Creative Art Endeavours
A collective space for creative expression, learning and connection.
Shared space for creative exploration
Dee was born in the USA in a small town south of Detroit Michigan with creativity being a big part of her life. She has embraced extensive creative play in weaving, pottery, floral creations, cooking, preserving, sewing and for the past 13 years Dee has had a love affair with recycle textile art projects. She teaches youth, adults, elderly and people with disabilities the joys of art in many forms. From tissue paper flowers to hand sewn hearts and one of a kind wall hanging, she adores stitching memories of time together with students and fibre.
Dee established the ART Collective Project in 2021 with three highly accomplished artists who were keen to take part in a creative endeavour to share their gifts and talents with others. Currently the collective has grown and consist of ten local artists from diverse ethnic cultures who connect and take part in society through an innovative community project that promotes and showcases their cultural skills and personal talents in safe spaces while teaching participants the importance of their mental well-being through creative expression.
We collaborate and offer over 100+ creative art spaces yearly that are welcoming and dedicated to creative therapies & art projects that promote freedom of personal artistic expression.
What creative spaces provide?
As a collective of 10 artists who teach various art modalities, we help participants use different materials to produce artwork that is relevant to them. Even if students don’t think of themselves as creative, each artist creates an environment that encourages them to have fun and be playful in their art.
Our art project is being used as a tool to create stronger communities in Auckland, New Zealand.
Increased opportunities for Aucklanders to experience and participate in arts and culture.
Provide opportunities for people to access and experience ‘pop-up’ or temporary events in everyday situations and public places.
Offering more opportunities for children, young adults, seniors and people with disabilities to participate in arts and culture activities and facilities.
Creating opportunities for intergenerational cultural exchange.
Art fosters understanding between communities.
Art allows us to not just understand ourselves, but to understand each other on a deeper level.
Art helps to quickly communicate ideas through memorable visuals.
We encourage daily creativity to sustain one’s mental & emotional well-being.
Why does this matter?
Creativity offers a powerful way to slow down, reflect and reconnect with yourself and others. The ART Collective Project exists to provide space for exploration without pressure, allowing creative expression to support mental wellbeing, confidence and connection. As a collective, we are devoted to the recreational & professional pursuit of diverse art forms that make an impact on people’s lives and encourage participants to take time to nurture, allow, explore and expand one’s uniqueness in high quality art experiences for their personal overall well-being.
Art has psychological effects such as enhancement of moods, emotions and substantial stress relief, as well as significant physiological effects that assisted people to get back to a more balanced lifestyle while building resilience as they move forward
The community impact of our project has prompted friendships and connections due to the participants renewed energy, renewed values, revived purpose, and a restored sense of belonging in their lives. The difference of mind-set can be a catalyst for changes in overall personal strength, resilience, and well-being
By engaging in shared creative practice, participants are invited to step away from routine, explore new perspectives and experience the benefits of creativity as a lived, everyday practice rather than a performance.
Who is this for?
The ART Collective Project is for individuals who are curious about creativity and open to shared experience. No prior artistic experience is needed, and sessions are designed to be inclusive, supportive and accessible.
We are building a thriving creative community with diverse cultures that shares a sense of belonging regardless of age, race, culture, ethnicity, religion, background or beliefs and provide spontaneous and programmed activities in nontraditional spaces. These offerings are suited to people who value learning through doing, creative exploration and connection within a respectful fun group setting.
Art gives us immeasurable personal and social benefits. We rely on the arts to help us through difficult times. We, as a collective, influence the participants beliefs and ways of thinking towards creativity and encourage them to expand the arts in their lives, homes, families and community.
Sewn Textile Artwork facilitated by Dee Petit
Dee brings a grounded, supportive and practical approach to creative facilitation, creating spaces where people feel comfortable exploring, expressing and participating at their own pace. Dee is an experienced facilitator of creative, wellbeing and educational programmes for individuals and community groups.
Fibre is my passion, especially working with both new and recycled textiles. In my workshops, I encourage students to engage their senses and explore the feel of wool, fabric textures, and vibrant colours. Students learn to blend different shapes and sizes into layered compositions, stitching the materials together by machine to create unique fibre artworks like wall hangings, table runners, shawls, floor mats, pillows, and more. The process is fun, intuitive, and suitable for both beginners and intermediate sewists.
Practical Details
Format
Hands-on creative workshops and guided art sessions
Duration
Single-session workshops or short creative series
Location
Community, studio and workshop settings
Cost
Paid workshop (pricing on enquiry)
Take home
Creative works and ideas developed during the session
What’s included
All materials and guidance provided
Ready to explore creative expression together?
Whether you’re curious about a specific workshop or simply want to learn more, Sassy Red offers welcoming spaces to explore creativity, connect with others and engage in meaningful shared experiences.