The art studios are situated upstairs within OXYGENIC, separate from the bar and music spaces below. This allows the studios to provide a dedicated environment for creativity, workshops, art groups, one to one sessions and visiting artists.

Located just a two minute walk from Whitley Bay Metro Station, we are easy to reach from Newcastle, Tynemouth, North Shields and surrounding areas.

Filled with natural light, artwork, creative materials and space to think, they offer a very different experience from a traditional classroom or workshop setting. Designed specifically for creativity, the studios provide an environment where people can slow down, settle into the creative process and spend time fully immersed in what they are making.

For many people, the space itself becomes part of the experience.

OXYGENIC Art Studios hosts a range of creative workshops, art groups, one to one sessions and visiting artist programmes throughout the year.

Participants work with materials such as acrylics, pastels, charcoal and mixed media while exploring different approaches to creating.

Some workshops focus on developing confidence and creativity through art. Others explore the creative process itself and what can emerge when we give ourselves the time and space to create.

From complete beginners to experienced artists, the studios welcome anyone who feels drawn to the experience of making art.

No previous experience is needed.

Participants are introduced to a range of materials and shown how to use them, but the workshops are about far more than learning techniques alone.

The studios were created on the understanding that creativity is not something reserved for artists. Given the right environment, materials and support, it is something that can emerge in anyone.

The role of the artists leading the workshops is not simply to teach people how to create, but to help create the conditions in which creativity can flourish and take shape in its own unique way.

No. Sip and paint events are definitely not what we do here.

Sip and paint sessions are usually centred around everyone creating the same image while following step-by-step instruction. The emphasis is often on recreating a finished picture rather than developing your own relationship with creativity.

At OXYGENIC, artists guide and support the process without determining the outcome.

That said, we do host Open Studio Sessions on selected Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the year. These sessions have a more social atmosphere, with music, conversation and the freedom to bring drinks upstairs from the bar below.

Even then, the focus remains on creativity, connection and creating in your own way, with support and encouragement from the artists leading the sessions.

Not in the traditional sense.

Participants are introduced to materials and shown how to use them, as they would be in an art class, but the focus extends beyond technique alone.

The workshops are designed to give people the space, support and encouragement to engage fully with the creative process. Artists guide the journey, but the discoveries, ideas and outcomes belong to you.

For many people, the experience shares some similarities.

The workshops are built around the understanding that creativity can reveal things about us that we were not previously aware of. Through the act of creating, people often discover new ideas, perspectives and insights, not only through the creative process itself but through the artwork that emerges from it.

For some, the experience is simply about making art. For others, it becomes an opportunity to better understand themselves. More often than not, it becomes a combination of both.

Alongside workshops, art groups and one to one sessions, the studios are also home to a range of creative, therapeutic and wellbeing-based practices.

Dedicated spaces within the studios are used for acupuncture, bodywork therapies, creative facilitation, visiting practitioners and other experiences that support wellbeing, creativity and personal development.

Throughout the year, the studios also host Open Studio sessions, visiting artists, talks, collaborations and special events, creating an evolving programme of creative and wellbeing-focused activities.

For more information about the artist-led workshops and one to one sessions held within the studios, head over to our co-founder Zara Waters’ website where you’ll find details of current workshops, creative programmes and upcoming opportunities to work with her.

To hear about visiting artists, guest facilitators, Open Studio sessions and future events taking place at OXYGENIC Art Studios, join our mailing list below and we’ll keep you updated as new opportunities are announced.