Workshops
I have extensive experience as an arts educator and art and music workshop leader working in a variety of settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, and in the community. I regularly deliver workshops to vulnerable adults and children with special educational needs. I can offer bespoke packages to suit your particular needs. Please email for enquiries and to talk through your project.
“Simon Watson led a transformative series of 3-day workshops at the Ministry of Defense's Phoenix Recovery Center, hosted by The Drive Project. His meticulous preparation and expert planning were evident throughout the sessions. Simon’s attentive and supportive approach fostered a creative and safe environment where each participant felt valued. Under his guidance, everyone created a sculpture they cherished, not just as a work of art but as an expression of identity and meaning. Participants expressed how much they learned, how the workshop helped them disconnect from work, and how it positively impacted their mental health”
- Roman Baca, TDP Ministry of Defense Art and Recovery Pilot Project Manager
“Simon is brilliant. He has worked for us for a number of years (at least 5 I think off the top of my head). He has been delivering a mix of music and visual arts workshops on our psychiatric intensive care unit which is a small male ward for some of our most acutely unwell service users. He has also worked on our low-secure learning disability unit very successfully leading music workshops. He has led drumming workshops at various events which are always really joyful, fun and very inclusive.
He has also undertaken a couple of enhancement commissions, both really good. Acoustic panel project in Ward lounge and ornate metal gates for a CAMHS clinic “
— Eleanor Babb - Arts for Health Lead ( NHS Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust )
MOD - Art to Recovery Sculpture Course
Commissioned by The Drive Project to design and deliver sculpture workshops for the MOD at Phoenix House Recovery Centre, Catterick Garrison.
Identity
Identity is a project devised by artist Simon Watson. The Project’s aim is to provide a regular art activity and to offer an informal learning opportunity for people recovering from mental illness. Working in partnership with ‘Quest Day Opportunities’ and funded by Staffordshire Heritage & Arts Service’s ‘Arts Grants Scheme’ Simon sought to engage participants in learning new skills, looking at traditional techniques of creating sculpture (specifically clay modelling).The course focused on the human face and Simon provided larger than life plaster casts of Michelangelo’s “David” for participants to study, draw and copy. Throughout the course issues around the theme of ‘Identity’ were discussed and this is reflected in their final pieces.
Facial Reconstruction
Aesthetic sculpting workshop at Southampton University Hospital. The workshop was part of a course on Facial Reconstruction. The lecture was delivered by one of the worlds leading surgeons Professor Shan. R. Baker. The workshop focused on teaching plastic surgeons sculpting techniques and how to sculpt facial forms.