A Creative Haven in Shoreham
On a sunny Tuesday afternoon in October, Aimi and Lulu dropped in to Over the Moon, a fantastic non-profit arts project, nestled in the heart of Shoreham.
Known for its vibrant community spirit and imaginative offerings, Over the Moon has become a beloved haven for art enthusiasts of all ages.
Tucked away on a footpath behind the bustle of Shoreham village, Over the Moon feels like a hidden treasure trove, waiting to be discovered by those seeking a spark of creativity. The route to the entrance was adorned with whimsical art made from recycled materials, hinting at the treasures we were about to discover inside!
Upon arriving, we were greeted by a very smiley and enthusiastic Emily (director and co-founder) and the delightful chaos of creativity enveloped us like a warm hug. We were surrounded by creative projects on every surface: collages, knits, crocheted flower bouquets, paintings and sculptures, all bursting with handmade charm.
Emily brings an infectious enthusiasm that energises the entire space. Her straightforward passion for creativity and community makes it easy to see why so many people are drawn to this project.
Over the Moon is not just a place; it’s a vibrant community hub where creativity flourishes. It finds its home in a charming building aptly named The Circular Space, a nod to the circular economy ethos that inspires the entire project. The Circular Space encompasses the Creative Space, where vibrant artistic activities unfold, the Garden Space, an outdoor area that invites nature-inspired and really messy projects and the Scrap Space (more on this below!).
The project runs an array of low cost, weekly, monthly and pop-up arts activities for all age groups and abilities, from toddlers to seasoned artists: Art Clubs and Crafty Coffee Mornings, Messy Play sessions, Sewing Machine Basics classes, Knitting and Embroidery meets, a monthly Repair Café where you can bring your broken household items and learn how to fix them, there is something for everyone.
But what truly captured our imagination was the astonishing Scrap Space! Rooms filled to the brim with materials that would make any crafter swoon. From shiny buttons to colourful fabrics, scrap paper to retired toys, the store was a dreamland for crafty souls.
The Scrap Space is one of Over the Moon’s standout features, and for good reason. It’s a place where waste transforms into art, and imagination knows no bounds. The philosophy behind the space is simple: encourage people to use reclaimed materials for their creative projects. For a very small membership fee (day or annual options), you can access this amazing resource of low cost reclaimed materials for any artistic endeavour you can dream up. With the world becoming increasingly conscious of sustainability, Over the Moon champions this ethos by providing resources that would otherwise end up in landfill.
Our visit to Over the Moon left us genuinely inspired. The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with the amazing resources available, made it clear that this is a place where imagination thrives.
For more information about Over the Moon, their activity sessions, courses and, of course, the amazing Scrap Space, check out their website here: https://www.weareoverthemoon.org