Teacher Allyson Keay helps others through mindful art workshops

A run down educator turned to her passion to overcome burnout and reignited a fire within herself which she hopes to spread to others.

Whitsunday artist and teacher Allyson Keay. Photo: Contributed

When passionate teacher Allyson Keay began experiencing burnout, she knew something had to change, little did she know just how much it would change her life.

Growing up, Ms Keay loved exploring different mediums and styles of art, even making the decision to become a teacher thanks to her primary school art teacher, who she aspired to be like when she grew up.

But teaching had its ups and downs, and in the early years of her career she lost sight of the balance between work and wellbeing.

“I filled my after-work hours with even more work — an easy trap to fall into in teaching,” she said.

She knew something had to change so she took a step back to reassess her priorities, moving into a position that allowed her the freedom to reset.

During this period she spent time working in the school art room which she said reignited the fire in her.

“[It] reminded me how much passion I had towards art,” she said.

Whitsunday artist and teacher Allyson Keay. Photo: Contributed

“Seeing my students’ faces light up when they were creating was magic.”

She began drawing and painting for herself again and quickly noticed just how happy it made her.

“It was helping me to breathe, release energy and reconnect back into the moment, and out of my head,” she said.

She said art became a way for her to slow down, release tension, and process emotions.

“Rediscovering art — not as a skill to perfect, but as a meditative and expressive process — was incredibly healing,” she said.

“In a society that constantly demands productivity, taking time to create — without pressure or expectation — allows people to relax, explore, and express themselves freely.”

While travelling, Ms Keay completed an online Art as Therapy course and started to deepen her meditation practice.

She said it felt like everything aligned when she discovered that art was her form of meditation.

Artwork by Allyson Keay. Photo: Contributed

She wanted to share what she had learnt with others so began running her own online workshops and creating mindful art resources while she continued to travel, and while in Bali she had an opportunity to host an in-person mindful art session. I

t snowballed from there she said.

“I ran a few more in-person workshops, before moving to Airlie Beach, where I launched Heart and Hue workshops,” she said.

Heart and Hue’s Mindful Art sessions run fortnightly, starting with a meditation with themes of transformation, self-love, or calm, each linked to the style of artwork and materials used in the workshop.

Ms Keay then goes through the materials and provides examples for inspiration before letting the class explore at their own pace.

“The workshops are designed to spark fun and creativity, much like a primary school art class,” she said.

“We play music, sing along, and connect through conversation.

“The heart, of Heart and Hue’s Mindful Art sessions is embracing the process over the product.

“It’s all about expressing yourself through creativity, free from self criticism and expectation.”

Ms Keay said often people come into the classes flustered, but that quickly fades. Photo: Contributed

Ms Keay said she feels a lot of pride when she sees people enter into a flow state during her workshops.

“Often participants come in rushed, breathless or with an aura of worry, this quickly fades away after the initial meditation,” she said.

She loves to join the art making process too, sitting down, asking questions and encouraging deep conversation.

She said it was beautiful to see complete strangers discussing their feelings with others, being open about what brought them to the workshops, and making meaningful connections.

The next workshop will be held on March 12, where Ms Keay will guide attendees in an exploration of neurotrophic art which she said is a calming technique of flowing lines with interconnected points.

To enhance the fun they will be using metallic markers and shimmer watercolours.

Art classes and workshops hosted by Allyson Keay give participants a chance to slow down. Photo: Contributed

Ms Keay has also partnered with Whitsunday Regional Council Libraries, hosting positive affirmation workshops in Bowen, Proserpine, and Cannonvale libraries in March.

She encourages everyone to give mindful art a try, even people who think they aren't creative.

“These workshops aren’t about skill or technique; they’re about self-expression, relaxation, and reconnecting with yourself through creativity,” she said.

“Mindful art is a powerful practice for wellbeing, helping to quiet the mind, relieve stress, and encourage playfulness without judgment.

For more information and to book head to Ms Keay’s instagram @Heart_and_Hue_ or Facebook Art by Ally Rose.

Originally published as Teacher Allyson Keay helps others through mindful art workshops