Chalk About It 2024 

When: Sunday 18th August 11am to 3pm 

Where: Wokingham Market Place 

What: An art-based activity to support mental wellbeing ‘Chalk About It’ is an art-based activity aiming to create a platform for residents to express their feelings in a relaxed, open air environment, where they are supported and not judged. Where attendees are free to talk about mental health struggles and have the opportunity to engage with professional support and advice should they wish to. 

Following the success of last three years, we have once again engaged with professional pavement artists Urban Canvas and local mental health groups to undertake this event. This year for the collaborative piece we are taking inspiration from the Mandala. A mandala is a symbolic diagram in Buddhist and Hindu traditions of which the creation of one can be an aid to meditation. They may also be made with sand and the impermanence of that is part of the ritual. Much as the chalk that will be used at this event will eventually wash away. Similar designs and practices can be found in many other world cultures but all seem to have a joining thread of restoring inner peace and wisdom within the mind, heart and body...quite symbolic in relation to mental health and people. 

We hope that through working on the collaborative piece it will offer moments of connection and time to let the mind breathe. It can feel very difficult to find time for yourself in a fast paced world of varying pressures, but it is important for us all to take time to reflect and relax. There will also be opportunities for attendees to create individual artwork. You can draw your thoughts and feelings (or whatever you wish to share) to ‘lighten the mind’ in chalk in your own cloud, or on paper and easel.

Please see HERE for more information.

“Many of us often have something to say or wish to express how we feel but find talking and saying things out loud hard to do. Writing things down, drawing or a form of creative activity can often help. We hope that by creating a safe, supportive, inspiring space, we can in some way help residents, both children and adults, express their thoughts and feelings” 

Artists, health professionals and helpers will be present on the day to chat and work with anyone who’d like to interact.