PETER MAC - ART THERAPY GROUP 2026

Facilitated by Pete Mac Art Therapist Matilda, patients, carers, family & friends are welcome to join our open-studio group art sessions.

Come along to explore the therapeutic benefits of art making, and connect with other patients and carers. Facilitated by Peter Mac's Art Therapist, Matilda Dawson.

No artistic skill required!

Please note that this is not an art class, and sensitive issues may be discussed.

Running for six weeks, you can register for each session you'd like to attend.

Sessions are capped at 8 participants per week. If you can no longer attend a session, please cancel your registration so that others can attend.

Please note you must be a Peter Mac patient or a carer, family member or friend of a Peter Mac patient to attend. Your attendance will be confidentially recorded on the hospital system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be good at art?

Absolutely not! You don't need any prior experience or skills in art to benefit from art therapy. It's open to everyone who is willing to try something new.

What can I expect in this art therapy group?

When you join our Open Studio art therapy group, you can expect a relaxed and flexible environment where you can participate at your own pace. You can drop in at any point during the 2 hour session and stay for as long as you like. You are also welcome to attend as many sessions as you wish. We provide a variety of art materials including paints, pastels, markers, and collage; and our art therapy student, Emily, will guide the group through a warm-up activity before encouraging you to create anything you like. There's no pressure to make a finished artwork or to share your work with the group.

Is art therapy like an art class?

Art therapy is different from an art class in that there are no expectations for creating something "good" or "beautiful." Instead, we focus on the process of making art and the feelings and emotions it can evoke. You have complete freedom to use any materials you like, and create at your own pace.

What are the benefits of art therapy?

Art therapy has many benefits, particularly for those dealing with cancer. Studies have shown that art therapy can reduce anxiety and depression, relieve pain and nausea, and reduce fatigue by 36% (Jiang et al., 2019). It also provides a valuable tool for self-expression and personal empowerment, which can help combat the sense of disconnection often experienced by those facing a life-limiting illness (Ganzon, O'Callaghan, & Dwyer, 2020).