From Art Teacher to Group Art Facilitator: Why Art Is for Everyone
This post is part of my “About Series,” where I share the story behind Painting Around is Fun and how Pattern Play Collaborative Art came to life. You can read more about the person behind the paint in the full About page here. Whether you’re new here or curious about how it all began, welcome! Every artwork you see on this page were created by a mixed-ability groups of people of all ages.
The beginning — Teaching art in classrooms
I began my creative career as a secondary school Art Teacher, working across metro and country schools for over 12 years. I taught everyone from Year 6 students to adults in local TAFE Leisure Courses — and just about every year level in between. It was fun, challenging, creative, and frustrating — all the things.
Like all school-based art educators, I was a generalist. My days were filled with drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, design, and sculpture — along with the endless juggling that comes with preparing for all of them! Teaching kept me creatively sharp, but it also gave me a front-row seat to how students respond to pressure, comparison, and perfectionism.
Like most teachers, I disliked having to judge student work — all we really want is to help them build new skills, take risks, and enjoy learning.
Early signs — Why group art felt different
Every now and then, I got the chance to create murals with kids — and those sessions always stood out. They felt looser, lighter, and more fun. I started to notice something important: when we painted together as a group, students were more relaxed, more playful, and more connected.
Something shifted when the focus moved from the individual to the collective. The art still mattered — but the pressure didn’t. And that made all the difference.
The shift — Discovering the power of group art
Looking back, I realised my favourite teaching moments weren’t really about technique — they were about transformation. When people create together, the energy in the room changes. It frees them up. They laugh more. They take risks. They stop worrying about whether what they’re doing is “good enough.”
The silent audience is real — especially for kids. That internal pressure of “who’s watching?” or “what if it’s wrong?” can cause them to give up creative subjects before they’re ready. And yet, we all need creative outlets. Painting together is empowering. It takes the focus off perfection and puts it on connection.
Becoming a group art facilitator
In collaborative art, no one has to carry the whole picture. What you add becomes part of something bigger. The final artwork always looks amazing — not because it’s polished, but because it’s shared. This kind of process builds creative confidence through play, participation, and shared purpose.
Over time, I moved away from step-by-step instruction and towards something more dynamic. Now, as a group art facilitator, my role is to create the conditions for creativity to flourish in a shared space. I design guided structures that invite spontaneity, encourage contribution, and reduce pressure — all while keeping it simple and fun.
If you’re laughing, you’re learning. And when you’re painting with others, you’re in the zone. That’s the sweet spot where creativity lives. Maybe that’s why my projects always seem to work — you simply add another playful layer, and something wonderful emerges.
The now — Collaborative art for everyone
These days, I guide all kinds of groups in creating spontaneous, joy-filled artworks together. As a group art facilitator, I work in schools, community centres, vacation care programs, and at special events — anywhere people are open to connection through creativity.
Designing for inclusion
I embrace the principles of universal design — creating processes that work for everyone, right from the start. Universal design is about making environments, products, and experiences accessible to as many people as possible, without the need for adaptation or specialised support.
In collaborative art, this means designing with people who have additional needs in mind — because when we plan for access, we make things better for everyone. I truly believe that disability is not inability. Some of us simply need a different way in — more time, clearer steps, or extra support to create successfully and joyfully.
A simple, inclusive approach
My approach is inclusive, accessible, and beginner-friendly — designed to reduce pressure, spark curiosity, and celebrate contribution over perfection. Whether it’s a one-hour session with preschoolers painting a giant cardboard box, a large wall mural with teenagers over several weeks, or a multi-session artwork on canvas with adults of all abilities, each session is tailored to make participation easy and meaningful.
I don’t call myself an “artist” — I call myself a social artist or inclusive social art guide. A social artist is someone who uses creative skills to bring people together and foster positive change. I love painting with others. That’s why I always join in — because the artwork isn’t mine. It’s ours.
And I don’t believe in “talent” as a prerequisite. What many call talent is usually just skill built through time, effort, and encouragement. Anyone can learn. Anyone can create. That’s why I say: art is for everyone — not just for ‘artists.’
What’s next? Try the Pattern Play method for yourself
If the idea of collaborative art excites you, I’ve created a free resource to help you get started. The Beginner’s Guide to Collaborative Art: The Pattern Play Method walks you through a simple, 10-step process designed to spark creativity and connection — perfect for groups of any age or ability. Whether you’re leading a workshop, working with students, or gathering friends for a creative session, this guide gives you everything you need to get going with confidence.
You can also explore the Pattern Play resources in my shop — full of simple visual prompts and ideas that make it easy for anyone to facilitate group art, even if you’ve never led a creative project before.
🛒 Visit the Collaborative Art Shop
Whether you’re an educator, a community leader, or someone looking to bring more creativity into your circle, I hope my journey shows just how accessible and joyful collaborative art can be — and how it’s possible for you to become a group art facilitator too.
→ Curious where it all began? Read Part 1 of the About Series: Your Collaborative Art Guide to Creating Inclusive Group Paintings, or head back to the full About page here.
Happy Painting! Charndra, Your Inclusive Social Art Guide.
✨ Let’s Chat:
Pattern Play Collaborative Art makes it easy to create something beautiful—together. No fancy skills needed—just a few simple resources and a willingness to play.
If you’re thinking of starting a project, I’d love to cheer you on!
Reply to one of my emails or get in touch via the Contact page and tell me what you’re dreaming up.