Derbyshire, United Kingdom
Out and Wild Creative Weekender 1-3 Aug 2025.
Creativity art and writing: Part of Out and Wild's Queer Connections August Weekender in Derbyshire
Overview
Make life long meaningful lgbt+ connections through fun, soulful and creative activities in fabulous scenery. Part of Out & Wild's Queer Connections retreats & weekenders, with experienced LGBTQIA+ leaders. Connecting you through fun and creative workshops on the theme of 'Our Journey' we will be combining art making, creative activities and writing exercises to look at how far we have come, where we are now and where our wellness journey will take us. All with a focus on meeting new people to create deep connections and fun. Absolutely no previous experience or 'creative bone' necessary, aside from a willingness to be playful, have a go and get your hands (and feet...) dirty! Designed to coincide with the Out & Wild walking weekender, with joint group socials each evening. Fully catered. singles and shared rooms (ensuite facilities the first to sell out)
Hosts
Justine Potter: Writing Producer
Justine Potter is a Producer who has spent her career developing dramas for TV, Theatre and Radio. She spends much of her time working with writers to turn their lived experience, stories, novels, ideas and desires into content. She's given diverse writers their first professional break as well as working with many experienced writers: Val McDermid, Jimmy McGovern, Joelle Taylor, Maxine Peake, Harold Pinter, Tony Schumacher.... it's a long list. She regularly runs masterclasses writing retreats and story sessions developing writers skills and shows for organisations like BBC, Channel 4, WFTV, Triple C, BBC Writersroom.
What was missing in her life was meaningful queer connections with LBGTQIA+ women and NB folk. Arriving at the first Out and Wild Festival, she found her queer home and has been working with Out and Wild ever since: forging meaningful rainbow connections through events, retreats and activities.
Justine first met Gladys in a sauna at out and wild festival! After connecting on an out and wild retreat, we knew our shared experiences could give something special back to the community.
This weekender created to merge art, our journeys and our stories feels like the perfect combination.
Gladys Paulus: Artist
Gladys Paulus is a fine art visual artist and tutor.
Her first love was painting and drawing, but she found her way to sheep's wool, from which she creates large-scale sculptural works and installations through the ancient method of wet felting entirely by hand. Much of her work is about her personal journey with her mixed heritage and queer identity. She loves the grounding, tactile, messy and physical nature of her making process very much.
Gladys's work is in the collection of World museum Amsterdam (Netherlands), and private collections in the UK, USA and Canada. In 2022 she exhibited with Turner prize nominee Dr. Ingrid Pollard MBE. Past commercial work has been featured in theatres, music videos, album covers, television and film.
She has a regular international masterclass schedule, and since 2010 has taught 1,000+ students worldwide. The nature of the creative process is fascinating to her, as are the internal blocks that get in the way of that. She is currently doing additional training to become a coach, as she believes that everyone can make something, and she wants to support those interested in (re)connecting to and exploring their creativity, and living in alignment with it.
She is delighted to be offering this Creative Weekender to the LGBTQIA+ community!
What's Included
Gallery
FAQs
Payments can be paid in up to 3 instalments for an extra £10 towards administration
First payment on booking of £100.00
We are not able to return bookings but you may sell them on.
Arrivals from 3.30pm on Friday 1st August.
Friday evening meal is at 5.45pm
Friday evening activities from 7pm
Departures from 4pm Sunday 3rd August.
Q: Do I need to have any art or writing experience?
A: Absolutely no experience is necessary to attend this weekend!
All making & writing activities are designed to introduce you to these mediums in a gentle, fun and accessible way, and there is no pressure or expectation for you to make some sort of masterpiece.
All activities are guided, and many have an interactive, social element to them - a great way to break the ice and to make connections with other participants. Techniques used are simple and accessible, and don't require any specific talents or skills, with demonstrations given where necessary.
Really all you need is a willingness to give things a go, to be playful, curious and prepared to be amazed by your own creative voice.
A: We can only answer this in relation to the sessions! How mucky you get outside the planned activities is up to you!
In the felt making sessions, that all depends on you!
During the making activities guided by Gladys, you will be handling (washed) sheep's wool, water, and (olive) soap. Feltmaking is a physical activity, and the aim is to embrace that.
In the spirit of getting to know each other, you will be helping each other to apply wet wool to your feet (with consent, of course), so we hope you are comfortable or open to this (but can provide alternatives).
Depending on your level of enthusiasm, you may get a little wet and/or hairy... and that's all part of the fun! For this reason, don't wear your finest outfit. It is best to wear a short sleeved top and clothes that dry out quickly. If you have an apron, bring one!
Weather permitting, you will also be spending plenty of activity time in the beautiful outdoors.
A: For the felt making sessions - a couple of old towels, an apron (if desired), a pair of walking boots/trainers/wellies just big enough to wear a thick pair of socks inside, hand cream (if you have dry skin).
A: For writing activities: If you have favourite pens, notebook or pencils, do bring those as we will be writing and journalling throughout the weekend. But we can provide these.
Q: Health & Safety
A: Your hands and feet will experience periods of prolonged exposure to wool, water and soap.While we will be working with washed sheep's wool, traces of lanolin may still be present in the wool. Please consider this if you suffer from a lanolin allergy. We will be working with natural, unscented 100% olive oil soap which is mild and kind on the skin. If you suffer from eczema, thin latex gloves will be available.
