Really looking / really listening / really feeling

Somerset Art Works delivered two contracts awarded by Somerset County Council’s Public Health Team, to provide arts projects in schools to support recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
Working with clusters of schools in South Somerset, Somerset West and Taunton and our InspirED partners Somerset Film, artists Richard Tomlinson and Julia Mckenzie worked with pupils to create artworks inspired by the natural environment: really listening / really looking / really feeling, all linked with the theme of Belonging.
Creative workshops focused on building confidence and resilience, encouraging creative thinking, cooperation and collaboration. Pupils were encouraged to try new things, working together really creatively whilst having fun. Being creative supports the individual's ability to solve problems, be resilient and collaborate. This, in turn, helps the individual’s wellbeing. By making art you begin to understand that mistakes are not mistakes, they are experiments, and this philosophy can be applied to all aspects of life. The physical process of making things and using your hands is good for the mind and body. On this project participants collaborated with each other to produce their artworks. They played games and worked in teams as well as working individually. This way of working improved their confidence, made them less precious and more spontaneous.
Pupils’ artwork was showcased during Somerset Art Weeks Festival in Sept/Oct 2022 and at family/community celebrations at the hub schools and community settings (eg Public Library, Village Hall and Church). Some artworks will remain on permanent display in school buildings.
www.somersetartworks.org.uk