Arts on Prescription Art Course
Belonging: Finding Place, Identity and Connection through Art.
When
May - June 2026
Where
Eaglestone Activity Centre, Milton Keynes
Duration
6 weeks
︎ For the latest AoP Art course information please click here.
May - June 2026
Where
Eaglestone Activity Centre, Milton Keynes
Duration
6 weeks
︎ For the latest AoP Art course information please click here.
This programme offers adult participants with mid-moderate mental health challenges,
long-term health conditions, or life transitions; access to high quality professionally led arts activities in a low stress, supportive environment.
Through focusing on hands-on art activities we provide relaxation and distraction, giving participants personal space away from day to day life.
Participants explored themes of belonging, identity and connection through guided engagement with artworks from the Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) Art Collection and local heritage.
Each weekly session combined gentle discussion, creative activit andshared reflection. Participants were supported to respond to artwork in ways that felt meaningful to them, with no prior artistic experience required.
Each session followed a consistent and supportive structure, including guided artwork encounters and low-pressure creative activities such as collage, drawing and collaborative making.
The course was led by professional local artist Laura Dove, and assisted by our Associate Artist Volunteer Radostina.
︎ Watch a short video of an interview with the workshop artist for this course and charity Director, Ben Heyworth:
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Above: Joshua recreating the artwork in session 1.
Session 1 Topic: Grounding and belonging through art making
MKUH Artwork Focus: Roger Marcel Limouse - ‘La Table Plante’.
Themes: Using artworks that suggest shelter, care, or human presence, participants explored first impressions and emotional responses.
Creative activity: Observe the colour, texture, and mark-making to recreate the piece. First sketch out the design, then add colour using oil pastels.
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Session 2 Topic: Material, place & memory
MKUH Artwork Focus: Siripan Kidd - ‘Milton Keynes 1’.
Themes: Artworks connected to landscape, architecture, or movement prompted discussion about places that felt significant.
Creative activity: Mapping a meaningful place using material collage - these could be glued or sewn. Sketch onto backing fabric and cut out fabric to fit shapes.
Leading Artist Laura said: “ Viewing Siripan’s piece, the group observed the many elements of MK and suggested what some of the more abstract elements of the piece could represent. We learned that the work was made from silk and quilted. We discussed the technique, stitch work, and possible size of the piece. Participants shared the images they had chosen and why they were significant to them- with many people in the group choosing forests as a place of relaxation and places in nature- speaking about how these spaces brought them a sense of happiness or calm. “
Through focusing on hands-on art activities we provide relaxation and distraction, giving participants personal space away from day to day life.
Participants explored themes of belonging, identity and connection through guided engagement with artworks from the Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) Art Collection and local heritage.
Each weekly session combined gentle discussion, creative activit andshared reflection. Participants were supported to respond to artwork in ways that felt meaningful to them, with no prior artistic experience required.
Each session followed a consistent and supportive structure, including guided artwork encounters and low-pressure creative activities such as collage, drawing and collaborative making.
- Welcome and grounding - viewing the artwork, guided, conversation
- Artwork and creative response activity
- Pack away and optional sharing/reflection
The course was led by professional local artist Laura Dove, and assisted by our Associate Artist Volunteer Radostina.
︎ Watch a short video of an interview with the workshop artist for this course and charity Director, Ben Heyworth:
Above: Joshua recreating the artwork in session 1.Session 1 Topic: Grounding and belonging through art making
MKUH Artwork Focus: Roger Marcel Limouse - ‘La Table Plante’.
Themes: Using artworks that suggest shelter, care, or human presence, participants explored first impressions and emotional responses.
Creative activity: Observe the colour, texture, and mark-making to recreate the piece. First sketch out the design, then add colour using oil pastels.
Participant artworks created in response to 'La Table Plante' by Roger Marcel Limouse.
Session 2 Topic: Material, place & memory
MKUH Artwork Focus: Siripan Kidd - ‘Milton Keynes 1’.
Themes: Artworks connected to landscape, architecture, or movement prompted discussion about places that felt significant.
Creative activity: Mapping a meaningful place using material collage - these could be glued or sewn. Sketch onto backing fabric and cut out fabric to fit shapes.
Leading Artist Laura said: “ Viewing Siripan’s piece, the group observed the many elements of MK and suggested what some of the more abstract elements of the piece could represent. We learned that the work was made from silk and quilted. We discussed the technique, stitch work, and possible size of the piece. Participants shared the images they had chosen and why they were significant to them- with many people in the group choosing forests as a place of relaxation and places in nature- speaking about how these spaces brought them a sense of happiness or calm. “
Above left to right: Elaine, Anon and Claire creating their fabric collages in session 2.
Above left to right: Emma; Radostina, JJ Ward and Kim creating their fabric collages. Finished collages from Emma and JJ Ward.
Participant’s finished collages for session 2. Work by Gem, Emma, Radostina, Kim, Claire, JJ Ward, Anon, Elaine & Laura.Session 3 Topic: Recycled art, the body and self
MKUH Artwork Focus: Julia Ball- ‘Yellow III’, Bill Billings - ‘4 Horseman of the Apocalypse’, Rachelle Bomberg - ‘Flower Energy’.
Themes: Looking at abstract works that reference the body, participants reflect on identity, visibility, and vulnerability. What feeling does this represent and where? How does this translate into use with recycled materials and where do the challenges lie with doing so.
Creative activity: Creating body check-ins around a person cardboard cut out using shape, colour, or metaphor - from packaging.
︎View a slideshow of the cardboard people that were created by participants:
Artist Laura commented that “This session ignited a powerful shift in conversation, with suggestions that this
was influenced by the activity of focusing on the self. The abstract works gave
us the ability to convert the pieces into feelings and identify where these might
show up in our bodies. We spent a few minutes looking at each of the images
and then discussed how we can all look at the same image but see something
different i.e. chaos / calm, love / anger- we discussed how this can even
happen in our interpretations of each other's work. What is intended by the
artist and received by the viewer can be entirely different messages. We began
the task by reflecting on our week and how we are feeling in ourselves - what
is on the inside and outside.”
Session 4 Topic: Collaborative community piece
MKUH Artwork Focus: Leslie Bonner - ‘All or Nothing’.
Themes: Group artwork exploring interconnection, contribution, and mutual support.
Creative activity: Jointly create a large response piece - 3d textured - using magazine and paper craft techniques.
The Artist commented: “The group observed the delicacy of the image against the hardness of the material. We looked at how we could create texture through using newspaper. We discussed a rolling technique, and a feathering technique that could be applied with newspaper, and then the group improvised on others. At the suggestion of the group, we used 2 pieces of paper to make one large image that could then be joined back together. We placed the two sheets together and sketched out the lines of the piece, then separating into two groups to work on each sheet.”
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The Artist and participants collaboratively work on their own version of the Lesie Bonner artwork, ‘All or Nothing’ using paper craft techniques.
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Session 5 Topic: Object handling and change
MKUH Artwork Focus: Peter Randall-Page - ‘After the Winter’.
Themes: Artworks suggesting transition or transformation support gentle conversations about change.
Creative activity: White clay pieces inspired by material of piece (marble) focusing on letting go, continuity, or hope.
The Artist Laura commented “In this session we jumped right into the painting activity so that we could finish the newspaper piece created in the previous week, and bring it to life - to more closely reflect Bonner’s work. “
︎View a slideshow of the collaborative piece being painted by participants:
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Participants work on the final stages of this collaborative piece by adding colour using painting. We think it looks fantastic!
“After painting, we made a response piece to Randall's sculpture. We talked about the creative courtyards in the hospital space relating to this. We observed how his piece looked like a fin, tongue, or leaf, and used the clay tools to add texture to the work and bamboo sticks to give structure to the pieces.”
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Above: Anon and Gem work on their clay pieces using the clay tools.
Below: Participant’s finished clay pieces left to dry.
Session 6 Topic: Experiences in hospitals and looking forward
MKUH Artwork Focus: Stacey Allan - ‘Paper Care’ (series).
Themes: Artworks from a hospital context invite reflection on care, support networks, and shared spaces
Creative activity: Using the paper cut method, participants create a piece (can be of anything, not necessarily related to hospitals - but a reflection on the last 6 weeks)
The artist commented: “We looked at Stacey Allan's work and discussed the contrast between the brightness of the pieces and the sadness that these settings can provoke. We worked with the coloured paper and some other print outs/magazines to create paper cut-out collage depicting the last 6 weeks- adding finer details with paint pens. We reflected on the comfort, joy, and space to be creative/breathe. Everyone spoke about the piece they had created and then we set-up an 'exhibition' of all the work we'd created over the course. We spoke over each week, the variety of what we had created, and the range of materials and topics that we got to explore.”
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Top: Anon, Elaine, Emma and Laura work on their collages.
Middle: Gem and Kim’s collage pieces.
Bottom: The group proudly display their work to eachother.
Laura summarises the progression made during the course: “Across the six sessions, participants engaged positively with a wide range of creative activities inspired by artworks from the Milton Keynes University Hospital collection, exploring themes of belonging, place, identity, collaboration, change, and care. As trust developed within the group, discussions became increasingly open and reflective, with participants sharing personal experiences, supporting one another, and forming meaningful connections.
The varied artistic processes encouraged both individual expression and collaborative working, with participants demonstrating creativity, problem-solving, and a willingness to experiment with unfamiliar materials and techniques.
Many described the sessions as a valuable opportunity to slow down, focus on their well-being, and enjoy a supportive, non-judgemental environment. The programme fostered confidence, social connection, and emotional reflection.
By the final session, participants celebrated their achievements through a shared exhibition of their work, reflecting on both their creative journeys and the sense of community that had developed over the course.”
With thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players, we are preserving our ‘New City Art Collection’ and reimagining its future with local communities through an ambitious conservation and development project at MKUH.
︎ Click here to find out more about the next Arts on Prescription Art course being held this autumn.
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Session 4 Topic: Collaborative community piece
MKUH Artwork Focus: Leslie Bonner - ‘All or Nothing’.
Themes: Group artwork exploring interconnection, contribution, and mutual support.
Creative activity: Jointly create a large response piece - 3d textured - using magazine and paper craft techniques.
The Artist commented: “The group observed the delicacy of the image against the hardness of the material. We looked at how we could create texture through using newspaper. We discussed a rolling technique, and a feathering technique that could be applied with newspaper, and then the group improvised on others. At the suggestion of the group, we used 2 pieces of paper to make one large image that could then be joined back together. We placed the two sheets together and sketched out the lines of the piece, then separating into two groups to work on each sheet.”
The Artist and participants collaboratively work on their own version of the Lesie Bonner artwork, ‘All or Nothing’ using paper craft techniques.
Session 5 Topic: Object handling and change
MKUH Artwork Focus: Peter Randall-Page - ‘After the Winter’.
Themes: Artworks suggesting transition or transformation support gentle conversations about change.
Creative activity: White clay pieces inspired by material of piece (marble) focusing on letting go, continuity, or hope.
The Artist Laura commented “In this session we jumped right into the painting activity so that we could finish the newspaper piece created in the previous week, and bring it to life - to more closely reflect Bonner’s work. “
︎View a slideshow of the collaborative piece being painted by participants:
“After painting, we made a response piece to Randall's sculpture. We talked about the creative courtyards in the hospital space relating to this. We observed how his piece looked like a fin, tongue, or leaf, and used the clay tools to add texture to the work and bamboo sticks to give structure to the pieces.”
Above: Anon and Gem work on their clay pieces using the clay tools.
Below: Participant’s finished clay pieces left to dry.
Session 6 Topic: Experiences in hospitals and looking forward
MKUH Artwork Focus: Stacey Allan - ‘Paper Care’ (series).
Themes: Artworks from a hospital context invite reflection on care, support networks, and shared spaces
Creative activity: Using the paper cut method, participants create a piece (can be of anything, not necessarily related to hospitals - but a reflection on the last 6 weeks)
The artist commented: “We looked at Stacey Allan's work and discussed the contrast between the brightness of the pieces and the sadness that these settings can provoke. We worked with the coloured paper and some other print outs/magazines to create paper cut-out collage depicting the last 6 weeks- adding finer details with paint pens. We reflected on the comfort, joy, and space to be creative/breathe. Everyone spoke about the piece they had created and then we set-up an 'exhibition' of all the work we'd created over the course. We spoke over each week, the variety of what we had created, and the range of materials and topics that we got to explore.”
Top: Anon, Elaine, Emma and Laura work on their collages.Middle: Gem and Kim’s collage pieces.
Bottom: The group proudly display their work to eachother.
Laura summarises the progression made during the course: “Across the six sessions, participants engaged positively with a wide range of creative activities inspired by artworks from the Milton Keynes University Hospital collection, exploring themes of belonging, place, identity, collaboration, change, and care. As trust developed within the group, discussions became increasingly open and reflective, with participants sharing personal experiences, supporting one another, and forming meaningful connections.
The varied artistic processes encouraged both individual expression and collaborative working, with participants demonstrating creativity, problem-solving, and a willingness to experiment with unfamiliar materials and techniques.
Many described the sessions as a valuable opportunity to slow down, focus on their well-being, and enjoy a supportive, non-judgemental environment. The programme fostered confidence, social connection, and emotional reflection.
By the final session, participants celebrated their achievements through a shared exhibition of their work, reflecting on both their creative journeys and the sense of community that had developed over the course.”
With thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players, we are preserving our ‘New City Art Collection’ and reimagining its future with local communities through an ambitious conservation and development project at MKUH.
︎ Click here to find out more about the next Arts on Prescription Art course being held this autumn.
Explore more from our workshop archive︎︎︎
Office
Arts for Health Milton Keynes
Facilities Directorate
Milton Keynes Hospital
Standing Way
Eaglestone
Milton Keynes
MK6 5LD
Privacy Policy
Arts for Health Milton Keynes
Facilities Directorate
Milton Keynes Hospital
Standing Way
Eaglestone
Milton Keynes
MK6 5LD
Privacy Policy
Arts for Health Milton Keynes is the working name of MK Arts for Health charity number 1107625 company number 05137693