Community Art Workshops

Planetary Healing Artists’ mission is to provide a space where art becomes a powerful tool for healing, self-expression, and connection. By focusing on a new theme each year, we address different aspects of community well-being and encourage continuous personal and collective development. Our annual Community Art Workshops offer a dynamic and evolving space for personal and collective growth through artistic expression. Each year, we embrace a new theme that reflects current community needs and aspirations, guiding participants on a journey of healing and transformation. Our workshops revolve around a distinct healing theme, to embrace resilience, hope, and/or connection. These themes are chosen based on community feedback and current societal needs, ensuring relevance and resonance with the community participants.

We engage in a variety of artistic practices designed to facilitate emotional healing and self-discovery. Activities range from painting and sculpture to mixed media and digital art, providing diverse methods for expression and exploration.

Each workshop is led by experienced artists who offer guidance and support. These facilitators create a safe and nurturing environment, helping participants connect with their creative selves and explore their healing journey. Beyond individual healing, these workshops foster a sense of community and shared experience. Participants have the opportunity to connect with others, share their stories, and build supportive networks.

At the end of each workshop series, we host an art exhibition where participants can display their work and reflect on their personal growth. We also celebrate the collective progress and allow for deeper community engagement by creating a group community artwork at our workshops.

Be part of this enriching experience each year. Discover the transformative power of art, connect with others on similar journeys, and contribute to a stronger, more resilient community. This year in 2025 our theme is ‘Healing through Connection’.

2025 - Healing through Connection Time Capsule Workshops on 22 & 29 September 2025. Facilitated by Ana Sanchez.

2024 - Community Art Workshop - Healing the Community at St Kilda Library on 24th August 2024. Facilitated by First Nations artist Thelma Beeton & Multicultural artist Javad Kashani.

2024 - Community Art Workshop - Healing the Community at St Kilda Library on the 10th August 2024. Facilitated by First Nations artist Thelma Beeton & Multicultural artist Javad Kashani.

2023 - Healing the Spirit - Peace Treaty community group art workshop was held at the St Kilda peace festival at O’Donnell Gardens, St Kilda on 26 September 2023, and facilitated by Abouk Gir.

2022 - Healing the Youth - Community art workshops were held weekly at the Planetary Healing Artists’ headquarters, facilitated by Caroline Proctor.

2022 Poetry Readings Afternoon Teas – To further our mission, in 2022 we held a quarterly series of poetry readings and open mic, that started on 22nd February, 2022. Each session had a theme on the following topics: Conserving the Earth: environment, industrialization, urbanization; War and peace; Displaced people: the internally displaced, refugees, migrants, exiles; and Freedom and human rights.

2021 - Healing the Youth community art workshops were held and facilitated by Caroline Proctor at the Planetary Healing Artists’ office

2020 - Connecting Harts community workshops were held online during COVID times.

2019 – ‘St Kilda Peace’ - Mandala Workshops were held weekly for eight weeks prior to the St Kilda Peace Pageant, celebrating International Day of Peace. Facilitated by Silvana Benacchio, the theme of this Mandala was “I CREATE PEACE” The pictures and designs that are incorporated were written with positive words continuously radiating this healing energy to ourselves, humanity and the Earth.

2018 - Dove of Peace Workshops - Healing the Soul. Community art workshops were held to create a large sculpture of a dove. Facilitated by Mary Rogers and Silvana Bennachio

2017 - Healing the Earth - One World

2016 - Healing the Heart - We gathered together to form a magnificent piece of group artwork to heal the heart at Mary Kehoe Community Centre. This workshop was facilitated by Claire Humphries.

2015 - Healing the Children - a community art workshop was held prior to the 2015 Solstice event and facilitated by Lisa Fam. This wonderful group artwork was unveiled at the Summer Solstice Global Healing Day at Catani Gardens, St Kilda by Father Bob.

2014 - Healing the Family - a community art workshop facilitated by Lisa Fam was held prior to the Solstice event at Christchurch, Acland Street, St Kilda, and unveiled at the 2014 Summer Solstice Global Healing Day at Catani Gardens, St Kilda.

2013 - Healing the Self - Prayer flags were made by Galiamble Men’s Recovery Group and the Women’s group