Course Overview
Over eight weeks, you will explore themes of journeys, vessels, connections and cargo. Inspired by the maritime history and collections of Poole Museum, you will use a range of accessible visual art and craft techniques to design and create your own small vessel.
You will make a unique vessel, such as a boat, a ship, or a drinking vessel like a bottle or jug - through exploring materials including paper, card, fabric and rope. The finished vessels may carry a small object, message, symbol or story.
The course is about trying things out, not getting things “right”. You’ll have time to slow down, experiment, and enjoy making in a relaxed and friendly space.
Each session is designed to help you build confidence and find your own way of working—discovering what you enjoy, what you’re drawn to, and how you might express your ideas through making.
At the end of the course there may be an opportunity to exhibit your artwork made as part of this course in the main museum (taking part in this mini-exhibition is optional).
Course leader is visual artist Rosie Edwards
What to Expect
Expect a safe and supportive environment for you to learn about museums, develop new creative skills and make something original.
The course will be primarily practical and visual, with opportunities for gentle discussion and reflection. Participants can interpret the theme in their own way — a journey may be real, imagined, emotional, geographical or entirely abstract.
We will explore and learn some new simple techniques over the 8 weeks to enable you to make your own vessel. This will include some or all of the following: drawing, weaving, macrame , origami and writing.
Sessions build on each other, so you can develop your ideas over time. You can keep samples each week or start to bring your work together into a larger piece if you want to.
The course is open to everyone. No experience is needed—just a willingness to have a go.
As always at CoCreate, the skills you learn are more important than the final artwork. We’ll focus on the process taking time to explore, learn new things, and enjoy making together.
What You’ll Achieve
Over the 8-week course you will have learnt about some of the artefacts in Poole Museum’s collection.
You will have thought about objects from the past and compared them with our own experiences in the modern world.
Feel more confident in your creativity
Try out different techniques
Find your own way of making and expressing ideas
Learn how to explore and develop ideas over time
Meet others and take part in a supportive group
By the end of the course, you will have created your own vessel that’s personal to you. Displayed together along with other people in the group we will have a fleet of small journeys.
When, Where & What to Bring
We will provide all the basic materials for the sessions. You are welcome to bring additional materials from home, or things you’d like to explore in class through your art. This is a practical course so we recommend wearing old clothes or bringing an old shirt or apron.
8-week course starting 29th September 2026 finishes 24 November 2026 (no session during school half term)
Every Tuesday
2pm – 4pm
Poole
Support
CoCreate sessions are designed to be safe and supportive spaces, that allow you the freedom to do your best work. Our courses are suitable for all levels of experience, and we welcome complete beginners.
When you sign up you’ll be asked if there’s anything you might need access support with, this could include physical access (lifts, wheel chair access, etc) or other things like help with writing, large print, or more time to process information.
You don’t have to tell us anything you don’t want to share, and we’re always happy to talk about how we can support you at any point in the course.
Access at the Venue
The venue is accessed via stairs or lift. Poole bus station is 15-20 minute walk and Poole rail station 15-minute walk. There is parking, including limited disabled parking, nearby.
Further information about getting to the museum can be found here.
“I felt welcomed and it felt good to be in a group, all being creative.
I could be honest with how I was feeling on the day. ”
- Create:Connect Participant Feedback
Sign Up
Create:Connect courses are open to people who identify as having lived experience of poor mental health and/or have a mental health diagnosis.
Click the button below to complete a short online form to register your interest.
Courses are free, but spaces are limited — early registration is encouraged.
CoCreate @ Poole Museum is a CoCreate partnership project with Poole Museum