Arts Cafe: Unlocking the Inner Canvas

With Bethany Rivers | Tuesday 17 November 2026 | 7–9pm

Exploring how our feelings, experiences and imagination can become words, images and creative expression.

Have you ever had an idea, memory or feeling that you wanted to express creatively, but couldn't quite find the right words, colours or images to capture it?

For November's Arts Cafe, we're welcoming poet, author and creative writing tutor Bethany Rivers for Unlocking the Inner Canvas, a hands-on workshop exploring how we can draw inspiration from our own thoughts, feelings and experiences.

Rather than relying entirely on our thinking minds, Bethany will introduce us to a gentle, body-led creative process known as Focusing. This approach encourages us to pay attention to our inner experiences, including those feelings we recognise but can't always put into words.

Through guided exploration and practical creative activities, we'll discover how listening to these feelings can help us find new ideas, metaphors, images and ways of expressing ourselves. It's a chance to approach creativity from a different perspective, move beyond some of those familiar creative blocks and see what emerges when we give ourselves the space to explore.

Whether you're a writer, painter, illustrator, maker or simply curious about creativity, everyone is welcome. You don't need any previous experience of this approach, just an open mind and a willingness to try something different.

What to bring

Please bring your preferred creative tools, whether that's a notebook, sketchbook, pens, pencils or laptop. There'll be opportunities to explore your own ideas during the evening, alongside our usual refreshments and plenty of time for conversation.

About Bethany Rivers

Bethany Rivers is a published poet, author, creative writing tutor and certified Focusing Practitioner and Teacher. With around 20 years of teaching experience, she has worked with writers and creative people in schools, universities, galleries, museums and community settings.

Her work explores the relationship between creativity, personal experience and wellbeing, helping people discover their own voices and develop a deeper connection with their creative practice.

She is the author of Fountain of Creativity: Ways to Nourish Your Writing, alongside several collections of poetry.

Find out more at www.bethanyrivers.com.

About Arts Cafe

Arts Cafe is our monthly creative gathering at English Bridge Studios, bringing together artists, makers, writers and anyone with an interest in creativity. Through talks, workshops, demonstrations and informal conversations, we explore different approaches to creative practice while connecting with others in Shrewsbury's creative community.

Tuesday 17 November 2026 | 7–9pm

English Bridge Studios, Shrewsbury

Tickets: £10 per person

Tea, coffee, cake and good conversation included!

Everyone is welcome, whether you're a regular at the studios or joining us for the first time.