At Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre our Art Makers make more than just art. Bringing together people in an atmosphere that never fails to inspire, through our workshops, people living with a range of disabilities discover their talents, put them into practice and realise their full potential. On weekdays our workshops are filled with Art Makers creating beautiful and unique pieces of art. Everyone is made to feel welcomed, empowered and happy to be themselves. Empathy, respect and diversity are at the heart of what we do.

There is an eclectic range of different workshops to choose from at the Centre, including Woodwork, Pottery, Horticulture, Performing Arts, Music, Mosaics, Paper, Printing, Jewellery and Multi Sensory.

How You Can Help

If you can imagine it, our Art Makers can make it! But we need £55,200 a year to keep our art makers creating! With over 175 Art Makers accessing the Centre each week, we can’t run the workshops without things like mosaic tiles, paintbrushes, easels and clay, tissue paper, crayons, pom poms and paint, and the list goes on! Add to that the electricity, heating and water which make the workshops possible. The reality is that due to some of the health conditions of the Art Makers we also have to ensure the Centre remains at a warm constant temperature and we have specialist equipment to keep running such as hoists and bright lights for those with visual impairments. 

“Coming to the Centre has made a big difference to my life. If I wasn’t here, I would be stuck at home. I have choice here and more freedom. I can decide what I want to do.” Art Maker, Sam

We are proud of our vibrant and friendly atmosphere which inspires both Art Makers and visitors alike and with your help we can continue to offer these life changing services to our local community!

This Christmas, we are asking you to help support our Art Makers creativity throughout the whole of 2024 by making a donation this December as part of our 12 Days of Giving Campaign. We want to continue to give people living with disabilities choice and control in their daily lives. The Centre is a welcoming and special space for people to learn, laugh and realise their full potential. Your support will help it continue to thrive.

“I lost my sight as a young child but not being able to see hasn’t stopped me getting fully involved in all aspects of life.  Attending the paper workshop at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre makes me happy. It makes me proud that people are seeing my work and that’s all thanks to Henshaws” Andrew

“Karina’s fellow Art Makers are an amazing group of friendly, accepting and caring people.  She has settled in so well, made lots of friends, and grown so much in confidence”.

“My cerebral palsy and other disabilities are just a small part of who I am. The process of creating art really interests me and is something I love to do.” Chris