After the Chinese Calligraphy workshop on the 29th, our next artist-led workshop was on the 9th of March 2024. Typically, our workshops are geared to elderly and disabled participants, as our workshops are always on a Thursday between 10:30AM and 12:30PM.
However, for this workshop, we decided to work with a group of children (alongside their parents) instead of our usual participants. On top of this, we also changed the venue, date, and time of the workshops to accommodate this. Instead of being in our usual spot, we were based in the Rotunda part of Beckton Globe Library in the afternoon on a Saturday.
What we did in the workshop- 09/03/2024
For this workshop, we brought Zoe back to lead the session. We focused on Western Abstract Art in this workshop to expand the kids’ understanding of Western culture. Regarding the supplies the group could use, we kept it simple by providing only paint.
Asking a group of children to go ham with some painting supplies with no structure is a recipe for disaster- especially with something like Abstract art. To provide that structure for the group, we had some music playing throughout the session to get them to focus on how the music made them feel and how it sounded to help them create their artwork: whether they wanted to use shapes or paint a face made from random lines, it was up to them!
I think the music was really useful, as it helped the kids ground their creative practice and made it easier for them to imagine their artwork and then attempt to put it to page with assistance from us or a parent or carer. Another thing I think helped participants understand the basics of abstract art was the handouts on the table featuring artists like Mondrian and Vincent Van Gogh. The handouts were useful because they provided a visual of what abstract art can look like. Plus, the images gave the children another reference point if the music wasn’t helping or if they wanted resources in another format.
Another way to learn about other cultures and bridge those gaps is through food. So, similar to how we had Chinese candy available at the tables in the last artist-led workshop, we had an English Afternoon tea-based lunch. We had a range of finger sandwiches, such as Cheese and cucumber and strawberry jam. For something sweet, we also had Cupcakes topped with Icing and strawberries, which our leader, Sue, baked specially for the session, which helped bring the whole lunch together as an afternoon tea isn’t an Afternoon Tea without a small dessert.
Feedback and photos
We were excited for this workshop, as it was another example of the doors the PPP grant has opened for us! We wouldn’t be able to change a venue for a session or work with other artists to lead these workshops without it. Plus, it was a lovely experience to work with a different age demographic within the borough.
Playing the music throughout the session was a great idea for this workshop. However, because we were in the Rotunda level of Beckton Library, the sound from the speakers wouldn’t travel far, making it difficult to hear. To make sure participants could hear the music properly, we would have the kids sit near the speaker in groups for a minute or two to get a grasp of the melody and begin to have an idea about the music, i.e. how the tone makes them feel, or have a sense of movement which they could use to help create their abstract art when they went back to their tables.
The anonymous feedback forms that were filled out at the end of the workshop were filled with positive comments and good ideas on how we could improve future workshops:
“Maybe a little bit more organised activities, more structured.”
“Not sure how feasible it is, but would love some painting for the adults too :)”
“For me, it was perfect. More music, maybe?”
As a team, we took this advice on board, and if we were to do this type of workshop with music again, we would endeavour to make the music easier to hear and find more ways to actively involve the parents in the sessions.
Overall, the Western Abstract Art workshop was a success; participants created plenty of bright, dynamic and creative artwork. In fact, the group was so inspired by the workshop that we had a whole floor’s worth of work to dry so people could take it home at the end. Below are some photos of the art they created:
Persian Poetry Workshop- 04/04/2024
For our next artist-led workshop on the 4th April 2024, we decided to invite the group from the Western Abstract Art workshop to a session held at our normal meeting place and time- alongside our regulars. We thought we could use this workshop during a half-term to bridge intergenerational gaps. Which is another common divide that affects many communities.
Our artist leading the session for that week was Neda Dana Haeri, a painter and printmaker. Her artworks are inspired by Eastern Philosophy and Persian Poetry.
If you want to see Neda’s art or to find out more, here’s a link to her Instagram and Website.
That week’s artworks were also inspired by poetry, as we used a poem from a collaborative project called Unbound Expressions as our guide.
Both the English and Persian versions of the poem would be available on tables (as photocopies, so they could take them home). Using the poem, they could create an artwork, either based on the poem or painting images inspired by it, such as Roots and Birds.
At Art For Fun, we also like to provide food and drink (on a normal workshop day, it’s a good cup of Tea or Coffee and a biscuit).) But for workshops led by outside artists focused on creating stronger cultural links within Beckton, we like to go further with the refreshments. Whilst also making it linked to the culture we’re exploring in the workshop!
On offer for refreshments were a range of Iranian and Turkish foods and drinks, including Falafel, Baklava, and Iranian Tea with Golden Sugar and Saffron. The Iranian Tea with Golden Sugar and Saffron was my favourite!
We anticipated many children arriving for the session. However, on the day, we didn’t get as high a turnout as expected. Sometimes this happens with event planning, especially when kids are involved! Anything from an unexpected tummy bug to just not feeling up to going out can change plans, especially during a holiday.
Feedback and photos
We got many positive comments on our feedback forms, such as:
” Inspiring. The poem provided a prompt. lovely assortment of materials. The pattern books were gorgeous. Peaceful and satisfying.”
” Warm welcome, lovely art supplies.”
” [I enjoyed) having to think of a painting to go with the poem.”
There was a common piece of feedback we got for this workshop, which was ” More pictures (demonstration)”. For future workshops, we will provide more examples of work and demonstrations, including having a volunteer work 1:1 with a participant when needed.
Below are some finished pieces from the workshop:
Thank you for reading about what we got up to in the first half of 2024! Our next couple of posts will catch you up to speed on what Art For Fun did throughout the rest of 2025.
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