Thursday 21 November 2013

iPad engAGE goes to the 'Art of Good Health and Well-being' Conference in Sydney, Australia


During November i have had the fantastic opportunity of attending and facilitating iPad engAGE workshops at the 'Art of Good Health and Well-being' Conference in Sydney, Australia. 

We started off with a Critical Mass meeting held by Mike White from Durham, discussing collaboration in a wider context. It really got everyone debating and sharing ideas of how to take this forward so the 'Arts and Health' worlds could collaborate effectively. (The group from Critical Mass is shown in the snap above!)

The conference then began on the Tuesday - full of presentations, workshops, choirs, hospital clowns - finishing the conference with a communal dance piece!! It was a great experience and i found out about international Projects and Research that are ongoing across the world. 

The iPad engAGE workshops worked well and even got to collaborate with Simone Flavelle from DADAA on the stARTspeak project (using iPads creatively for individuals with learning disabilities). This was a huge learning point for me as it opened up the possibility of iPad engAGE and who it is focussed at.

I look forward to seeing which collaborations and discussions evolve as a result from this fabulous conference!!

Creative Care, A Helix Arts Project













As part of the Helix Arts Project - 'Creative Care' two artists were appointed for different sections of time. This meant that i could co-collaborate with Claire Webster-Saaremets and come up with themes for the workshops with separate outcomes - both Visual Arts and Music / Theatre. 
One of the themes was 'Weather' with some of the Visual Outcomes shown above. With Creative Care been a Pilot Project we are now looking into ways of how the outcomes can become ONE as a final piece...watch this space for developments... 

A few more from the 'Painting Memories' Project


I thought i would share a few more snaps from the 'Painting Memories' Project which were taken by RT Projects. I think they really sum up the importance of the Arts and how the workshops have been beneficial for carers to communicate effectively with their loved ones who have Dementia. 
The 'Painting Memories' Project has now come to an end at Melbury Court but i will be started in a new Residential Care Home come January - so keep posted to find out more about their Creative Journey!

Friday 4 October 2013

Painting Memories Project


The Painting Memories Project is now in full swing in which i am working on at Melbury Court in Durham. The aim is to inspire new ways of communication in the present moment. It is not about reminiscence. Therefore multi-sensory and tactile visual art activities are opening new opportunities for discussion! It is amazing how powerful the arts can be....

Creative Care Project, Helix Arts

I am really excited to start a new project called 'Creative Care' which is working with Age UK in Gateshead to develop a new set of creative activities on behalf of Helix Arts. Keep updated for developments!

iPad Creative Workshops at Rural Arts and The Bradbury Centre!

We have recently released lots of iPad Creative Workshops at both Rural Arts in Thirsk and at the Bradbury Centre in Castleton. Why not come and unleash your creative potential using an iPad? 

For dates, prices and art specialist iPad workshops:

For Rural Art Workshops visit:
http://www.ruralarts.org/product_categories/digital-courses/

For Bradbury Centre Workshops visit: 
http://www.abbeyfield.com/accommodation-search/northern/e/esk-moors-lodge-bradbury-centre-yo21-2ed/

Film development at the Castle Museum, York


After six weeks of workshops, discussions, laughs and honesty we have recorded a range of medium that will be developed into a short film, as part of funding that was given by the York Committee on behalf of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. The film will present how individuals live 'WELL' with Dementia, showing the journey to be life changing and certainly not life ending. 

Keep Posted for the final Film on:
www.enrichinglifewithcreativeexpression.blogspot.com 

iPad engAGE is supported by CrowdFunder and Arts Council England to its next Phase!

Great News! iPad engAGE has been re-funded by Arts Council England to develop onto Phase Two of its creative journey!! This means that there will be a total of four artists working in Residential Care Homes across the North East for a significant amount of time using iPads to develop Creativity, improving lives of individuals living with Dementia!
This funding will also be supporting iPad engAGE to go to Australia to deliver a workshop and share findings and visions for the future with leaders in this work from all over the world! 

On top of this CrowdFunder UK has showcased iPad engAGE and due to the support of backers we have raised enough support to purchase four additional iPads! They will be developed onto a loan system for families and individuals as well as in the upcoming phase two - with many creative exhibitions along the way!

If you would like additional information on iPad engAGE visit:
www.ipad-engage.blogspot.co.uk 




Friday 23 August 2013

iPad engAGE on Crowd Funder!!

 
 
We are NEARLY THERE!! iPad engAGE is on Crowd Funder UK and we hope to raise £2000 to buy four new iPads. These four iPads will be developed into a loan system for individuals with Dementia who cannot afford to buy one themselves. Training and support will be given to these individuals, supported by regular workshops, concluding in a Creative Outcome Exhibition.

If you would like to find out more about the iPad engAGE Project go to:
http://www.ipad-engage.blogspot.co.uk/

WE NEED YOUR HELP to reach our goal!!

If you would like to pledge - you will then be part of the iPad engAGE Community, receive your reward and be part of the weekly updates and newsletter.
You can help here at:
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ipad-engage/

Painting Memories Project, RT Projects

RT Projects have developed a new project called 'Painting Memories' which uses Visual Arts to transform communication for individuals with Dementia. It is inspired by the 'Meet Me at MOMA' project in New York and will incorporate Gallery Visits too.

I will be delivering on part of the project and i am excited to put into practice all of my experience and aspire to develop in Gallery stimulation for individuals with Dementia. I am really looking forward to this project as it incorporates all of my experience!

Keep Posted for developments and photographs!

Mental Health Support..

I have been asked to deliver three six week workshops at various settings across the Hambleton and Richmondshire Districts. They will consist of Taster Workshops developing into more detailed techniques and finished pieces.

You can see how Mental Health Support embeds into its communities here: 
http://www.4mhs.org/

THE WHITWORTH WEEKENDING!!

The Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester is under construction and therefore holding a huge closing event from Friday 30th of August to Sunday 1st of September! Its a must VISIT and must SEE with fantastic Drop In Activities along with LIVE Music and Digital Performances!

Check this link out for an overview of what is taking place:
http://www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/whatson/exhibitions/weekending/

I will be facilitating these two activities:

Clay Creations Get messy making mythical forest creatures to hide around the park.

Painting with Nature
Make a paintbrush with sticks, twigs, leaves and your imagination and create your own masterpiece


COME AND SAY HI!

Castle Museum Project, York

I have recently begun a new project working at the Castle Museum in York. The idea is to develop a film with individuals with Dementia (living at home) about 'living with Dementia' and their experiences. We are the initial stages at the moment and this will conclude at the end of September. This is funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and directed by Emily Abbott.

Keep Posted for the final film!

4D Project NOW COMPLETED!

My work with the 4D Creative team is now coming to an end. We have been working at Aintree Hospital in Liverpool for the last few months on their Dementia Ward. It has been an adventure developing stimulus to inspire conversation and activity on the ward using the 4D Technology. We will conclude our journey next week with the final Evaluations.

Salford Community Leisure - Training

I was invited by Salford Community Leisure to facilitate a Mixed Art Form Training Workshop for Health Staff in the Salford area. Staff were from many places such as Age UK, Alzheimer's Society and various Care Homes.

The theme i used was 'Flowers and Gardening' and all Art Forms were covered - demonstrating how all the senses can be incorporated inspiring a greater sensory stimulation for individuals with Dementia.

It was apparent that the delegates got alot from the session and left inspired and enthused to try some new techniques around many different themes!

Camerata Project, Manchester

A collaborative project was set up between the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester, the Camerata and with myself (incorporating my iPad engAGE Practice)...not to mention Shore Green (an independant living facility in Wythenshawe). This was a Pilot Project to understand how digital art and music can be combined to create a finished piece, developed by individuals with Dementia.

We facilitated three workshops each (The Camerata and Myself) but due to the time constraint it wasn't possible to develop a coherant relationship between the two art forms which made sense for the individuals and therefore we kept them seperate. They worked really well and through evaluative feedback we aware of the next steps if the project is developed further.

As part of this project, a film was developed to record its process. Watch this space! I will add it on shortly when it has been edited!

BREEZE 2013

BREEZE IS BACK for 2013 and i have only had chance to facilitate two workshops at the annual young peoples festival in Leeds! I delivered 'Recycled Jewellery Workshops' which were very popular - with girls and boys leaving with all sorts of upcycled accessories!

If you would like to attend the upcoming BREEZE or MINI BREEZE festivals check out the website below! There is so much to do!
http://www.breezeleeds.org/pg/2/Breeze_on_Tour

Digital Cultures Presentation, Newcastle

I had the fantastic opportunity of presenting my ideas around the iPad engAGE project to the Digital Cultures Group as part of the TWAM network. This was really interesting and due to the conversations and debates evolving from the group it inspired other ideas for digital work with older people.

If you would like to be involved in the next networking event contact John Coburn with an expression of interest at:
john.coburn@twmuseums.org.uk

Young People PASSED their Arts Award!!

After 5 months of workshops, visits, writing and personal development the young people from TARGET in Redcar were moderated for their BRONZE Arts Award and passed with flying colours, as part of the 'Moving On' Initiative directed by Tees Valley Arts.

It was a pleasure to be the Host Artist on this project and support the young people from beginning to end. The final event exhibiting their creative outcomes and presentation ceremony really brought a sense of pride and empowered the young people significantly.

These are a couple of the final Glass Pieces, created with Artist Rachel Gretton:


Colour Your Life, Arts on Prescription

'Colour your life aims to provide free access to artistic and creative activities promoting positive mental health and well-being'.

Check out their Promo Film which has just been released this week at:
http://vimeo.com/72759470

For the last 3 months i have been working on a Wednesday at The Lodge in Blackhill and Consett Park...and have recently changed over to the Tuesday sessions in Stanley (Venue changed). I have facilitated many Creative Techniques from Batik to Quilting and Printing. Being part of their creative journey over a long period you begin to see how the arts dramatically contribute to positive mental health and change lives. We recently did an evaluation and one piece of feedback read: 'If i didn't come here, i wouldn't leave the house'. Colour Your Life really do provide an essential service.

Here are a few of the outcomes from a variety of the workshops! The colours are fantastic!










iPad engAGE on Creative Dementia Arts Network..

In the next couple of weeks iPad engAGE will be on the Creative Dementia Arts Network and you will be able to find it at:
http://www.creativedementia.org/

I will also be delivering an interactive workshop at their National Conference on the 8th of April which i am really looking forward to! Keep Posted via their website to sign up for this fantastic conference!

Sunday 18 August 2013

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR UPDATES....

iPad engAGE on Crowd Funder NEEDS YOU!!!


 


www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ipadengage/ 

The iPad engAGE Pilot Project which was undertaken from July 2012 to April 2013 was life changing for many of the participants who were part of its curious and digitally engaging journey. The most effective creative apps on the iPad became apparent, responding to the level of dementia in each setting. At the end of this Pilot Four Exhibitions were developed in the settings which really highlighted how digital creativity had inspired and changed the paradigm of dementia from negative to positive.

The main aim of iPad engAGE is to empower and provide new opportunities for this hard to reach group, allowing them to experience creative excellence supported through an iPad.

iPad engAGE hopes to raise £2,000 to purchase four additional iPads. These iPads will be used to explore creativity and the outcomes will be exhibited. The iPads will engage individuals with dementia, health staff and loved ones, inspiring a wider community.
By producing an exhibition it will give the participants a sense of pride and acheivement, allowing them to explore the links between digital media and physical outcomes. From my previous experience individuals benefit from Apps which relate closely to everyday tasks, this exhibition will bring the creations to life.

The four iPads will be used in facilitated iPad engAGE workshops alongside a supported loan system. During this time individuals will have the chance to explore and build on their creative confidence to create pieces for the final Exhibition. The iPads will also provide iPad Creativity Training for Health Staff and Artists to raise awareness of the importance of Digital Arts in Dementia Care.

The iPad engAGE workshops will be facilitated over approximately a year. The exhibition will then combine various Art Forms and levels of Dementia, with input off care staff, families and friends.

THE EXHIBITION
What will the Exhibition do?
o Promotes Digital Arts as an art form for older people
o Dementia awareness to the wider community
o A sense of self worth for individuals
o Confidence
o Pride!!
o Creates a digital age
o Provides an end goal and point of focus

If we raise even more than our target the iPad engAGE Exhibition will then tour, promoting this type of work as a platform for individuals with dementia.

Any sponsor would be much appreciated and contribute to this Generation! Its now time to give back to those who taught us....

If the target is NOT reached, you will receive all of your monies back….

If you would like access to any of the final iPad engAGE Evaluations, feel free to get in touch at: Claireford88@hotmail.com

(The full version of the film above can be found at: http://www.ipadengage.blogspot.co.uk/p/news.html)

Sunday 7 July 2013

Bristol - Culture, Health and Well-being Conference...INSPIRED!

I was fortunate enough to attend the Monday and Tuesday at the Culture, Health and Well-being, Bristol Conference 2013. It was a truly enriching experience in which i met all sorts of Medical and Creative Practitioners from all around the world as well as participating in many interactive workshops and seminars.

I will be writing a small report on my experiences which will be added to this blog shortly! Keep Posted!

Mortality : Death and Imagination

Make sure you go and see the Mortality : Death and Imagination Exhibition at the Holden Gallery! Open from the 5th of July to the 16th of August!

http://www.holdengallery.mmu.ac.uk/2013/mortality/

Manchester Eye Hospital - Arts for Health, North West Presentation

As part of the Culture Shots initiative i was asked to speak abaout the development of iPad engAGE at Manchester Eye Hospital in the Atrium. It was great for the general public during visiting hours to pass us by and see what was happening along with a group of various Arts and Health Practitioners...
It is always good to get feedback and opinions off others in the field and it has certainly got me thinking about others ways of how to progress the project!

Rodney Peppe Exhibition at Gallery Oldham Inspires Animations!

Yesterday i was working in Gallery Oldham on the Drop In Activity for Families in response to the Rodney Peppe Exhibition....some fantastic Animations were created!

Using iPads we used them for creating stop animation stills to bring toy objects to life!

Check them out at:
www.ipadcreativityatgalleryoldham.blogspot.co.uk

VARIABLE Film...

I came across this fantastic film last week - Check it Out!
Hy Snell didn't even let his eyesight stop him painting! Absolutely inspirational for working with Older People!

http://wearevariable.com/portfolio-post/1024/

Harrogate Ladies College, Year 4 - Willow Sculptures!

I had the fantastic opportunity of working with all of Year 4 at Harrogate Ladies College on their last week of term before Summer! Excitement was high and everyone was very engaged in the Willow Sculpture Making!

The craft was perfected by the Year 4 Pupils and we made a variety of pieces from Lanterns to Flowers. Working in groups of 3, skills in Group Work were developed! It was great fun! The teachers now hope to incorporate these into their curriculum next year...

Sunday 30 June 2013

BREEZE Festival 2013

BREEZE is back again for the Summer and i will be delivering a few workshops for various aged young people...in RECYCLED JEWELLERY!

Come along on the 20th of July to 'Lark in the Park' (East End Park, East End Parade, Leeds)
From 11:30 - 3:30

and on the....1st of August (Date and Place to be confirmed!)...

To find out more about the other BREEZE Festivals across Leeds click below for more information:
http://www.breezeleeds.org/

You will never leave BREEZE without a smile on your face - it is alot of fun!

iPad Art / Camerata Collaboration on behalf of The Whitworth Art Gallery

The Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester have designed a collaborative project between myself, Shore Green in Wythenshawe and the Camerata based in Manchester.

The idea is that i work solely with a group at Shore Green creating all sorts of creative outcomes using only iPad Technology. The first session was last week and it went down very well - with all residents enjoying and understanding the Technology straight away. I am looking forward to developing this and pushing them even further in the realms of creating outcomes.

From these final pieces the Camerata will then work with the same group to transform the Art Pieces into Music Compositions. With a huge cross over between Art Forms i am looking forward to seeing the end results and finding out how the group found the creative process.

I hope to add the final Creative Outcomes from the iPad and Music Compositions to this Blog in the upcoming month/s....so keep looking back!

4D Creative at Aintree Hospital - Phase Two!

After the first part of the 4D Creative Project and mid evaluation points we have began the second phase of Creative Stimulation Workshops, inspired by the 4D Creative Immersive Space.

With a change over of new patients we will begin experimenting with new themes and ideas to hopefully change the mood, engagement and staff relationships on the ward with patients. Keep Posted for updates on this project!

Tees Valley Arts, Moving On Project upcoming Moderation and Celebration Event...

From February to June the 'Moving On' Project has been taking place...with the young people participating in various exciting workshops from Glass Fusing to Poetry and Story Writing. Working towards their Bronze Arts Awards the young people have developed in creative confidence, have the ability to share skills coherantly and aware of the Art World today - they really deserve this Award and i look forward to seeing how this can influence their lives from now on....

Catterick Photography Project


 
Through Rural Arts in Thirsk i have been working with Army Families at Catterick Garison on a Photography Project. It has been a great way to share skills and ideas on how to capture the best photo possible, taking into account aperture, shutterspeed and ISO.
The workshops have consisted of learning how to use a camera and to edit the photographs using an iPad, taking photographs of nature and this week we will conclude with taking photographs of people, places and architecture.
 
It has been really interesting for me to work collaboratively with this group, inspiring a new community of photographers on the Catterick Garison Camp.

ARC, Silvers Group Workshop...

Last week the Silvers group at ARC participated in an iPad Creativity Workshop....i facilitated a mixture of Art Forms from Drawing and Painting to Animation and Photography. It was a great way to showcase what the iPad can do and innovatively create. It developed iPad Awareness and overall confidence in creativity.

Keep Posted for new classes with ARC, Silvers!

Colour Your Life Wednesday Workshops...



 
Most recently at the Colour Your Life, Open Studios on Wednesdays we have been exploring various Batik Techniques and what can be produced. The results have been very colourful and highly detailed....we hope to combine techniques in the upcoming weeks using stitch and quilting methods previously taught.

As part of the Colour Your Life studios i will also be facilitating the Tuesday Afternoon Group in Stanley, identifying techniques and art forms that individuals will take forward and develop in their own personal way. I am really looking forward to this - everyone really wants to learn and try new things!

Tea and Talk Event, Lancashire Workforce Development Partnership

Apologies for the lack of blogging recently - Back to it now!!

As part of the Lancashire Workforce Development Partnership i have been invited to facilitate iPad Creativity Workshops as part of their 'Tea and Talk' events which are taking place all around the Lancashire area. This event is for anyone who is working with people living with dementia and to share ideas around approaches.

They can be found here:
http://www.lwdp.org.uk/choose_event_date.asp?course_id=70

These iPad Creativity workshops give great insight into the iPad Training that i facilitate at LWDP - Marion House...with the upcoming date of September 24th - be sure to book your place!!




Tuesday 14 May 2013

Opportunities for Practitioners in the field of Arts and Older People!!!

Funded Travelling Fellowships seek people in the field of Arts and Older People 

Do you provide opportunities for older people to participate in any aspect of the creative and performing arts, either via an arts group, health authority or care provider? In particular do you work with or in care homes using the arts, including training staff in the use of the arts?
If you would like to travel overseas to experience, observe and research best practice in other countries, then why not apply for a life-changing Travelling Fellowship.
The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust will be awarding another 10 Travelling Fellowships in their 2014 Arts and Older People / Creative Ageing category, and the application process is now open.
This is the final year of a joint three year ‘Arts and Older People / Creative Ageing’ partnership with The Baring Foundation, a funding body supporting organisations who work in this field. The collaboration highlights the belief that the arts can play a unique role in older people’s lives, including those with dementia, and the contribution that the arts make to improve society.
Medical and care practitioners, artists, community workers and volunteers working with older people are just some examples of those people encouraged to apply.
It is well known that the UK has an ageing population. There are now more people of a pensionable age than are under 16. Life expectancy figures for people in the UK now stand at 82.6 years for women, and 78.4 years for men.

 
Case Study:
Claire Ford travelled around the USA researching arts and dementia access programmes in a variety of environments, from museums to galleries and care facilities, looking into the delivery of cross collaborative art forms and the positive impacts they can have on overall health and well-being.

Claire is now disseminating her research widely across the UK and facilitating many training courses for carers in the field. She aims to enhance her research further through a pilot study based on iPads and Creativity in dementia specific facilities.
Amongst those travelling this year, in this category, is Ruth Osborne, an Outreach Officer, travelling to the USA to explore creative roles for older volunteers in American Art Museums.
Each year The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust awards over 120 Travelling Fellowships to British Citizens from all walks of life and from all over the United Kingdom to gain experience abroad in a wide range of interests, in order to bring back the benefit and positive change to their profession and the UK as a whole. This year we are hoping to award over 130 – a record number of opportunities.

A travelling sabbatical for those with experience, ambition and the desire to help others, will add real value to your skills and to your CV, as well as furthering your leadership and role model abilities.
Applications are judged purely on project merit, and these opportunities are available to adults of any age, gender, religion or ethnicity. No previous experience is necessary. Successful applicants will receive an average Fellowship grant of £6000, covering travel, food, accommodation and insurance for approximately 6 weeks overseas.

The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust
The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust was established shortly after Sir Winston’s death in 1965. Since then it has awarded over 4820 travel grants.

The scheme enables British Citizens from all walks of life to acquire knowledge overseas for the benefit of Community and Country. Subjects cover the widest variety of topics including Arts and Older People / Creative Ageing; Communities that Work; The Creative Industries; Education; Environment and Sustainable Living; Medicine, Health and Patient Care; Prison and Penal Reform; Science, Technology and Innovation; and Young People. As well as promoting greater understanding between people, the experience makes them more effective at work and in the community. Past award winners include nurses, artists, scientists, engineers, farmers, conservationists, carers, craft workers, artisans, members of the emergency services, sportsmen and women and young people.

Applicants need to be over the age of 18 and British Citizens who must also be resident in the UK. The deadline for the 2014 applications is 5pm on 24th September 2013.

The Baring Foundation
The Baring Foundation is an independent grant maker which has supported the arts since its inception.
The purpose of all the Foundation’s funding is to strengthen voluntary sector organisations which try to improve the quality of life of people experiencing disadvantage or discrimination. Since 2010, the theme chosen by the Foundation is older people. The starting point for the Foundation’s arts programme is that people continue to be creative as they age but that in some circumstances may need specific support from arts organisations to unlock and develop these talents.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust: 020 7799 1660

 

Saturday 27 April 2013

4D Creative

I am currently working for Small Things on a Collaborative Project with 4D Creative, exploring how the space can be Creatively Used for individuals on a Hospital Ward with Dementia.

The 4D Creative Team have installed projection screens, lighting and sound outlets into the space which can all be controlled through a Screen. (Similar to below but not in Pop Up).

 
I am now putting into practice all of my skills and ideas, stripped down. Its really interesting for me to play with images, space, lighting and sound without the use of other tactile props such as taste, touch and active Visual. I look forward to exploring the potential of this space and understanding what works and doesnt work for individuals with Dementia.
The aim of the project is to embed the space into the everyday roles of the staff, with the plan to actively train them as we facilitate.

Keep Posted for Developments over the next few weeks!


AHRC - Durham University Training Days

I was approached by various researchers at numerous Universities to deliver a Cross Collaborative Workshop as part of the 'Engaging with Communities : Arts and Performance based Collaborative Training'.

I am excited to be participating in the other Workshops too and will update on the Outcomes Shortly!

MICRA iPad Creativity Workshop at the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester

MICRA - Manchester Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Research on Ageing are researching the affects of Digital Technology within Art Galleries, therefore the Whitworth Art Gallery approached me to facilitate a workshop in response to the ongoing exhibition which was Callum Innes.

 
The participants were from various Housing Associations and classed as 'Older People'. It was a fantastic workshop and all outcomes were positively received.
 
Keep Posted for the research outcomes and write-up from MICRA!

Room for the Imagination Conclusion...

The Equal Arts Project - 'Room for the Imagination' is now undertaking its last workshops in various Residential Care Homes across Newcastle and Gateshead. I have had the pleasure of working in two fantastic care settings - Princess House and St.Marks Court, working collaboratively and training up staff to innovative facilitate Creative Workshops.

I thought i would share some lovely experiences with you from the Project:
  • Through the trust of the group, one male put on the lipstick of around five ladies! Who would have thought it?
  • A mother of a resident was in shock after she saw her Mum engaging in knitting and weaving when she had given it up
  • One lady stopped screaming and was able to coherantly communicate with the rest of the group through the Arts
  • Lots of fun, happiness and laughter....
....and much much more...with the staff now aware of the importance of the Arts!!

Gallery Oldham - Family Drop In Workshops

I will be starting a collection of Family Drop In Workshops at Gallery Oldham next weekend...working with various collections inspiring Creativity on the iPad.

I have appropriately designed the Workshops working with iPad Apps that respond to the current Exhibition. Over the next few months i will be delivering three, differing in Art Form, Outcome and Collection.

Each individual who participates will leave with a piece that they have created and it will be shown on an online blog! Keep Posted for an address for this Ongoing iPad Creativity Blog.

The Workshops at Gallery Oldham can be found here:

http://www.galleryoldham.org.uk/events/families.htm

Shotton Community Centre - Art Work Installed!

I recently went along to the opening of the Art Work we collaboratively designed and produced at Shotton Community Centre at the end of 2012.
It was great to see all the young people so enthusiastic about what they had produced and to give it pride in the entrance of the One Point Building in Peterlee!

Carers Together - iPad Textiles Workshop

After the iPad engAGE Project came to a close working with the Carers Together group they decided to sustain it for a longer period of time. More members have now joined and its becoming even more popular!
This week the iPad Workshop was themed around 'Textiles' and the group delved into the world of quilting, cross stitch and designing stitch all on the iPad.

- Above is a quilt that was developed by a couple of the members.

What is great about the iPad it improves self - esteem and allows you to do those things you used to be able to do!

Colour Your Life season of Workshops about to begin!

I am excited to be going back to Blackhill and Consett Park to be delivering another season of Arts and Craft Workshops as part of the Colour Your Life / Arts on Prescription Project.

Workshops will include Quilting, Silk Screen Printing, Batik and Embroidery! All very different Techniques than last time - Keep Posted for the Creative Outcomes!!

Textiles in Thailand

 
 
 
Recently i have been travelling around Thailand and i was blown away with the intricate textiles. When we visited the Karen Village (The Long Neck Tribe) in Chaing Mai - North of Thailand majority of residents were weaving and stitching making scarves, table runners, and clothing - all in 45 DEGREE heat! It was amazing to see the man made weave loom and how this was creating various wefts - very inspiring to see!

Moving On Project - Arts Award



The Young People as part of the Tees Valley Arts, 'Moving On' Project have been working alongside Artists Bob and Andy developing Poetry, Short Stories, Maps and Personal Identity through Imagery. Shortly their Art Exploration will delve into Glass Designing and Making with Rachel as part of the Arts Award.

As part of the Arts Award the Young People have researched into their heroes and in the upcoming weeks we will be going on a Trip and Completing both sections. It has been an absolute pleasure so far working with this group and they have certainly developed creatively which is what the Arts Award is all about!

Sunday 17 March 2013

TWAM Film Coming Soon....

A film was developed on behalf of the Tyne and Wear Art Galleries and Museums project i was facilitating before Christmas. It really shows how to implement successful creative activity for individuals with Dementia.

Keep Posted - Its Coming Soon....

iPad engAGE conclusions..

iPad engAGE has been on a fabulous journey over the last few months - concluding at York Teaching Hospitals!

Check out the blog for News / Photos / Developments of the next steps:
www.ipad-engage.blogspot.com

Spring into Wellbeing Event at Gallery Oldham

Yesterday i was working and facilitating 'Bringing to Life iPad Art Workshops' as part of the 'Spring into Wellbeing Event' at Gallery Oldham.

Using the Foldify App on the iPad, families and young people developed models which were then printed and brought to life through three dimensional print outs. Individuals were able to access and explore technology on the iPad and then leave with their printed version - a great way to spend a Saturday!

Rural Arts / iPad Creativity Development...

Due to the popularity of iPad Creativity Classes at Rural Arts - we have decided to release more dates from Summer onwards. These Classes will be a repetition of this terms classes for those who couldn't attend...

iPad Creativity Classes include:

iPad Creativity: Beginners
iPad Creativity: Photography
iPad Creativity: Visual Arts
iPad Creativity: Textiles
iPad Creativity: Film and Animation
iPad Creativity: Music Composition

Click here to book your place:
http://www.ruralarts.org/

Through feedback - Advanced iPad Creativity classes are up for discussion...focussing on the one App in the workshop instead of many different Apps.

Keep Posted for Developments...

Sheffield Hallam - 'Dementia Creativity' Workshop

On March the 7th i was invited by the SHOUT team who organise all the lectures for Occupational Therapy at Sheffield Hallam University to deliver an Interactive 'Dementia Creativity' Workshop.
It was great fun and the students seem to get alot out of it - with many e-mailing me to establish ideas of how to take this forward as part of their practice.

It was really interesting to speak and share knowledge of Dementia Care with Occupational Therapists - sharing many aspects in common!

Ageing Creatively at Hatton Art Gallery, Newcastle

The Ageing Creatively Workshops have been extended and are going well at the Hatton Art Gallery in Newcastle. They have certainly opened changed individual opinions and broadened their horizons in 'Art Exploration'. One lady even mentioned last week that due to the class she now watches Art Appreciation Programmes on TV which is fantastic!

The Website for this project is now live - click here at:
http://research.ncl.ac.uk/ageingcreatively/

Small Things Presents....Resonance of Seclusion



Walking into the Etz Chaim Synagogue in Leeds i wasn't sure what to expect from 'Resonance of Seclusion'.

Sat on the front row close to the actors / actress we automatically became involved in their story / lives. I had to hold back the tears throughout.

Following the Artist - Joash Woodrow through his Creative Life from Leeds to Manchester, he became isolated in his own world...with a fire destroying many of his works. The end concluded in many of his works been exhibited in a gallery space - still unhappy with the results. Its amazing how Art can be so powerful in communication even through isolation, anger, confusion and regret.