Matilda Place 3 – Art Sessions

As well as the artworks to go around the residence we held one interactive art session a week. Initially we planned out these four sessions in much detail but when it came to delivering the first session things did not go exactly to plan. We had collated many different materials including charcoal, paints, sticks, sponges, leaves and much more but most was not used. It was then that we realised it all must have come across quite overwhelming! Gathering people together to attend the workshop also proved difficult. It was with the help of a carer and a bit of tea and cake bribery that the residents got on their feet. From then on we adapted the workshops to be simpler.

For the second one we did collage work, third modelling clay mini sculptures and the fourth a watercolour session which all went smoothly. What we found whilst running the sessions was that most if not nearly all except one were reluctant to start. They all lacked the confidence to get going, often saying they are not good enough and no good at art. With 20 minutes or so of encouragement everyone did get involved and by the end each individual had produced a lovely outcome. Pre-planning the sessions as we did initially was not appropriate and this was a learning curve for us. It was through running the sessions and getting to know the individuals that we could adapt what we intended to do as it all really depended on them.

A Flanagan - still life post 3

The most beneficial factor that came from running the sessions was the social aspect, not for us but for the residents themselves. Whilst they could have been watching television they were now conversing amongst each other, giving one another positive feedback and generally having a chit-chat. This was great for a new resident who moved in as we started our internship, through the weeks she really opened up and enjoyed being at Matilda Place. When starting this placement we were unsure of what to expect but that is what the experience was all about, taking every day as it came with the excitement of not knowing what could lead where. We are now in the process of creating a publication for Matilda Place with copies of all the work produced by the residents for them to keep and their families and visitors to see.

By Jaz Rana