Workshops: Art in English. Art Therapy

Art workshops with refugees . Hong Kong 

I started art workshops with refugees when I was working at the British Council Hong Kong. The British Council gave the space and Christian Action supplied the materials. A group of refugees came every Friday afternoon. At first the group fluctuated but after a few weeks , I had a solid group who came every week. They were from Yemen, Somalia, Eritrea, Togo and Ethiopia. They were generous people with little or no experience of art materials but with much enthusiasm. At first I suggested ideas to them while trying to vary the choice of materials as much as possible. I gave practical examples and support but I wanted to help them gain confidence in their own creative ideas an to find a way for them to express themselves. During the sessions we chatted and listened to music from their home countries. They told me about their lives before being refugees and their hopes for the future . They are strong and resourceful people but obviously being separated from families, culture and not being able to work in Hong Kong they also carried some frustration and sadness. The art sessions offered a place to be, a group of friends and a creative process supported by the group. The workshops lasted one year, culminating in an exhibition and a workshop to make a collaborative piece of work with local Hong Kong residents , based on the wave painting by Hokusai. 

The exhibition gave the refugees a chance to meet local people and foreigners and tell them about their situation as well as having their work on show and feeling respected and esteemed. It was wonderful to be part of this experience and I feel very lucky to have met them.

The refugees average wait for asylum is eight years. During this time they are not allowed to work and many are made examples of with fines or prison for doing so. Many of them come escaping danger and in some cases they are following the news as their home towns are destroyed , unable to make contact with their families.

The sessions on Fridays were humbling for me as the group were always kind, incredibly grateful and modest about their work. I hope to be able to more work like this soon. 

English through art for children and adults.

I give Art /English classes for children between four and thirteen. I can do this online or face to face.  The making of art gives children an opportunity to extend their fluency while doing something they love. This combination is very good for teenagers who feel demotivated in certain areas at school. It also allows them to develop their self expression and interests in culture and communication. At this age children tend to be less inhibited and more curious allowing them to learn at a good pace while they enjoy making art. Art and craft develops dexterity and confidence. Many children can surprise us with their creative ideas and will learn to solve problems and make decisions, making the experience memorable so the language sticks.

I also offer Art Therapy for children or adults one to one or in groups. Art Therapy allows us to work through difficulties or deeply imbedded ideas which cause us problems in our relationships or motivation. Art Therapy is a slow process as the making or art is the process which brings up issues which may be difficult to discuss but can be worked through through art making and responding to the art work. I am a qualified and experienced Art Therapist.