Family fun this half term at our Things That Make Me Smile art exhibition
We’re inviting families to visit our Things That Make Me Smile art exhibition at The Workstation in Sheffield city centre this half term. Alongside exploring the amazing collection of artwork, children and adults can get creative with our activity sheet, take some fun family photos, and help decorate a giant pumpkin!
Organised by Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (SHPU) and Sheffield Flourish, with support from Sheffield Hospitals Charity, the exhibition celebrates the many different things that make us smile.
On display across two floors of The Workstation, the exhibition brings together more than 200 artworks created by people with lived experience of mental health, and those working in mental health support services.
The theme, Things That Make Me Smile, was chosen by SHPU service users and members of our CAST art and writing groups at Sheffield Flourish. Each contributor has interpreted the theme in their own way, creating a vibrant and varied collection that reflects the things that make life special.
Visitors can discover everything from crochet and clay to printing, photography, mosaics and mixed-media collage. Nature, landscapes, animals, hobbies, portraits and abstract creations all feature in this celebration of creativity and community.
Three fun activities to enjoy this half term
As well as exploring the exhibition, there are three activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
1. Discover what makes you smile
Pick up our Sheffield Flourish activity sheet and explore the exhibition with a mission to discover the things that make you smile. It’s suitable for children and adults, offering a fun way to look at the artwork and start conversations about what makes each of us smile.
2. Strike a pose in our photo booth
Gather your family or friends and head to our fun photo booth area. With funky frames and dressing-up props, you can take a playful photograph to remember your visit.
3. Add your own colourful dots to the giant pumpkin
Help create a collaborative artwork inspired by renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, famous for her bold polka dots and distinctive pumpkin artworks. Add your own colourful dots to our large pumpkin and become part of a vibrant piece of art created together by our visitors.
These simple activities are a chance to spend an hour or two of creative time together.
The exhibition celebrates the different things that bring people joy, whether it’s spending time in nature, enjoying a favourite hobby, connecting with animals or making something with our hands.
Plan your visit
Things That Make Me Smile is on display at:
The Workstation
15 Paternoster Row
Sheffield
S1 2BX
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm
The exhibition closes on Friday 30 October 2026, so half term is a great opportunity to come along and enjoy the exhibition before it ends.
Please note that viewing may be restricted on some days because of private events. If you’re planning a special trip, we recommend calling The Workstation on 0114 279 6511 before visiting.
We hope the exhibition inspires visitors to pause, explore and reflect on the people, places and activities that help them feel good and smile.
