Luton at Heart
Heal & Connect Through Creativity - Together
A project by Elaine Lister & Fiona Martin
Luton at Heart is a supportive, creative project exploring how creativity can aid recovery, wellbeing, and renewed confidence after serious health challenges.
Supported by the Luton Creates Fund
Exhibition and Celebration
Life, Loved & Lived: Stores of Recovery & Renewal
FREE Exhibition:
Tuesday 22 September - Thursday 24 September
10 am - 5 pm
Celebration Evening, Thursday 24 September, 6 pm - 9pm
Hat Factory Arts Centre, Bute St, Luton, LU1 2EY
Life, Loved and Lived: Stories of Recovery and Renewal is a powerful community exhibition celebrating the resilience, creativity and shared experiences of people in Luton. Developed through the Luton at Heart project, the exhibition brings together artwork created in response to real-life stories of recovery, reflection and rediscovery.
At its centre are a series of portraits and digital works inspired by individuals who have shared their personal journeys. Through drawing, sound, film and mixed media, their voices and experiences are transformed into moving, thought-provoking pieces that invite connection and understanding.
You will discover artwork created during public workshops, capturing moments of creativity and community, full of laughter and joy.
Step inside this multi-sensory experience that inspires and connects. A space to pause, reflect and appreciate life.
Please note: While the exhibition is uplifting, it does explore themes of illness and loss, which may be sensitive for some audiences.
Celebration Evening: Thursday 24 September, 6 pm - 9 pm
Join us for a special evening celebrating the Luton at Heart project and the people, stories and creativity that have brought it to life.
Step inside an interactive, multi-sensory exhibition with live performances and discover uplifting stories of recovery, resilience and a renewed love for life.
Explore the artwork and stories created throughout the project, discover the impact Luton at Heart has had on wellbeing and creative confidence, and hear directly from some of the people who have taken part.
Meet the artists, Elaine Lister and Fiona Martin, connect with participants and celebrate everything the Luton at Heart community has achieved.
The evening will also mark the official launch of Neighbourhood Narratives CIC – an exciting next chapter that will enable us to build on the success of Luton at Heart, continue the project and reach more people through creativity, storytelling and connection.
Live performances 7 pm - 7:30 pm
Please arrive in good time, as there will be no late entry once the performances have begun.
Come and celebrate an evening of art, stories, laughter, connection and appreciation of life – and help us celebrate the beginning of the next chapter.
Please RSVP via message or email:
07768661765 / lutonatheart@outlook.com
Our Big Heart Workshops brought people together through creativity, storytelling and shared experiences.
At each workshop, a Luton at Heart model shared their personal story of recovery and rediscovery while participants drew, painted and experimented with mixed media, creating artwork inspired by what they heard and felt.
Led by artists Elaine Lister and Fiona Martin, the sessions welcomed everyone, from complete beginners to experienced artists. There was no pressure to be ‘good’ at art; the focus was on enjoying the creative process, meeting new people and discovering how creativity can support wellbeing.
The workshops became spaces filled with conversation, laughter, connection and appreciation of life, while giving people the confidence to explore their own creativity.
Artwork created during the sessions has helped inspire the Luton at Heart exhibition, celebrating the stories, experiences and creative responses of everyone involved.
Big Heart Workshops
About Us: 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.
Meet the Artists
A creative vision
Luton at Heart is a mixed-media portrait and storytelling project that connects art, health, and human experience. Rooted the sister’s shared experience of recovery following Elaine’s heart attack in 2022, the project was born from an awakening—both physical and creative. It grew from the realisation that survival is not simply about the body healing but about rediscovering a sense of purpose and connection to others.
Become a Luton at Heart Model – 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.
Message or email us to sign up!
07768661765 / lutonatheart@outlook.com
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
