‘Grief by the Castle’ Workshop at Sandy Hill Arts
Unique one-day workshops:
‘Grief by the Castle’ at Sandy Hill Studios, Corfe Castle on Friday 15th May and Sunday 12th July 2026.
Join experienced Purbeck landscape artist Jessamy Hawke and acclaimed non-fiction author Georgie Codd for a restorative day at Sandy Hill Studios, Corfe Castle - immersed in nature, writing and painting; sharing space and time with others who know what it’s like to feel loss. This workshop is part of the Grief in the Garden series.
As part of a small and intimate group we will practice mindful painting and writing in a secluded, tranquil setting, enjoying access to beautiful outdoor spaces – with non-pressured opportunities to talk and share with like-minded people.
This is a day for you to breathe and just be.
Our maximum group size will be 10, with all creative abilities welcome, including beginners. There will be no ‘right’ way to express yourself – we promise you can’t get this wrong. Nor will we ask anyone to share their work with others.
By the end of the day, you will take home your own self-made artwork, bringing together what you have experienced in the garden.
Your ticket includes:
• Hot drinks on site
• A day of peace, company and guided creative activities focused on mindful observation and reflection
• Paper and painting materials for your artwork
• A unique memento that you have created from the day
*ADVANCED BOOKING ESSENTIAL*
NOTE: Neither Jessamy nor Georgie has a qualification in counselling or other therapeutic processes. Their familiarity with grief comes from their own lived experiences, which they will reference as part of their introductions. Together with the group, their aim is to create a space for the Grief by the Castle group that prioritises community, mindfulness, confidentiality and creative self-expression.
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Please read on for FAQs:
FAQs
Q: What do I need to bring with me for this?
You will need:
• An apron or other covering to protect your clothes from paint spatter
• Two clean jam jars
• A notebook or journal for writing activities
• Pen(s) or pencil(s) for writing
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Q: What should I wear?
Since the weather in the UK can be unpredictable, we recommend bringing a warmer layer, and a raincoat just in case. We plan to spend a good amount of time outdoors, as long as the weather lets us.
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Q: Do I need to be good at art or writing to do this?
We don’t believe in ‘good’ and ‘bad’ when it comes to painting or writing skills. Whether you have no experience, or feel pretty confident in either (or both) mediums, you’re welcome at Grief by the Castle.
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Q: I’d rather not talk about my bereavement with other people. Is this the right event for me?
We understand – and know through our own experiences – that grief is a highly personal thing, and feels different to everybody. It’s important to us that no one joining Grief by the Castle feels obliged to share anything they don’t want to. If you would like to come along for the mindful activities and say nothing about the loss that has brought you here, that’s completely OK with us. We will be creating a completely non-pressured environment.
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Q: What if I need space on my own on the day?
There will be points throughout the activities where those who wish to work in solitude can do so. If at any point you need some time out from the Grief by the Castle more broadly, or decide you need to leave early, there will be no judgement. We will just ask that you let either Jessamy or Georgie know where you’re going so they can tell the garden staff in case of emergencies.
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Q: How accessible is Grief by the Castle?
Below is the accessibility from Sandy Hill Arts website:
“We are committed to improving access for our artists and visitors alike and we aim to ensure that everyone with access requirements has an enjoyable experience. The road access to Sandy Hill Arts is on a slight incline but the site is, by and large, fairly flat and even. There is a bridge across Corfe railway station to the centre but wheelchair access has to be via Corfe village. Most of the studios and spaces are on the ground floor with a few step-ups to entrances. Anything above the ground floor could be deemed inaccessible as these are old converted buildings with narrow stairwells and there are no lifts. There are no allocated disabled vehicle bays but blue badge owners are free to park anywhere that doesn’t obstruct others.
The majority of workshops are on the ground floor and we encourage inclusivity. We welcome guide dogs and hearing dogs. Large print interpretation texts for our exhibitions are available on request. We have accessible portable toilets on site throughout the summer months.”
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Q: How do I get to Sandy Hill Arts?
Sandy Hill arts is located in Corfe Castle, Dorset, just off the main road. It is right next door to the steam railway station.
There is plenty of parking on site for workshop participants.
The address is:
Sandy Hill Studios,
Sandy Hill Lane,
Corfe Castle,
Dorset,
BH20 5JF
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Q: Can I bring my own food?
We are encouraging workshop participants to bring their own lunch, which they can either eat somewhere peaceful on site, or with us as a group. Alternatively we will be within walking distance from the village where you could pick up lunch locally.
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Q: I can’t make the date. Will you be doing this again?
If you’d like to know more about potential future dates later in 2026, please email us at [email protected] and we will be in touch with the details as soon as they’re available.
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Q: I don’t live near Dorset but would love to try this one day. Are you going to take Grief by the Castle anywhere else?
That is the plan, yes. If you’d like to be kept in the loop about other dates and locations, or want to suggest a garden that you think would be a great fit for us, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected]
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Q: I’d like to come but would struggle to cover the cost of the ticket right now. Is there another way I can take part?
If you’re struggling financially for any reason, but feel that the workshop is what you need, we may be able to offer you a subsidised space. Please get in touch with us at [email protected] and we can discuss the options.
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Q: Can I buy a place for someone as a gift?
If you’d like to book a place at Grief by the Castle for someone else, you’re very welcome to do so. We ask that you please let us know when you’re booking so we can send them a gift confirmation that doesn’t include your receipt. We would also ask that you check this person will feel comfortable joining us, since the topic of our workshop may be a sensitive one for them.
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Q: What is your cancellation policy?
If you book a ticket and later find you're unable to attend, we can offer a full refund up to 14 days before the workshop. Cancellations within 14 days of the workshop will not be refunded, but you can give your ticket to somebody else. If you choose to do this, or have any other cancellation queries, please let us know by emailing [email protected]
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Q: Where can I find out more about Jessamy and Georgie?
Jessamy’s website is www.jessamyhawke.co.uk She is also on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jessamydrewthat
Georgie’s website is www.georgiecodd.co.uk She is not on social media.
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Q: I have another question that’s not listed here. How do I contact you?
Get in touch with us at [email protected] One of us will reply between 1 and 3 days.