Having grown up near MIMA (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art), Elissa was already familiar with its creative community, but it was the opportunity to be part of a space that truly valued young artists and encouraged creative freedom that drew her to join the Saturday Club. 

Through the Club, Elissa explored a wide range of artistic disciplines, from sculpture and textiles to literary art, developing both her confidence and artistic style. The experience broadened her understanding of what art could be and introduced her to new creative pathways such as art journalism, film and performance. 

Now preparing for university, Elissa reflects on how the Saturday Club shaped her practice, expanded her ambitions and continues to influence her work today. 

This is Elissa’s Saturday Club story… 

What sparked your interest in attending the Saturday Club at MIMA? 

“It sounds cliché – but I have always loved art. With MIMA being such a staple in the Middlesbrough art community, I spent a lot of time there seeing exhibitions and attending craft sessions. 

I had also completed work experience at the gallery twice, so I already knew how amazing the team were. What really drew me to the Saturday Club was that it was the first time I had heard of a space that truly valued young artists and creative liberty. 

It wasn’t just a drawing class. It felt like my moment to showcase and explore my relationship with art as a young person and to see how other people my age expressed themselves creatively.” 

Was there a difference between what you were learning at school and what you were doing at the Club? 

“I could define it quite simply. At school, we were seen as students, but at the Club we were seen as young artists. 

At school, we learned about artists, techniques and styles but not always how to develop our own individual approach. The Club gave us those foundations and the freedom to respond, whether that meant focusing on a specific aspect or integrating what we liked into our own work. 

There was also a real respect for how broad art can be. I explored ceramics, sculpture, textiles, literary art and organic art, all of which have influenced the work I now produce. 

The Club showed me that art isn’t just a pass time but something with real career possibilities.” 

Are there any moments from your time at the Saturday Club that really stood out to you? 

“That would be creating our Saturday Club newspaper (Title, MIMA Saturday Club 2023/24). I painted my own version of John Everett Millais’ A Huguenot, on St. Bartholomew’s Day in watercolour and wrote an article about why I liked the painting and how I approached my version. 

I remember it vividly because it brought my art and writing together. Seeing it shared publicly was amazing. It really sparked my interest in art journalism. 

Another key moment was working with local artist Bobby Benjamin. Before the Club, I had only explored 2D art, but his work with found objects and sculpture inspired me to create my own 3D piece using thrifted materials. We even exhibited our work alongside his at MIMA (as part of People Powered: Stories from the River Tees). 

Those moments at the Club have had a lasting impact on both my practice and future ambitions.” 

Did you learn about different careers you can go into through the Club? 

Our sessions were led by different artists which introduced us to a wide range of creative careers. Bobby Benjamin, for example, shared his creative journey and even took us to his gallery (Pineapple Black, Middlesbrough) where I sold my first artwork. 

Having sessions at MIMA also gave us insight into curating and we also explored careers outside of gallery spaces with Julian Lawrence who introduced us to working as a cartoonist, both in creative style and professionally. 

Between that and being offered opportunities for work experience with MIMA’s Learning Team, the Club really broadened my understanding of what a career in the arts could look like.” 

After leaving the Saturday Club, what have you been up to? 

“I’ve continued making art and submitting my work to open calls at local galleries, as well as exploring other creative areas. 

I took part in a BFI short film course with Writers’ Block North East, where I created a short film that’s been shown at film festivals. I worked across different roles, including acting, lighting and prop making.  

I also attended the National Youth Theatre summer course in Newcastle, where I received the Newcastle Digital Auditions Choice Award. That experience helped grow my interest for acting in a theatre. 

Alongside this, I’ve started writing poetry, inspired by techniques I learned at the Club and have gained the confidence to submit my work to competitions. I’m now preparing to study English at university and continue developing my interest in literary art.” 

Tell us about your experience of becoming a Saturday Club student assistant. What made you want to do it? 

“Knowing how much the Club helped me grow, both as an artist and as a person, I was really excited when Sophie invited me to become MIMA Saturday Club’s Student Assistant (2025/26). It felt like a chance to give something back. 

Being on the other side does feel a bit different. I’m more aware of how I can support Club members develop their ideas and reach their artistic goals. 

It’s really rewarding to share my techniques and see members experiment with them in their own work. It feels like a full-circle moment, and it makes me feel really proud.” 

Did you develop any specific skills at the Saturday Club that you still use today? 

Yes, both creatively and personally. 

One of the most important skills I developed was the ability to respond to a brief and collaboration. 

Art is subjective. Working with others, each with different ideas interpretations, taught me how to adapt and create as a group, which I still use today.” 

What advice would you give to young people considering joining a Saturday Club? 

Be completely and entirely confident in yourself as an artist, not just as a young person attending a club. The Club really respects you and your ideas. 

Go in with an open mind. You might try things you’re not used to but that’s how you grow. It allows you to experiment, develop your style and meet people you can collaborate with or just gain friends who share a passion. 

Even if you’re unsure about art, don’t be put off! There’re so many things to explore that you’ll find something you enjoy. 

Who or what inspires you most at the moment? 

“Persian art inspires me so much. I feature the colour palette and motifs a lot in my work. I feel such admiration for my culture and creating allows me to express my connection with others. To me, art is all about exposing emotions, so to be able to embrace and share Iranian culture is so special to me.  

In film, Abbas Kiarostami has been a big influence. His storytelling and cinematography are really powerful. 

I’m also a big DC comics nerd – their comic book style and character design influences my sketchbook doodles. I’m also inspired by Gustav Klimt, whose use of pattern and shape inspires my own pieces. 

If there’s one thing you could change in the world through creativity, what would it be? 

I’d love to contribute to creating spaces where young artists can share their work freely, in environments that are both creative and environmentally conscious.” 

During one of my sessions as a student assistant, we worked with a team called SAWDUST (Founding Directors Will Hughes – artist and winner of Tees Valley Artist of the Year 2025 – and Dr Bobby Bailey – Creative Placemaking Consultant) who were passionate about open, green spaces. That really inspired me.