Project Type:
Inclusion and Community

Artists:
Anna Spearman

Dates :
May 2023

Location:
St Cecilia's School

Partners:
St Cecilia's School

Funders :
Movement For Good Award

Art For Everyone Book with St Cecelia’s School

We are thrilled document another fantastic project, Art for Everyone,  made possible by the generous Movement for Good award from Ecclesiastical Insurance Group. This initiative has allowed us to collaborate closely with St Cecelia’s School in Sligo to create a book that champions the creative expression of children and young people with learning disabilities.

Project Overview

With the invaluable support of the Movement for Good grant, our team has embarked on an inspiring journey alongside St Cecelia’s School, aiming to provide a positive outlet for creative expression among children and young individuals with learning disabilities.

This initiative has allowed us to collaborate closely with St Cecelia’s School in Sligo to create a book that champions the creative expression of children and young people with learning disabilities.  The heart of this project has been a unique collaboration involving the students, artist Anna Spearman, and the dedicated guidance of St Cecelia’s teacher Triona O’Dowd.

children hands crafting at a table
children's hand drawing circles on a piece of papter

The Creative Process

The project commenced with a deep exploration of the surroundings, encouraging students to engage with their environment in novel ways. Activities included taking rubbings of textures found in the schoolyard, collecting natural materials like sticks and stones for painting, and even venturing to the nearby fairy fort for an exhilarating experience. This engagement not only sparked creativity but also helped students step out of their comfort zones.

In the subsequent weeks, the collaboration delved into diverse processes and materials. Under the guidance of artist Anna Spearman, the students explored various artistic techniques, embracing tape, wallpaper paste, glue, and the transformation of previous works into stunning collages. Watercolors played a magical role, and Anna’s innovative introduction of new materials each week added an element of excitement and surprise to the creative process.

Child's hands painting with blue paint on a piece of paper

Teacher’s Insight

Triona O’Dowd, an instrumental part of the project, emphasized the significance of Creative Arts in giving students a voice. She observed how the workshops allowed students to create without the pressure of a final product, fostering an environment of exploration and imagination. Triona highlighted the joyous atmosphere that accompanied each week’s artistic endeavors, as new materials brought a sense of anticipation akin to Santa’s arrival.

We are thrilled to announce that the book is nearing its completion, and the excitement is palpable. The culmination of this collaborative effort promises to showcase the remarkable creativity and ingenuity of the students at St Cecelia’s School. Stay tuned for updates on the book’s release date, as we can’t wait to share this extraordinary endeavour with all of you.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Ecclesiastical Insurance Group for their generous Movement for Good award, enabling us to embark on this meaningful journey of artistic discovery and self-expression. To learn more about the Movement for Good award, visit [this link](https://kidsown.ie/kids-own-wins-10000-movement-for-good-award/).

We are immensely proud of the progress made thus far, and we eagerly anticipate the moment when we can share the the final book. Keep your eyes open for more updates as we approach the release date.

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