SoCro Art Creative Sessions
Independent creative workshops in South Croydon since 2022
Some people are naturally talented, but skills can absolutely be taught. And honestly? Anyone can become an artist if they put their mind to it.
All you really need is enthusiasm and a little faith.
“I highly recommend the SoCro Art classes for adults, run by the wonderful Sharmina. They are located in a lovely studio in Birdhurst Rise. At my first class, there were about 7 attendees, both new and regulars and a very friendly vibe. It was a great opportunity to try something new - in my case - cloisonné sand painting with no pressure. Please do give it a try if you’re curious as we need to support cool community events in Croydon!”
Our upcoming Arts & Crafts workshops
- Embroidery Art (watercolour, ink, acrylic pens and hand embroidery on canvas)
Cost: £38 per person for 2.5 hours, all supplies included.
Location: at my studio in Birdhurst Road, South Croydon, a calm creative space tucked away from the rush.
What these sessions are
Art is not about being “good”. It is about expressing something, exploring something, letting yourself switch off from the noise of everyday life and actually make something with your hands.
These are not step-by-step copy classes; and you will not be told to paint exactly what I paint.
SoCro Art sessions are guided, process-led workshops where we experiment, try things, make mistakes, laugh about them, and discover what happens next.
You do not need to know what you are doing; you just need to be willing to start.
The focus is on:
- Creative exploration
- Building confidence
- Learning by doing
- Process over perfection
- Community and connection
And, most importantly, chillaxing whilst having fun, leaving perfection at the door.
These sessions are open to:
- Curious beginners
- Adults coming back to art after years away
- Those with experience who want to stretch themselves
- Anyone craving a mindful, restorative creative outlet
No formal training required. No intimidating art jargon. No pressure. This is creativity you live, not perform.
What to expect
Flexible daytime and evening sessions because life is busy and creativity should fit around it, not the other way round.
All materials are provided. Just arrive ready to make.
I will guide you, gently and practically, but your journey is your own. There is no “right” outcome.
Mornings come with tea, coffee and cake.
Evenings come with a drink, nibbles and a relaxed atmosphere.
At the end, you leave with your artwork and hopefully a lighter head and a fuller heart.
Spaces are limited so the environment stays intimate and supportive.
Cancellation policy
Because I’m a small business and I prep all your materials in advance, bookings are non-refundable. However, I’m always happy for you to send a friend in your place! If you can’t find anyone, just let me know with at least 7 days' notice and I'll transfer your booking to a future date.
Creative time, your way
If you would prefer something more personal, I also run private 121 sessions and small group workshops. Whether it is developing your skills, celebrating something special, or just making time to create with friends, we can plan something that feels right for you. Get in touch!
70th birthday celebration
"What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon… great company, friendly chatter, nibbles and drinks, and most importantly a great teacher. Sharmina has an easy going style of teaching that inspires confidence in your abilities and leads you through the session with encouragement, fun and time to explore tools & techniques. We all had a fantastic time and came away with six very different paintings in the abstract/urban style of art. Would highly recommend Sharmina’s classes. Thank you so much. Can’t wait to return and learn more."
Team N’ Work
Creative sessions for teams and workplaces
Looking for something a little different from the usual team-building day? Team N’ Work brings creativity into the workplace in a way that is relaxed, inclusive and genuinely engaging.
Whether you are reconnecting hybrid teams, strengthening collaboration or simply giving people space to think differently, our sessions are designed to encourage communication, imagination and shared experience, without pressure or performance.
No one needs to be “good at art”. Creativity is already part of how we solve problems and make decisions every day. These sessions simply give it room to breathe.
We tailor every session to suit your team, budget and goals. Activities can range from painting with unconventional tools to building playful structures, working with recycled materials or exploring mixed media projects.
We also offer family-friendly workplace sessions for companies hosting bring your child to work days.
If you would like to explore something creative for your team, I would be happy to discuss what might work for you.
Managing Director UK & IE, Rituals Cosmetics
"This wasn't just any gingerbread making. Not only did we have to use creativity and our teamwork skills, but we could only get our decorations by answering a quiz. It was fun, engaging, interactive and we had to use our brains too which was a nice challenge. We loved it!"
Global Head of Change, Axis Capital
"Sharmina ran our Children’s Event in the office for us at Axis Capital for Christmas. She brought with her a whole host of activities and entertainment for children of all ages and adults. Everyone took part in some shape or form and walked away with a smile on their face after a morning of laughter. It was really nice to see the employees children in our office environment experiencing where their parents work and being able to have some fun at the same time thanks to Sharmina. Thank you so much for accommodating us very last minute this year! We are already planning what Sharmina can do next year!"
The SoCro ethos
SoCro Art was created to connect creatives and build meaningful artistic community.
These sessions are an extension of that, not something to watch from the side lines but something to take part in.
Because creativity belongs to everyone.
Testimonies
"Thank you so so much for last night, I had the most wonderful time and it was so lovely to meet the other women."
"I highly recommend the SoCro Art classes for adults, run by the wonderful Sharmina. They are located in a lovely studio in Birdhurst Rise. At my first class, there were about 7 attendees, both new and regulars and a very friendly vibe. It was a great opportunity to try something new - in my case - cloisonné sand painting with no pressure. Please do give it a try if you’re curious as we need to support cool community events in Croydon!"
"It was lovely to meet Sharmina. I had a good time yesterday and enjoyed learning a new technique. I will look out for upcoming dates. The embroidery art sounds interesting. I would love to try it!"
"Thank you for the art class, your patience, expertise and guidance. I loved every minute and am chuffed with my Batik turtle."
"I’ve really enjoyed attending these art sessions. I have been attending for nearly 2 years! Each class features different, fun projects that keep things interesting and creative. Projects are well organised! Sharmina is warm, friendly, and very supportive, always creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. It has been lovely to get involved and ignite my creativity with many of the projects! I would highly recommend!"
"I think it would be fair to say that I am not a "natural" artist but I do love being creative. Sharmina' s sessions give me the opportunity to try different projects that I would never try on my own and her own unique brand of honesty, enthusiasm and encouragement never fail to make me smile regardless of the success of my artwork."
"It's a really great opportunity to try something new in a relaxed and fun environment and I can't recommend Sharmina enough."
"Absolutely love Sharmina’s adult art class! The paint and sip format is fun and challenging as we attempt a variety of artistic styles, something new and exciting every session. Sharmina is fantastic, creative and encouraging. She makes everyone feel welcome, no matter their skill level. The relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to unwind and enjoy the process, and a nice way to connect with other mums. Highly recommend for anyone looking to try something new and have a great time doing it!"
"Thank you Sharmina for a lovely 1st challenging art class! What a wonderful evening. Very therapeutic!"
"Had a really lovely evening whilst learning some new creative skills, with drinks and chatter. So pleased with my finished piece. Thanks for a lovely time Sharmina."
"I have to say that whilst not easy to let go when creating it, the effect is something that has depth because you can get lost looking at it... love it and thank you for nudging us out of our comfort zone. xxx"
"What an amazing batik painting birthday party led by Sharmina! The party was for my husband and everyone, children (one as young as 4) and adults alike, really enjoyed it. Sharmina had been fantastic in researching what batik painting was about, which kit was best given the time frame we had and making sure there was a range of pictures to suit all ages. She was super-organised and kept me informed of the preparation work she did. She was full of energy on the day and even those who consider themselves less artistic managed paintings that they were really proud of. Well done and thank you very much, Sharmina.”
"Thanks Sharmina, therapeutic indeed! Was a fabulous evening. x"
“Sharmina gave me a lot of freedom to express my thoughts and I felt very calm during the session. I didn’t want it to end!”
"It was such a nice, fun, relaxing and learning evening! Thank you Sharmina for organise it. Great to meet everyone! I look forward to the next session!"
"I had never been to an Art Workshop before and I don’t consider myself artistic. However, I am so glad I went along. The atmosphere was super friendly and I enjoyed the activities very much, lovely food and drinks and a lovely friendly host, great evening. Thank you."
"Thanks Sharmina for the wonderful class tonight, so creative! Loved it. And the great company too."
"Thank you Sharmina. Was a lovely wreath making session. Great fun and brought back some of my creative side. Enjoyed everyone's company. "
"In typical Mum fashion I do lots of arts and craft activities with the girls but I never actually do art for myself. It was really fun being creative, something I haven't done since school. I would really recommend Sharmina who made it fun and enjoyable."
"Thank you for the great evening, great company, and great art class! Look forward to do it again."
“Sharmina has a very generous teaching style. Sharing techniques and tips she has honed through years of exploration. My skills came on hugely as a results of her tuition… and I have very much enjoyed myself in the process!.”
"I really enjoyed yesterday's class. Thanks Sharmina! Lovely to meet the ladies last night too."
“I didn’t know I was missing art until I painted with Sharmina. She made me believe I could become an artist.”
“Doing these art classes has been so therapeutic. They have allowed me to reconnect and express myself and be in the moment. Sharmina has a great way of boosting your confidence and making you feel great.”
"That was so much fun!!! And sooo relaxing. Thank you."
"I am a visitor in the UK from Hong Kong, I attended this Arts Workshop with my partner, I enjoyed the evening, everyone was friendly and made me feel welcome. I still have the Lotus Flower I made. Very pleasurable and entertaining."
"It was great to meet everyone and a lovely evening learning a new technique. I look forward to seeing them all at the next session."
"What a wonderful way to spend the evening - thank you so much & for the gluten free food - delicious. My family couldn't believe I had painted it!!! Even my son was impressed."
"Thank you for the lovely evening and for teaching and sharing with us so many different expression of Art. Personally, I really enjoyed watercolours" Looking forward to the next session."
"Thanks Sharmina, had a great time yesterday and enjoyed learning watercolours. Lovely to meet all the ladies too."
"Thank you for the lovely evening photos and the experience. Such a fun eve. I would definitely do it again. My daughter said she'd like me to put my painting up in her bedroom."
