"Reflections" is this year's theme for the 20th anniversary of the festival and here in the Highlands, there will be creative workshops with SMHAF Highland partners including Arts in Nature, Creativity in Care, Green Tree Arts Studio, The Discovery College, Inverness Openarts, etc.
SMHAF Highland is also involved with The Highlands Dream Bank project in conjunction with the Highlands Psychoanalytical Collective and UHI Inverness. We're looking forward to creative opportunities around the theme of dreams too. Full details to follow.
Drop-in Creative Sessions with Inverness Openarts
Thursday 24th September and Tuesday 29th September from 12 - 2.30pm at Inverness Creative Academy
After various sessions in the summer, Inverness Openarts are holding 2 more dedicated SMHAF themed sessions in September at which they will be supporting people to create for the festival's exhibitions. Drop in any time between 12 noon and 2.30pm. Age 16+
'Things worth passing on' with InvernessOpenarts
Thursday 8th October from 12pm - 2.30pm at Inverness Creative Academy
Using media of your choice, create postcard-sized artworks inspired by a thought, lesson, reminder or piece of wisdom you would like to pass on to someone else. Add an image to the front and a few words on the back — something encouraging, thoughtful, funny, hopeful, or simply meaningful to you.
At the end of the session, participants will exchange postcards, so everyone who takes part can leave with a small piece of artwork and reflection made by someone else. The exchange will be informal and there is no pressure to share anything deeply personal.
Inverness Openarts sessions are relaxed, welcoming and designed to make creativity feel accessible to everyone. You do not need any previous art experience, and there is no expectation to produce a particular kind of finished piece. Artists will be on hand to offer ideas, demonstrate techniques and provide support, while participants are encouraged to work at their own pace and interpret the theme in whatever way feels right for them.
All materials are provided, and the session is free to attend (donations appreciated). You are welcome to come on your own, with a friend, or with a support worker or carer. Age 16+
Sessions are delivered weekly from Inverness Creative Academy and are drop-in; no booking required. Arrive and leave whenever suits you.
Contact InvernessOpenarts@waspsstudios.org.uk or 01463 572753
Gelli Plate Printing Workshops
Wednesdays 21st & 28th October, 4th & 11th November 2026 from 2pm - 4 pm
Venue: the Community Room in Thurso Library (Davidson's Lane, Thurso KW14 7AF)
Join Creativity In Care for a series of 4 free Gelli Plate Printing Workshops on the theme for this year's Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival Highland - 'Reflections'. All materials are provided and you don't need any experience.
To book your free place, please email - donnamurray@creativityincare.org.
These sessions are free thanks to funding by the Caithness & North Sutherland Fund.
Previous workshops.....
Free mixed media collage workshop - Creative Reflections
Thursday 17th September from 11am - 1pm
Skerray Village Hall, Sutherland
Join Charlotte from Arts in Nature for a gentle, immersive session as we explore this year's festival theme 'Reflections.'
A calm creative space for expression, contemplation, connection.... and fun!
All materials will be provided, but if you have a special item that fits the theme, please feel free to bring it along.
No previous art experience is required.
If weather permits, we will also take a walk in nature to gather inspiration from the surrounding landscape.
To book your free place, please contact Charlotte by email: artsinnature@outlook.com
The workshop is free thanks to funding by the Caithness & North Sutherland Fund.
Layers of Dreams
A FREE 7-Week Online Creative Programme with Green Tree Arts Studio
Have you ever woken with a dream, image, colour or feeling that stayed with you throughout the day?
Sometimes dreams arrive as fragments, symbols, landscapes and stories. Through creativity, we can gently explore what lingers and what matters.
This free 7-week online mixed-media art programme is inspired by this year's festival theme "Reflections" and also ties in with the upcoming Highlands Dream Bank project.
Together we will explore:
🚪 Entering the Dream Space
🪶 Fragments & Traces
🌿 Dream Landscapes
🦉 Figures, Animals & Presences
🌉 Thresholds & Transitions
🌳 Roots, Belonging & Collective Dreaming
✨ Gathering the Threads
Through art-making, reflection, imagination and connection, we will create a gentle space to explore identity, belonging, hope and the stories we carry.
No previous art experience necessary
You do not need to remember your dreams
Join from the comfort of your own home
📅Sessions will run online on Wednesdays from 22nd July to 2nd September 2026 (7 consecutive weeks).
We wish to be as inclusive as possible so 2 options for timeslots will be offered for participants to select. 10:30am or 4:30pm. The most popular choice will be selected for the group to run.
As this is funded through HTSI, places are for Highland residents only.
How to book - contact Nicola Kennell:
Email: contact@greentreeartsstudio.co.uk
WhatsApp: 07860 867118
Participants will also be warmly invited (if they wish) to contribute artwork to this year's SMHAF Highland exhibitions in Inverness & Caithness.
