Alia

I am a professional freelance artist and community arts facilitator based in Fleet, Hampshire, with over 25 years’ experience working across London and the South East. I specialise in plasticine model making, mosaics, and printmaking, delivering inclusive, hands-on workshops through my business Art for Everyone. I work with people of all ages and abilities in schools, festivals, community settings, and care environments. I believe passionately in the power of creativity to support wellbeing, build confidence, and bring communities together, creating fun and supportive spaces where everyone is encouraged to explore their own artistic potential.

I help people discover the wellbeing benefits of creativity through mindful art workshops.  The focus is on the exploring techniques that calm the mind, everything is abstract so there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’.  Sessions are suitable for beginners and those with experience. I encourage clients to leave perfectionism behind and simply enjoy the process of playing with watercolours, doodles and mandalas – although people love their finished pieces too! I discovered mindful art whilst in recovery from brain surgery, I passionately believe it helped me with mood, overwhelm, self-esteem, resilience and focus.  Mind Unwind combines my background of 25 years in education as a teacher and education adviser with my own lived experience.

I work for INTO, the International National Trusts Organisation, to protect cultural heritage and promote sustainable development globally. With a background in heritage advocacy and international collaboration, I bring a passion for connecting people and places. Living in Hampshire, I’m inspired by its rich cultural landscape and committed to ensuring that creativity and heritage are accessible, inclusive, future-facing (and occasionally muddy).