The Art Foragers is an inclusive art space in Sheung Wan that also offers art therapy for adults and children. The three artists behind the concept are ERIN, an artist, illustrator and mental health advocate specialising in collaborations and partnerships, ZAHA, an artist and expressive arts therapist who works with children and adolescents in school settings, and JANELLA, also an artist and expressive arts therapist who has worked extensively in the NGO sector and is focused on trauma informed interventions for local and cross-cultural communities.
Together, they operate a community art space in Sheung Wan that opens four times a week to anyone who wants to make art and connect with others. They also host facilitated workshops centred around expressive arts therapy. These sessions can be in the studio, in nature, or in collaboration with schools, businesses or NGOs.
Why did you launch Art Foragers?
It stemmed from a common curiosity around how we could foster mental health by offering arts in the community. We firmly believe that everyone possesses creativity. Throughout history, humans have harnessed this resource to understand ourselves and the world around us. Our open studio is designed for all – regardless of age or art experience. It’s inclusive and non-judgemental, removing barriers and fostering openness.
Why “Art Foragers”?
Much of our materials are reused, repurposed or donated. This intentionally contrasts a culture of easy overconsumption. Foraging for sustainable partnerships is also a part of our creative process.
What are some features of your community art space in Sheung Wan?
It’s warm and cosy, designed to accommodate groups or individuals looking to rent the space for their own practice. Our space is great for group sessions as well as small events and open community studios. We have a big table and wall space for art making, a lounging area for relaxing and decompressing, and floor space for somatic and movement-oriented work.
We have two fully stocked shelves of materials based on donations and what we can forage. From recycled packing materials to yarn, felt and string, from drums to paints and clay to inks, our stock remains fluid and seasonal, with thanks from and for the community.
How can art be therapeutic?
Participants often tell us they “aren’t artistic” or that they “haven’t made art since primary school”. Usually, this comes with the pressure of creating a particular finished product. The way of artmaking through the expressive arts is more process-oriented, experimental and rooted in our senses, allowing us to bypass the self-criticism and limitations of being “an artist”.
Mindfulness, playfulness and self-reflection are but the tip of the iceberg when counting the benefits of art making to our mental health. Making art can shift us from an over reliance on logic and conscious thought to a practice of allowing the body and instincts to guide the creative flow. Making becomes a tool to cultivate creativity, emotional intelligence, sensitivity, self-reflection and ultimately a more balanced and integrated self.
What does an Art Foragers workshop look like?
We first invite participants to step into a state of curiosity and openness – we call this being “comfortably confused”. We value this, as the unknown is an important quality needed for insight to arise. Then, we embark together on a multi-sensory, multi-modal (dance, poetry, visual arts) approach to artmaking, guided by our therapists and the overarching theme or inquiry of the workshop. Time is allocated at the end for individuals to gather insights and for sharing and mutual support.
To enquire about renting the Art Foragers art space or to see what facilitated workshops are upcoming, visit Instagram @artforagershk or artforagers.com.
Liked this this article on art therapy in Hong Kong? It first appeared in the Winter 2025 issue of Expat Living magazine. Buy the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
