The best thing this retreat did for us was to teach us how to look, be open and question. When those doors have been open the world has a new filter and a much more meaningful lens.
Melissa
My heart skipped a beat on arrival as I truly realised that the villa, surroundings and views were everything that my soul had been craving for, for such a long time - an escape, a sanctuary, somewhere I could breathe my troubles away.
Lisa
This was the perfect answer for a virtual team-build with team members in multiple locations. You created a “together space” which allowed the team to connect on a deeper level and to understand each other in a more personal way.
Hillary
it’s about using the mindful, painstaking attention of
creating art as a therapeutic process.
I set off, anxious about my lack of
artistic skills. But my fears are dispelled
when I meet the rest of the group in exquisite surroundings ...
Vee
Engaging, Creative, Playful,
Retreats and Workshops
based on Arts for Health principles.
NO ART SKILL REQUIRED TO PARTICIPaTE
artful
Art can be so much more than visiting a gallery or a museum. Art as Therapy improves mental health and wellbeing. It provides a creative safe space to explore emotions, discover new insights, and express freely.
Based on art therapy principles, our programs offer a safe space with small groups, providing non-judgmental guidance and skillful management of group dynamics.
Through playful and creative intuitive art-making, participants are led to thoughtful reflection.
Person-centered and trauma-informed approach, fostering self-discovery through questions explored via the art.
HOW ART can help
JOIN OUR ARTFUL
200+ AMAZING participants . 15 nationalities
Hello! I am Penelope
As an Art Psychotherapist and Mental Health Neuroscientist I bring over a decade of experience leading groups across Europe and Asia.
My parents are islanders. I enjoy the sea, the seabed and swimming like a fish. In winter, I wrap myself in scarves and woollen sweaters and live in a small Swiss alpine village.
Based in Greece and Switzerland, I am dedicated to share the transformative power of art for mental health and wellbeing.
WEllbeing
"Well-being is acceptance, peace, honesty, truth, recognition, and trust."
Orlando Villarraga, poet, musician, visual artist
Wellbeing is the coping mechanisms which help preserve health despite stressful conditions.
National Library of Medicine, The definition of Well-Being
From Hippocrates to Neuroscience
Art in the form of theatre and music were prescribed together with sports, diet and herbs as part of a toolbox of medical remedies and interventions in ancient Greece.
Fast forward couple of thousand years and the belief stays firm. Evidence from 3,000 studies about the positive impact of arts in health was presented by the World Health Organisation in 2019. Canada and UK's health systems prescribe free visits to museums as a way to help people suffering from post trauma, anxiety and stress. Dance, music and painting are among the most used art therapy techniques.
Modulation of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin (involved in mood, sleep, digestion, bone health) and cortisol (known as the primary stress hormone), as well as decrease of inflammation, together with promotion of neurogenesis and new neural connections are among the first findings of the positive effects of culture in mental health and health overall (WHO, 2022).
"Artful Retreats are unique in mental wellness travel"
The National Geographic
"Arts for Health is a Creative Solution for Complex Challenges."
Niels Fietje of WHO, for the European Parliament,Culture Health and Wellbeing, 2022
Who Are We?
We lead engaging, creative, playful,Retreats and Workshops, based on Arts for Health principles.
Accreditation/Registration:
Contact Info
artfulretreats@icloud.com
Switzerland
+41 (0) 79 600 11 64
(WhatsApp available)
GREECE
+30 698 58 75 903
(Viber available)