Art classes in Beirut with a difference: our Creative Gatherings offer a relaxed and engaging space to explore creativity, practice mindfulness, and discover new ways of thinking through art. Led by Olga Safa, a working artist and author, in small in-person groups.
No artistic experience is required. The focus is on the creative process, exploration, and enjoyment, rather than artistic perfection. Nobody is graded and nothing is exhibited unless you want it to be.
Not a technique class
Beirut has good places to learn to draw and paint. These gatherings are for something else. They use art as a way to slow the mind down and open it up: the repetitive patterns of Zentangle, the focus of colouring a mandala, the lateral leaps of a creative thinking exercise. You leave with a page you made and a head that is quieter than when you arrived. Olga, whose own paintings are shown at olgasafa.com, holds the room the way she holds a healing session: gently, and without judgment.
Creative Experiences
Classes may include:
- Mindful Mandala Coloring — a calming creative practice combining colors, focus, and mindfulness.
- Zentangle — a structured yet intuitive drawing practice using patterns and repetitive shapes to encourage focus and relaxation.
- Creative Art Activities — different guided exercises designed to stimulate imagination, self-expression, and curiosity.
- Creative Thinking & Problem-Solving Workshop — an interactive experience using creative thinking techniques to develop new perspectives, challenge assumptions, and approach problems in innovative ways. Also available as a team workshop.
What You Can Gain
These experiences can help you:
- Slow down and be more present
- Develop creativity and imagination
- Improve focus and concentration
- Explore new forms of self-expression
- Reduce everyday mental overload
- Think differently and challenge familiar perspectives
- Develop more flexible approaches to problem-solving
Who comes
Adults who have not drawn since school and miss it. People who find meditation impossible and discover that a pen and a pattern get them to the same place. Friends looking for something to do together in Beirut that is not dinner. Teams who want a creative afternoon with a point. And anyone curious about art as a healing practice who would like to start somewhere light; when the work wants to go deeper, Beyond Words is the next step.
A Space to Create & Explore
Whether you're looking for a mindful creative activity or want to develop your creative thinking skills, each class offers an opportunity to step away from routine, experiment, and see what becomes possible when you allow yourself to create. Dates are listed on the events page.