I recently organized an art show at Redwood Place (for staff and clients only), where the masks discussed in a previous post were featured. The art show took place at lunch time during a special barbq. The masks were hung all around the dinning room, and underneath each mask was a personal explanation or story, as well as the client’s first name to go along with their respective mask. In total, there were about 25 masks featured.
The clients seemed to enjoy walking into the dinning room, and trying to find their mask on the wall. I also observed that many clients needed encouragement to take the time to look at other people’s masks or read the blurbs to go along with the artwork. Some clients had difficulty remembering which mask were theirs, and needed a reminder to patiently look around the room to find their mask.
Several clients whose artwork was featured in the art show chose not to attend, but rather go to lunch at a local grocery store. Once they returned back to the facility, they seemed disappointed that they did not attend, stating that they had forgotten. This made me realize that although the art show was talked about and featured on the monthly calendar, extra reminders may be needed, such as by posting up special flyers around the facility advertising the art show further.
It was also interesting to see the reaction of the staff, who were curious about the masks and their stories. Many staff discussed feeling excited for the art show, where they would see the masks the clients’ artwork. During the exhibit staff members took the time to look carefully at each mask and ask clients questions. I felt that seeing the masks may have helped the staff see another side of the clients that they may have been unaware of previously…at least, that is my hope.
After the exhibit had taken place, I was surprised how many clients (even low functioning clients) asked when the next one would be and expressed interest in knowing what art project will be focused on next. Indeed…that is the question. Lately I’ve been thinking of slowly introducing paint and eventually mono-printing techniques to be done using paint, paper and cafeteria trays. But its summertime, and we have a beautiful garden in the back…maybe some drawing from life outdoors? We’ll see…
Melissa,
Watercolors are a great idea, and may be easier of some of my clients to use than tempra or acrylic paint (due to difficulties with motor skills, ie: jerky movements that can knock over the paint).
I’m hoping to have another art show sometime over the summer, but this time inviting family and case managers too. Of course, I would have to make sure that all the art release forms are in order…I am lucky to work at a facility that includes art release forms as a standard part of a client’s intake.
Thanks for writing!
– Liz
Daz,
A bubble machine sounds like a lot of fun. I guess a low-cost version would be me blowing bubbles in the garden…although I may get a little tierd by the end of the group!
It would be interesting to see how the clients react to the bubbles. Would it be pleasureable or overwhelming? What if a bubble landed on their skin?
Thanks for the idea and for all your thought provoking comments
– Liz