Watercolor Workshops for the Workplace!

Watercolor Workshops for the Workplace!


This article is for workplace experience coordinators and wellness analysts who focus on team-building events for their employees. I've been hosting watercolor workshops for YEARS. I've worked with brands like Moët-Henn

essy, Pinterest, Chewy, The Dallas Mavericks, and now VISA! Here are a few things I've learned along the way that help the 

workshops go smoothly!

Before the workshop: 

• Ask your workshop host if they require any technology. This can include a projector for presentations, perhaps a docu-camera, or even just a microphone can go a long way.
• Make sure the room is equipped for their needs and the tech is working properly! The last thing you need is to have tech problems 30 minutes before the workshop is supposed to start!
• Make sure you have the cords and speakers needed and ready to go.
• When your workshop artist arrives, show them around, making note of the the nearest restroom and sink! Assist them with setting up tech if required.

Start with Wine and  Hors d'oeuvres!

• • • • Spring for the catering. Normally, a catering service will work within your budget and can accommodate guests' dietary restrictions easily. They have professionals who will take care of setup, bartending, and cleanup! This way, you don't have to worry about a thing and can focus on greeting guests as they arrive.
• As guests arrive, it's always best to start the evening off strong by helping them feel nourished. The snack will help satiate everyone after a long day, and the wine will loosen everyone up. Why is this important? Firstly, we want the event to be fun, not feel like more work. This is the time for coworkers to get to know each other outside the office and become more social. If everyone is feeling comfortable and supported, then they'll be able to enjoy the project so much more! Once people feel relaxed, their brushstrokes become looser and the process becomes a lot easier!
  
• • • • While guests are mingling, this is the time for your artist to set up all the supplies. Depending on the project, this could be anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. Make sure they have enough uninterrupted time so they feel prepared to teach. Its always frustrating for the workshop leader to have to "entertain" 
        impatient guests while they are still setting up. Personally, I have streamlined this entire process so I can set up a class of 60 people in about 20 minutes.
      • Offer your presenter a bottle of water or a drink if you are serving! It helps your speaker to loosen up, too!

Introduce your workshop artist!

Remember that you are hosting with them, and no one in the room knows your artist's background or expertise. It's always best for the event coordinator to introduce the person who will be taking over for the next 2 hours.

All you have to say is their name, possibly how you know them, and the goal of today's event. Then, pass the mic, and let them take over by sharing their background.

During the workshop

• Check on your presenter in between instructions. They may be having tech problems or need assistance in some way. If nothing else, it's just courteous.
  
• Take lots of pictures and videos! Documenting the event will ensure the experience will be remembered and appreciated. It will be supportive evidence if you need to share what wellness activities you've created for your company. Here are some specific shots that will be useful in the future: 
  • The wine/hors d'oeuvres served before they are eaten.
  • Guests mingling before the workshop begins
  • Long shots of the entire room.
  • Candid group shots of each table
  • A few individual process pictures of participants that 
    aredoing amazing
  • Pictures of the presenter to send to them afterwards
  • Guests laughing during the process
  • Final paintings, both individually posed and a group pose!
    
• In some situations, the group is there to party and not paint. If your guests are being rowdy or disrespectful, it would be helpful to turn everyone's attention back to the presenter.
• You should be able to enjoy the experience too! Even if you don't finish your painting with everyone else, hopefully, you still have a chance to sit down and try it.

Closing the event

• Your presenter has probably allotted a specific amount of time for the workshop. When 10 minutes are remaining, give participants some indicators that the event is coming to an end. This can be done elegantly with a few closing remarks:
  • Ask: How has everyone enjoyed the experience?
    
  • Thank the presenter for coming and teaching the group
  • Inform participants where to shop for their products or follow their Instagram.
  • Instruct guests where the trash bins are or to take any extra food with them.
  • Gather groups up for a final painting photo.
• If it seems like guests are going to stay and linger a while, make sure you give your presenter the option to head out after their time is up. A thank you gift is sometimes given, but never expected.

The next day

• Follow up with participants via email. You may want to create a short survey with 5-10 questions about everyone's experience.
  
  • Did they enjoy the process? 
  • Were the instructions helpful? Did the painting help you relax?
  • Do you want more creative events in the future?
  • Did you follow the artist on social media or purchase from their shop?
  • Do you feel more comfortable with your coworkers?
  • Did this leave a positive impression about your employer?
  • Did it boost your company morale?
  • Did you learn something new about yourself?
  • Do you feel accomplished?
• Check in on your presenter as well! Thank them for their time and share some of the feedback you received! If you'd like to have them back in the future, let them know you'll be in touch. If you have any referrals to offer, this is the appropriate time to do so. Send them any pictures you've taken, they might appreciate.

I hope all of my tips can help you host better wellness activities at your company. Want more suggestions for creative workshops? Let me know!

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