Luton at Heart
Heal & Connect Through Creativity - Together
A project by Elaine Lister & Fiona Martin
Funded by
Creativity for Recovery and Wellbeing
Have you or someone close to you experienced a heart attack or serious health challenge? Luton at Heart invites you to be part of a supportive creative project that exploring how creativity can aid recovery, wellbeing, and renewed confidence.
Led by local artists Elaine Lister and Fiona Martin who have experienced the impact of a heart attack, the project uses visual art activities and storytelling to explore the ways creativity can help us recover, rebuild confidence, and celebrate appreciation for life after illness. Through relaxed workshops and friendly conversations, you’ll be invited to reflect on your journey in a positive and uplifting way.
No artistic experience is needed. These sessions are about enjoying the moment, having fun, and connecting with others who understand your experience. You might discover that drawing helps you relax, that sharing stories brings comfort, or that laughter and creativity bring you joy.
Many people find that creative activity helps them feel calmer, more confident, and less isolated. Whether you want to try something new, meet others on a similar path, or simply enjoy being creative, you’ll be supported every step of the way.
Not just for beginners – if you’re an artist who finds people’s stories inspiring, come along and join us.
Luton at Heart is a chance to heal and connect through creativity – together.
Luton at Heart – Taster Workshops
Our friendly 1-hour taster workshops are a relaxed way to find out more about the Luton at Heart project and try out the kind of activities you can get involved with.
You don’t need any artistic experience – just curiosity. We’ll guide you through simple, enjoyable creative activities experimenting with colour and materials. These exercises, build your confidence in art, and help you discover how creativity can support your wellbeing and recovery.
The workshops will also give you the opportunity to find out more about the main project and the different ways you can get involved. This includes future workshops and the chance to share your story, contributing to artworks created by Elaine and Fiona and featured in a public exhibition in September 2026.
It’s a gentle and fun introduction – a chance to laugh, connect, and explore creativity.
Portrait Sittings – Share Your Story
Sign up for a private portrait sitting with Elaine and Fiona at The Hat Factory. This relaxed two-hour session is a supportive space to share your story in a positive, uplifting way.
You’ll begin with an informal conversation about your experiences and reflections on life as part of your health journey. When you feel ready, Elaine will create initial drawings and take reference photographs, which she will later develop into your finished portrait.
At the same time, Fiona will video-record your story through a gentle, conversational interview. She will edit this into a short digital artwork and create sound pieces using your voice, which will form part of the final exhibition.
As part of your involvement, you’ll also take part in one Luton at Heart public workshop at The Hat Factory. During this session, you’ll sit as the model for around 30–40 minutes, sharing your story while workshop participants create artworks inspired by you. There’ll be time for questions, conversation, and plenty of laughter – a warm, shared creative experience celebrating connection and resilience.
If you’d like to be involved, we’d love to hear from you.
Luton at Heart Workshops – Create, Connect, Be Inspired
Join us for one or more of our four public Luton at Heart workshops at The Hat Factory – friendly, welcoming sessions where creativity and storytelling come together.
At each workshop, a ‘live model’ and share their personal story of recovery and rediscovery. While they talk, you’ll be invited to draw, paint, or experiment with mixed media, creating artwork inspired by what you hear and feel.
These workshops are about connection, empathy, laughter, and shared creativity. There is no pressure to be “good” at art – all abilities are welcome. Elaine and Fiona will guide and support you throughout, making sure everyone feels comfortable and encouraged.
Not just for beginners – if you’re an artist who finds people’s stories inspiring, come along and join us.
The artwork created will inspire part of the final exhibition, giving you the chance to be involved in something meaningful that celebrates appreciation of life and community.
Exhibition and Celebration – See Your Story Come to Life
Elaine and Fiona will host week-long exhibition at The Hat Factory in September 2026, showcasing artwork, portraits, sound pieces, and videos created through Luton at Heart project. This is a chance to see how your story and creativity have helped shape the project and inspired others.
The exhibition will be free and fully accessible, welcoming friends, family, and the wider community to experience the powerful stories of recovery, connection, and resilience shared throughout the project.
As part of this, we’ll host a special celebration evening for participants and their loved ones. This will be a relaxed, joyful event to recognise everyone’s contributions, share laughter, and reflect on what we’ve achieved together.
It’s a moment to feel proud, connect with others, and celebrate the strength and creativity that brought this project to life.
Digital Legacy – Your Story Lives On
As part of Luton at Heart, artworks and recorded stories will become part of a permanent digital archive on MoreLuton.com, meaning your voice and creativity will live on beyond the project, forming part of Luton’s shared cultural history.
The archive will allow friends, family, and the wider community to access the work online, making sure your story continues to inspire others long into the future. This digital legacy ensures that the strength, humour, and insight you’ve shared become part of something bigger, helping future audiences feel connected and understood through your experience.
Thank you to our funders and partners
Meet the Artists
Let’s Work TogetherIf you're interested in working with us, complete the form with a few details about your project. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.