Artist in Residence -mono printing and automatic drawing workshop

Join Areej Abdi for Mono Printing with Found Objects and Automatic Drawing workshop, designed to promote mental health and well-being through creative expression. In this hands-on session, participants will use everyday objects like leaves, fabrics, and textured items to create unique prints. Additionally, they will explore automatic drawing—a spontaneous, free-flowing technique to unlock subconscious creativity. Mono printing and automatic drawing are simple yet mindful processes, encouraging relaxation, focus, and self-reflection.
Engaging in these artistic activities helps reduce stress, improve mood, and boost emotional resilience. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, this workshop offers a safe, supportive space to explore your creativity and connect with others. Leave with beautiful prints, expressive drawings, and a renewed sense of calm and self-awareness.

About the artist

Areej Abdi is a multidisciplinary artist/printmaker educator that works with various mediums depending on the subject. Her work is intertwined with nature, the environment and world issues. Her practice invites viewers to challenge their thoughts and ideas.
She believes that all should have the opportunity to use art as a voice for emotive release. Her current work is focusing on automatic drawing as a means to help with mental health and wellbeing.

This workshop is for adults.

This workshop is part of a public engagment programme for our artist resident scheme which means the ticket price is higgly subsidised. If you are able and wish to we have an option to donate to Jelly.

By attending this workshop you are agreeing to act in accordance with our workshop behaviour policy which can be viewed here: https://www.jelly.org.uk/policies

Find us in our next space on the 1st Floor in Broad St Mall. We are the last unit nearest the public toilets.

Inclusivity, safety, respect, confidentiality and consent are fundamental principles at Jelly workshops and events.

Frequently asked questions:

We are a small team working behind the scenes answering your questions. If you email us via eventbrite or via our website we will answer as soon as we can.

Where are you based?

Our studios are located within Broad St Mall. You can find us on the first floor. We are the last unit before the toilets and exit to the carpark. If you get lost please ask any Broad St Mall security guard and they will direct you.

Sometimes our workshops take place in the community. Be sure to check the address on your ticket. When we are out and about in Reading town centre in Forbury Gardens or at festivals we will not know our exact location within the festival site until the day.

If I cannot make my paid workshop, can I transfer my ticket to another event or get a refund?

We are able to offer a refund (minus event brite fees) or transfer your ticket to a future event if you contact us a minimum of 7 days before the event starts. After this time we cannot offer any refunds or transfers. 48 hours before the event you can contact us to enquire about a waiting list and we will endeavour to transfer your ticket.

As a charity we rely on donations and ticket sales to pay our artists and models. We always keep ticket costs to a minimum and when possible offer a limited number of tickets as a ‘pay what you can’ and a donation option if you are able to pay more.

Our free community workshops and festival workshops are often made possible due to funding by the organisers. These workshops are popular and run at capacity. If you have selected a free ticket and are no longer able to attend please return your ticket so it is able to go to people on our waiting list. At busy times there may be a short wait at the workshop table and make sure you allow plenty of time to join us.

H ow can I find out more about Jelly?

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Can I arrive early?

To allow ample time for our workshop host to prepare the space and set everything up, we kindly request that you arrive no earlier than 5 minutes before the scheduled start time. This allows us to create a welcoming atmosphere and ensure everything is ready for your arrival.

Host or Publisher Jelly