Denise McGowan is a founding member of Creative Drayton and the creative force behind Therapeutic Art, where her passion for art blends with a profound understanding of its therapeutic benefits.

A Lifelong Creative Journey 

Denise's creative journey began at an early age, learning the intricacies of textiles from her grandmother. Armed with a degree in textiles, she embarked on a teaching career in Textiles and Art at secondary schools. Post-1998, Denise transitioned from full-time teaching to designing and creating evening and wedding wear before moving to Market Drayton in 1999.

Establishing a Creative Space 

In Market Drayton, Denise set up a creative haven where both children and parents could explore a wide array of arts and crafts. Despite being involved in a separate business until 2022, she continued to support creative workshops in schools and ran small workshop groups from home.

Expanding into Therapeutic Art

In 2017, Denise broadened her skills by training as a counsellor and earning a Postgraduate Certificate in Psychology. This enabled her to offer Therapeutic Art/Art Therapy sessions, promoting healing and self-expression. Her workshops flourished, and she rediscovered her love for watercolour painting. In 2023, Denise exhibited her paintings for the first time in a gallery in Lancashire and has since had her work featured in several exhibitions. She also takes commissions and has her artwork reproduced on cards.

Teaching and Workshops

Denise's passion lies in enabling others to tap into their creativity. She serves as a resident Artist at a local primary school and teaches watercolour sessions at the Market Drayton Library. Her artistic repertoire includes watercolours, acrylics, textiles, felting, stained glass, silver clay, silversmithing, mosaic making, and millinery.