Do I need any art experience to join?

No. The Atlas is not an art class and nothing you make is judged. We use simple materials — clay, ink, cyanotype, natural objects — to listen to ourselves rather than to produce something beautiful. A wobbly line often says more than a careful one.

Do I have to share what I make or talk about my feelings?

Never. Sharing is always your choice. You can speak or stay quiet, show your work or keep it private, and pause or adapt any practice. Your work stays yours.

Can I join part way through the term, or only do some sessions?

Yes. Each session stands on its own and you can book individual workshops. Booking the full term means you move through the whole arc with the same circle of people, which is where much of the depth comes from.

Where are the in-person workshops held?

Cheltenham Community Centre, 8 Chesterville Road, Cheltenham VIC 3192, in Melbourne's Bayside area. In-person sessions run 10:30 am to 12:30 pm on Saturdays.

How much do the workshops cost?

In-person workshops are $75 each and online sessions are $30 each. The full in-person term is $420 for the five gatherings in Cheltenham, or two payments of $210. The online term is $80 for the four online sessions.

What is the difference between the online and in-person sessions?

In-person sessions run for two hours in Cheltenham and use materials that need a shared space — clay, cyanotype chemistry, natural materials and contained fire. Online sessions run for an hour by livestream and use materials you already have at home: paper, pen and colour.

Who facilitates The Atlas Creative Circle?

Valerie Ogorodnyk, a certified art therapy facilitator and the founder of Active Kreative in Melbourne's Bayside. She created The Atlas out of lived experience rather than theory.

What is art therapy, and how is it different from an art class?

An art class teaches you to make better art. Art therapy uses the making itself to reach what is hard to put into words. In most approaches art is a tool inside a talking frame — in the Atlas the creative process itself is the therapy.

Creative Therapy Circle - Art Workshops In-Person in Bayside

Welcome to the Creative Therapy Circle, a transformative space where art therapy, self-discovery, and creative expression meet. Our in-person workshops in Cheltenham, Melbourne, are designed for anyone seeking emotional clarity, personal growth, and a deeper connection with themselves through the power of art and creativity.

If you're looking for a safe, supportive environment to unwind, process emotions, and unlock your creative potential, our workshops provide the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect.

1 Creative Workshop Entry

$75.00

In-Person Workshop: $65 per session
Join us at Cheltenham Community Centre in Melbourne to immerse yourself in a vibrant and supportive environment.

Perfect for anyone who values hands-on learning and group dynamics.

What is the Creative Therapy Circle?

The Creative Therapy Circle is more than just an art class—it’s a space for healing, growth, and exploration. Each workshop incorporates art therapy techniques, mindfulness practices, and creative exploration to help participants:

Understand and express their emotions through non-verbal creative activities.
Build emotional resilience and manage stress effectively.
Discover their unique strengths and creativity by exploring new art forms.
Connect with a community of like-minded individuals on a similar journey of self-discovery.

Why Choose In-Person Workshops in Cheltenham, Melbourne?

1. Hands-On Creative Expression

Engage directly with a variety of art therapy modalities, including collage, neurographic art, sacred geometry, and clay work. Being in a physical space allows for deeper tactile engagement, helping you connect more fully with your emotions and the creative process.

2. Expert Guidance in a Safe Space

Led by certified art therapy facilitator Valerie Ogorodnyk, these workshops provide personalized support and a safe environment for self-expression. Valerie’s extensive experience ensures that each session is carefully crafted to meet the needs of the group while encouraging individual growth.

3. Community and Connection

Experience the power of a supportive group dynamic. Being part of an in-person art therapy group fosters connection and shared learning, helping you feel supported and understood.

4. A Creative Haven in Melbourne

Held at the Cheltenham Community Centre, our workshops provide a welcoming, judgment-free space where you can focus solely on yourself and your creative journey.

What You’ll Experience

Each in-person session is a blend of creative activities, mindfulness, and emotional exploration:

Art Therapy Techniques: Use tools like collage, drawing, clay, and patterns to explore and express your emotions.
Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate guided meditations and breathwork to ground yourself and deepen your creative process.
Somatic Exercises: Reconnect with your body through movement and sensory exploration.
Reflective Discussions: Share your experience with others in a supportive and confidential setting.

Who Are These Workshops For?

These in-person workshops are ideal for anyone who:

Wants to explore art therapy in Melbourne and connect with their emotions through creativity.
Feels overwhelmed or stuck and is seeking tools to manage stress and navigate life’s challenges.
Is looking for a safe space to unwind, reflect, and grow.
Enjoys being part of a creative, supportive community.
Values the tactile and immersive experience of in-person workshops.

No prior art experience is required—just an open mind and a willingness to explore.

Why Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a powerful way to access and process emotions that may be difficult to articulate. It helps you:

Reduce Stress: The creative process can calm your mind and relieve tension.
Gain Clarity: Visualizing your emotions allows for deeper self-awareness.
Build Confidence: Exploring art in a supportive environment fosters self-esteem and personal growth.
Unlock Creativity: Engage with new techniques to open your mind to possibilities and solutions.

Three Ways to Join Term 4

Term 4: Return to Self runs over nine Saturdays, 10 October to 5 December 2026. Book the whole term, or come to single sessions as they suit you.

Pay-as-You-Go: $75 for a single in-person workshop, $30 for a single online session. Come to one, or pick the dates that suit you — every session stands on its own.
Full Term In Person: $420 for all five in-person gatherings in Cheltenham — 17 and 31 October, 14 and 28 November, 5 December. Your seat is held for the whole term, and the circle is limited to ten people. Available as two payments of $210.
Online Worldwide Term: $80 for all four online sessions — 10 and 24 October, 7 and 21 November. Join live from anywhere, using materials you already have at home. That works out at $20 a session instead of $30.
All memberships include priority booking and access to exclusive resources.
Term 4: Return to Self runs over nine Saturdays from 10 October to 5 December 2026. Five gatherings are in person at Cheltenham Community Centre and four are online.
10 Oct · Hands of Reciprocity (online, $30) · 17 Oct · Anchor the Shadow (Cheltenham, $75) · 24 Oct · Pause & Repattern (online, $30) · 31 Oct · Visible Self, Hidden Self (Cheltenham, $75) · 7 Nov · Voice Before Performance (online, $30) · 14 Nov · Re-emergence Oracle (Cheltenham, $75) · 21 Nov · The Void (online, $30) · 28 Nov · Nature Conversation (Cheltenham, $75) · 5 Dec · Fire & Intention (Cheltenham, $75).
Questions people ask
Do I need any art experience to join?
No. The Atlas is not an art class and nothing you make is judged. We use simple materials — clay, ink, cyanotype, natural objects — to listen to ourselves rather than to produce something beautiful. A wobbly line often says more than a careful one.
Do I have to share what I make or talk about my feelings?
Never. Sharing is always your choice. You can speak or stay quiet, show your work or keep it private, and pause or adapt any practice. Your work stays yours.
Can I join part way through the term, or only do some sessions?
Yes. Each session stands on its own and you can book individual workshops. Booking the full term means you move through the whole arc with the same circle of people, which is where much of the depth comes from.
Where are the in-person workshops held?
Cheltenham Community Centre, 8 Chesterville Road, Cheltenham VIC 3192, in Melbourne’s Bayside area. In-person sessions run 10:30 am to 12:30 pm on Saturdays.
How much do the workshops cost?
In-person workshops are $75 each and online sessions are $30 each. The full in-person term is $420 for the five gatherings in Cheltenham, or two payments of $210. The online term is $80 for the four online sessions.
What is the difference between the online and in-person sessions?
In-person sessions run for two hours in Cheltenham and use materials that need a shared space — clay, cyanotype chemistry, natural materials and contained fire. Online sessions run for an hour by livestream and use materials you already have at home: paper, pen and colour.
Who facilitates The Atlas Creative Circle?
Valerie Ogorodnyk, a certified art therapy facilitator and the founder of Active Kreative in Melbourne’s Bayside. She created The Atlas out of lived experience rather than theory.
What is art therapy, and how is it different from an art class?
An art class teaches you to make better art. Art therapy uses the making itself to reach what is hard to put into words. In most approaches art is a tool inside a talking frame — in the Atlas the creative process itself is the therapy.