Community Catalysts supports the development of all sorts of community micro-enterprises, including those that offer creative arts. A diverse range of support results in more choice of activities for people, which helps their wellbeing and enables them to connect with others in the area they live.
Tracy Garrett is the founder of Tracy J Art, a community micro-enterprise in Westminster that supports people’s mental health and wellbeing through mindful art. Mindful art combines mindfulness and artistic expression, focusing on the process of creating rather than on the finished product. It helps people to express themselves playfully and to be more self-aware and self-compassionate.
Tracy had her own challenging journey to arrive at mindful art classes. After some difficult life experiences, she sought ways to support her own mental wellbeing and discovered painting. It became a source of solace and healing and sparked the idea of helping others.
Tracy was aware that there was a lack of mindful art sessions in her local area, especially for older people, people living with mental health challenges, and those with disabilities.
However, she wasn’t sure where to start and needed help if she was going to set up her own creative venture.
To make her vision happen, Tracy connected with Joe from Community Catalysts. He supported her to create Tracy J Art that delivers mindful art classes to others in the local area.
Joe helped Tracy to achieve the ‘Doing It Right Standards’ – to ensure her community group was safe, compliant, legal and sustainable. This included obtaining a DBS check, getting insurance, sourcing funding opportunities and creating policies.
Tracy J Art is now listed on our Small Good Stuff directory.
The sessions have had a meaningful impact on people’s well-being in the local area. Creative expression and social connection are just two of the benefits. Nitin and Shan share their experiences of the classes.
After unsuccessful attempts at salsa and drumming, Nitin found connection through Tracy’s mindful art classes.
They appreciate the focus and immersion art brings, as well as Tracy’s supportive guidance. Art has become a source of joy and escape in the balance of working part-time and caring for grandchildren.
A member of a local art hub, Shan describes Tracy’s classes as a ‘happy space.’
The inclusive environment encourages creativity, sharing, and mutual learning.
Shan values the sense of community and the opportunities for personal growth that the sessions provide.
Tracy J Art shows how challenging life experiences, creative passion, and community support can come together to create lasting social impact. By offering welcoming, mindful art classes, Tracy has created a space where people not only learn artistic skills, but find connection, confidence, and emotional well-being.
If you or anyone you know could benefit from support, care at home, or activities in the community, check out Small Good Stuff, our directory of local care and support services.
More on the City of Westminster Community Micro-enterprise project.