Workshop: Art-Therapy Garden – Creative Nature Experience

Target group: Seniors 55+
Duration: 60–90 minutes
Format:  online hybrid
Difficulty: ★☆☆ (accessible for all)
No login / Open-source resources

Learning Objectives

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Recognize how interaction with nature supports well-being and emotional balance

• Apply basic art-therapy techniques using natural materials

• Express personal emotions through visual creation and storytelling

• Improve fine motor skills through tactile composition

• Strengthen social bonds through collaborative creation

• Materials Needed

• Accessible, low-cost, no-risk materials:

  • Leaves, branches, pebbles, flowers, seeds, herbs

  • Recycled cardboard or watercolor paper

  • Glue sticks, string, scissors (safe/rounded)

  • Watercolors or colored pencils (optional)

  • Canva / Jamboard / Sketchbook (digital option)

   For indoor sessions: basket with mixed natural objects
   For remote/online: digital collage template + nature photo bank

  
  

Structure (Step-by-Step)

https://gemini.google.com/share/59ff772270da 

Creative Task Instructions (for participants)

Step 1: Look at the items you selected.
Step 2: Choose one emotion or memory that appears for you.
Step 3: Create your “Inner Garden” to show how you feel now.
Step 4: Use glue/string to attach elements; add color if you want.
Step 5: Give your artwork a title.

Examples:

• The Garden of Peace

• My Roots and My Wings

• A Path to Myself

• Seeds of Hope

Psychological Benefits 

• Stimulates neuroplasticity and sensory integration

• Supports emotional regulation through tactile activity

• Encourages reminiscence and autobiographical memory

• Reduces anxiety and inner tension

• Creates a safe space for identity affirmation

Evidence . Platform Tasks

Assignments:

• Upload a picture of your artwork (or describe it in 5 sentences)
• Short reflection: “What emotion did the garden help you explore?”
• Optional voice message for accessibility

Assessment:

• Participation only (no grading)
• Badges earned:
   Nature Explorer – first upload
  Creative Soul – completed reflection

Digital Alternatives

For seniors with mobility limitations:

Facilitator Notes

• Avoid judging artistic skill – focus on expression
• Monitor seniors with anxiety; offer grounding techniques
• Provide verbal and physical accessibility support
• Allow extra time for those with low mobility or Parkinson traits
• Encourage storytelling, not perfectionism