance to spend time doing something enjoyable and hands-on in a welcoming setting. It is open to older adults who want to spend time with others, explore ideas and make something with their own two hands.

Gabriel picks up her guests in the morning and brings them home again in the afternoon, so it really is a proper day out. You do not need to have any art experience. Some people come for the painting, some for the company, and many for both.

"I come from a large family. I have four sisters, four brothers, and 32 nieces and nephews! It's that sense of community that attracted me to joining Good Company. I love getting to know people and focussing on an activity such as painting or, working with clay is a lovely way to come together and chat. I run sessions for enthusiasts of all levels in the studio next to our house. Everyone leaves feeling calm and uplifted, having spent time trying a new technique or exploring an idea.

"Tuesday is always a fabulous day and my days with Gabriel are just so magical. It was particularly helpful to me during the last months of my husband's life

 I can already see the difference in Mum! She has far more to say for herself!

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Why creativity?

Creative activities are part of many Good Company clubs. We do not all sit in a circle with paintbrushes, but we do make space for people to try things, use their hands, follow an idea or just enjoy the moment.

At The Tuesday Lunch Club, you might find people decorating biscuits, arranging flowers, or playing music. At Saturday Company Club, it could be seasonal crafts, shared recipes or memory-inspired projects. These creative moments are not about being artistic. They are about doing something that feels real and enjoyable with other people. You can chat while you work, or focus on what you are making. You do not need to explain yourself. You just join in.

Creativity also plays an important role in how our brains stay active. When you do something creative, both sides of the brain are at work. The left side helps with planning and steps. The right side helps with visual thinking, imagination and memory. That kind of whole-brain activity is important as we get older, and especially for people living with dementia or changes in mood, memory or confidence.

Making something also gives you a sense of ownership. It offers a chance to try something new and see what happens. It sparks conversation. It gives people space to contribute in their own way. And often, it feels good to come home with something you have made yourself.

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Try Art Club

The 5 hour session which includes transport, refreshments, a 2 course lunch and art tuition costs £50.

Please get in contact via email hello@thegoodcompanypeople.org if you would like to try two free Art Club sessions with Gabriel.