4-WEEK TASTER IN NOVEMBER 2026
Hollow Vessel presents a 4-week taster of our SANCTUM group on Thursdays in Novemeber 2026 held at Allwood Neighbourhood House in Hurstbridge, Victoria.
Dates: 5th November, 12th November, 19th November, 26th November
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Allwood Neighbourhood House, Hurstbridge
To find out more: Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Jasmine HERE
Enquiries: Email Jasmine: nobody[at]hollowvessel[dot]au
STUDIO TIME FOR SENSITIVE & NEURODIVERGENT CREATIVES
You might be someone who is capable and independent, but find the world around you overstimulating. You might have a strong creative vision, but struggle to turn it into something sustainable. You might enjoy being with others, but still experience loneliness. Or you might simply want to spend time with people who understand your way of seeing things and who want a slower pace.
Perhaps you’re an artist wanting to exhibit, a writer wanting to be published, or a creative who wants a regular time and space to practice without being in isolation.
Hollow Vessel provides a weekly retreat for sensitive and neurodivergent creatives — a time and space to slow down, be in nature, make things, connect and be yourself without the pressure to perform.
Want to make art alongside other creatives?
We will meet weekly with time to settle in. There will be time to make, talk, eat together, walk together, and time to simply be.
The aim is to create a small and committed community that quietly celebrates each person’s way of being. From that foundation, we can begin to find the people beyond our little enclave who will listen to and support our work — whatever shape it takes.
We’ll learn how to track our nervous system so we don’t push ourselves too far, too soon. We’ll take one step at a time so we make sustainable progress rather than burn out from the weight of our vision, or stall indefinitely because of fear of the unknown. Whatever goal we have, whatever we turn our attention to during a session, a foundation of being in the here and now is laid from the beginning.
In that way, we develop a practice of being inwardly still and receptive so we can experience a greater sense of ease and comfort, and open ourselves to creativity in whatever wondrous and mysterious way arises.
The Groups
SANCTUM
PAINTING · SCULPTING · SHARING
SANCTUM is a group for creatives who want to develop their artistic life and find their place within the wider creative world.
SANCTUM provides a place to make art alongside alongside other creatives. Maybe you already make art. Maybe you have a studio full of unfinished work. Maybe you simply want to make creativity a bigger part of your life. Whichever the case, SANCTUM gives that part of yourself room to grow.
There’s a lot of freedom in this group. If you want guidance, you can follow the activities and prompts we provide. If you have your own project to work on, you can run wild and explore it in your own way. No need to worry about finishing something every session. Just show up, relax into the peace of art-making, and stay connected to what matters to you, even when the uncertainty or everyday life rears its ugly head.
Developing a creative practice
Art isn’t just something you make in single pieces. It’s a life you build through sustainable practice. In SANCTUM we help you:
- develop the seeds of ideas into a body of work
- work through creative blocks
- discover what supports or disrupts your practice
- build confidence in your creative decisions
- become more comfortable talking about your work
- find ways to sustain creativity alongside everyday life
- gradually become more visible in the creative community
The aim is not to push yourself into productivity; you’re not a machine. It’s to live a creative life, to hold space for it in your heart, and to maintain connection to art even when life gets hectic.
From studio to wider world
For people who want to take their work further, SANCTUM includes optional support with the practical side of sharing work to the world.
This might include:
- developing a complete body of work
- preparing for an exhibition
- creating an artist statement or profile
- developing a portfolio
- exploring galleries, exhibitions, markets and other opportunities
- exploring ways to share your work online
- understanding basic aspects of creative business development
Every Thursday 10am – 4pm, during school terms in 2027 and beyond. With a 4-week taster in November 2026.
Capacity: 6 people
Facilitated by Jasmine Powell of Hollow Vessel and Lachlan Plain, artistic director of Sanctum Studio.
NEST
Making · Writing · Meditating
NEST is a creative group for women who want to make space for themselves and evolve into their creative life.
NEST is a place for women to slow down, turn inward, and be comfortable in a feminine space. If you want to express your creative self more fully, or if you have creative ideas you’ve carried around for years but haven’t had the place to realise them, we give you the space to fulfill those needs. NEST gives you the room to express your ideas, longings, and dreams in your own way and in your own voice, among other women who seek the same life.
We make things, write, meditate, and reflect as women, among women. Our intention is to develop a creative way of living, rather than focusing on creative output and achievement. We want women to experience their creative selves as an evolution as a flourishing being. You don’t need to perform. You don’t need to produce. You only need to listen to yourself and form a relationship with the creative parts of yourself that get hidden under the debris of a cluttered life.
Being a creative woman
Being creative is about living life with passion and fullness. We want to help you cultivate that life. In NEST we help you:
- recognise when to rest and when to stretch yourself
- notice what gives you energy and what depletes it
- work through creative blocks
- develop ways to communicating your ideas
- find ways to sustain creativity alongside everyday life
- tap into creative ideas hidden under layers of stress
- develop confidence in your creative identity
We aren’t looking for you to become a productive artist. It’s not about output. Instead, we want you to realise one of the most valuable things in the world, one that is so often supressed in a hectic world: the creative self.
Creative development
For women who want to take their creative practice further, NEST can also include optional support with developing and sharing your work.
This might include:
- developing a body of work
- finding a sustainable creative routine
- preparing work for exhibition or publication
- beginning to share your work online
- exploring creative business ideas
- thinking about workshops, markets or other opportunities
Every Tuesday, 10am – 4pm, during school terms in 2027 and beyond.
Capacity: 6 women
Facilitated by Jasmine Powell of Hollow Vessel and a co-facilitator (facilitator TBC).
WANDER
Art · Culture · Nature · Conversation
An outing group for creatives who want to get out into the world, experience interesting things and spend time with people who share their curiosity.
WANDER is a group designed to connect people through the very human act of wandering. Many of us spend time out in the world, visiting galleries to glimpse beauty, strolling in the bush to find a bit of peace. But sometimes, these experiences are better shared than done alone. This group connects wanderers to others, to socialise over works of art, or walks through the bush, or visits to exhibitions, or so many of the things that make Victoria such a wonderful place.
For those who experience a lot of pressure and stress in social situations, wandering together in shared spaces creates an easy pathway to conversation. You can stand side by side and talk about what you have seen together, rather than interviewing each other staring face to face. You don’t need to make small talk. You don’t need to disclose anything in particular about yourself. Instead, you can connect with other hearts and minds over a shared moment of interest.
Wandering the world
Because Victoria offers so many wonderful wonderings, we may visit:
- art galleries and exhibitions
- artist studios and talks
- museums and cultural spaces
- literary events and bookstores
- creative workshops
- markets and makers’ events
- gardens, architecture and design
- bush walks and nature excursions
- film, performance or other cultural events
- interesting places to eat
Every Friday 10am – 4pm, during the school terms from Term 2 in 2027 onward.
Capacity: 6 people
Facilitated by Jasmine Powell of Hollow Vessel and Lachlan Plain, artistic director of Sanctum Studio.
INK
WRITING · REFLECTING · PUBLISHING
INK is a group for people who want to find their voice through writing and thinking with others.
INK is a place to put words on the page without pressure. You can write in whatever form speaks to you, from stories, to poetry, to essays, memoir, articles or even things that aren’t easily defined. This isn’t for established writers. You don’t even need to think of yourself as a writer. You may simply feel a strong desire to express your ideas about yourself and the world. We want to give you a place to develop a practice, to use writing as a way to bring your inner soul into the light of the world.
We’ll write together, read, reflect and talk about the things that interest us. We’ll explore what happens when we give an idea our attention for long enough to see where it leads. There is no expectation that you need to share everything you write. You can read your work aloud, share a fragment, talk about an idea, or simply keep your writing to yourself. The group is about developing a relationship with your own voice as much as developing the writing itself.
Finding Your Voice
Writing is both a creative and intellectual tool. Not only does it help you express your inner mind; it helps you discover it. INK will help you:
- determine what styles suit your voice
- explore what you really want to say
- get clear in the expression of your ideas
- start noticing the tiny, often overlooked parts of life
- overcome fear of the blank page
- take ideas and develop them into complete pieces
- create a sustainable and ongoing practice
You don’t need to be an expert to get a lot out of writing. It is one of the best tools for discovering the rich inner life that mostly remains hidden from the world. We see writing as an act of discovery that anyone can access.
From Writing to Publishing
For people who want to take their writing further, INK can also provide optional support with self or industry publishing.
This might include:
- developing a portfolio of writing
- editing and refining work
- preparing submissions
- identifying suitable literary journals, publications or opportunities
- exploring self-publishing
- developing an author or writer profile
- building confidence in sharing your work
Every Wednesday 10am – 4pm, during the school terms from Term 3 in 2027 onward.
Capacity: 6 people
Facilitated by Jasmine Powell of Hollow Vessel and a co-facilitator (facilitator TBC).
Where?
Hollow Vessel is based at Allwood Neighbourhood House in Hurstbridge, Victoria, a quaint heritage cottage on two acres in a bush town at the end of the Hurstbridge train line.
901 Main Hurstbridge Road, Hurstbridge VIC 3099. Main entry and carpark via Arthurs Creek Road (Google Maps). To learn more about Allwood Neighbourhood House visit allwoodhouse.org.au.
WHEN?
2026
In November 2026 we will run the following 4-week taster:
- SANCTUM, an arts group for everyone on Thursdays from 10am – 4pm
2027 and beyond
Beginning in Term 1 2027 we will run the following groups:
- NEST, a women’s group on Tuesdays from 10am to 4pm.
- SANCTUM, an arts group for everyone on Thursdays from 10am to 4pm.
In Term 2 2027 we will introduce the following group in addition to NEST and SANCTUM:
- WANDER, a creative outing group for everyone on Fridays from 10am to 4pm.
In Term 3 2027 we will introduce our fourth group in addition to NEST, SANCTUM and WANDER:
- INK, a writer’s group for everyone on Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm.
In Term 4 2027 and beyond, we will offer our full suite of groups: NEST, SANCTUM, WANDER and INK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is SANCTUM for?
SANCTUM is open to people who want to develop their art and creative practice.
It may suit you if you:
- want to take your art more seriously
- want a regular place to make art alongside other creatives
- have a creative practice but struggle to maintain momentum
- have ideas you want to develop into a body of work
- want to experiment without the pressure of producing something commercially viable
- want to become more confident talking about your work
- want to gradually share your work with other people
- are interested in exhibitions, markets or other creative opportunities
- are curious about developing a creative business
- want to become more connected with the wider creative community
- want to find a sustainable way of making art alongside the rest of your life
Who is NEST for?
NEST is open to people who identify as women and who are drawn to creativity, reflection and a quieter way of connecting with others.
It may suit you if you:
- want more creativity in your life
- feel disconnected from your creative self
- have a creative practice but struggle to maintain it
- have ideas you want to develop
- want to write or make art alongside other women
- experience social connection more easily through shared activity
- want to develop greater awareness of your needs and limits
- are interested in meditation, stillness and self-care
- want to gradually build confidence in sharing your creative work
- are curious about where your creativity might lead
Who is WANDER for?
WANDER is for people who are curious and creative.
It may suit you if you:
- enjoy art, writing, culture, ideas or nature
- are comfortable being out in the community independently
- value depth over small talk
- enjoy thoughtful conversation
- have a wide range of interests
- want more meaningful social connection
- would like people to experience things with
- want to discover new places and creative communities
- want to develop a richer creative and social life
Who is INK for?
INK is open to anyone who identifies as creative and is drawn to writing, reflection and thoughtful conversation.
It may suit you if you:
- want to write more regularly
- have ideas you want to explore
- have a collection of unfinished pieces
- want to develop your confidence as a writer
- find it easier to connect through shared interests and ideas
What is a social work-led group?
These small, supportive groups combine creative practice, guided reflection and social-work intervention to support people experiencing psychosocial vulnerability.
We don’t use the word “disability” to describe the people who come here.
Hollow Vessel takes a person-in-environment approach.
Rather than asking only what is happening within you, we also consider the relationship between your wellbeing and your environment, relationships, identity, and life-activity.
The groups are facilitated by a qualified social worker and a support worker.
What are we trying to achieve?
Depending on your goals, the groups may support you to:
- develop and maintain meaningful relationships
- reduce social isolation and increase connection
- develop emotional awareness and regulation skills
- understand your nervous system and recognise when you are approaching your limits
- explore strengths, interests and values
- develop greater confidence in your creative practice
- gradually build confidence in sharing your creative work with others
What happens in the groups?
A typical session combines three elements:
We Make
We spend time making something, a work of art, a piece of writing etc.
Activities are accessible and adaptable. You’re also free to work on your own projects.
The emphasis is not on producing something impressive. It’s about self-expression and self-exploration in a small harmonious group of our peers.
We Reflect
We create space to notice things through our experiences: thoughts, feelings, preferences, strengths, resistances, realisations.
Reflection could be done with conversation, writing, or simply noticing.
We Connect
Conversation and shared activity are done in a relaxed way. You are not required to perform, nor are you required to disclose more than you’d like. And there is no expectation to be constantly social.
You can work quietly alongside someone.
You can join a conversation.
You can listen.
We’ll have lunch together.
We’ll go for a walk together.
These ordinary experiences can become the foundation for meaningful connection.
What if I want to share my work?
For people who want to take their creative work further, our groups can also provide a pathway toward sharing beyond the group.
As confidence and readiness develop, we’ll help you:
- develop a body of work
- prepare work for exhibitions, markets or other opportunities
- develop an artist profile and creative identity
- explore appropriate ways to share work online
- understand basic aspects of creative business development
- identify opportunities to connect with wider creative communities
- grow the confidence to speak about your work
The focus is on gradually building the confidence and practical knowledge to decide whether (and how) you want to share your work.
How are the groups billed?
For NDIS participants, Jasmine’s role is billed as Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living, and her co-facilitator’s role is billed as Core Supports – Assistance With Daily Life.
How do I find out more?
If these groups sound like something you’ve been looking for, the next step is to book a 30-minute discovery call with Jasmine.
This is a relaxed conversation to talk about you, your creative interests, what you’d like to develop, and what you’re hoping to get from being part of a group.
You don’t need to prepare anything, and you don’t need to decide whether you’re ready to join before we speak. Just have a chat.
We may talk about:
- what you’re currently making, writing or exploring
- what you’d like to have more space for in your life
- what you’re finding difficult or would like to develop
- how the group works
- any questions you have about the NDIS side of things
- whether Hollow Vessel feels like the right environment for you
It’s also an opportunity to get a sense of me and the space before deciding whether you’d like to come along. There is no obligation to join.
Book a 30-Minute Free Discovery Call HERE
Or to enquire, email Jasmine: nobody[at]hollowvessel[dot]au
Following the discovery call, if we agree that the program is suitable, we then book a 50-minute individual consultation with Jasmine billed as Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living. This session provides an opportunity to discuss your goals in detail and develop an individualised approach to support your participation.
Following this consultation we will complete the necessary service agreement before the group begins.
Hollow Vessel
Allwood Neighbourhood House
Hurstbridge, Victoria
Facilitated by Jasmine Powell, qualified social worker, writer and artist with lived experience and founder of Hollow Vessel.
MY EXPERIENCE
20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
I have over twenty years of experience working in the arts and mental health sectors. I have learnt how presence supports wellbeing and creativity.
'A valiant spirit'
"Jasmine Powell is a passionate, creative woman who draws on personal experience in her ardent quest for truth and justice. A valiant spirit with a heart of gold, striving to support and inspire others."
'A Couragous Voice'
"Jasmine Powell draws with reflective integrity and creativity on her own experiences living with mental health issues to offer inspiration, support and encouragement to others."
'Deep Compassion'
"Jasmine Powell has a deep compassion for and understanding of holistic health. She is also passionate about the environment and how it affects us in many ways."
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