Term 3, 2016

Very excited to be back for Term 3, creating loads of FUN in all directions. We have been blown away by many people taking creativity to the next level. It is SO joyful for us to share creative expression and assist people to find their creative voice.

It feels amazing!

Last term we completed two very successful pilot schemes in Red Beach and Gulf Harbour Schools. Results were so powerful that we already have a return visit to Red Beach School planned to work with a different group of children. We are currently exploring ways to reach more children, whether it be within the school system, after school, or through various funding routes. We are so excited to have had funding approved to allow some children to attend group sessions, and this is growing. Child sponsorship is also welcomed.

In many cases with National Standards and pressures on schools to get children up to achievement levels, the free creativity and personal expression gets neglected. Often for those children who do not fit easily into the academic box, creativity in whatever form, is their talent and often this does not get properly seen, appreciated, or acknowledged. Your child’s mental health is more important than their grades. Often words are simply not enough. We have found that when we allow the free creative expression, for those that so need it, attitudes, behaviour, and achievement all improve too. All people need to creatively express themselves, it is a human need.

With art or creative expression, as it is so personal and unique it can never be wrong. Valuing, appreciating and celebrating this uniqueness is key to empowering children and raising self esteem. Every child needs a status, and by using creative expression, EVERY child, and they do not need to be particularly creative, can feel SUCCESSFUL. Creative expression is a very powerful tool to empower ALL people. It is more about the process than the final outcomes.

So this term our 'Making Mosaics & Painting Serenity Stones', (every Saturday 1.30-4.30pm in Orewa), just keeps going from strength to strength. We have met so many amazing and talented people. We love how everyone contributes so much from creative ideas to fun and laughter. Sometimes delicious, warm, home baking too!!! Thanks Joanne!

Our 'Empowering Children & Raising Self-esteem' after school group, (Thursdays 3.45pm-4.45pm) is also growing.

This term we have changed the format in offering several stations each week for children to freely explore and create, with some guidance. This way they can have cool stuff to take home each week. It is important that they get to chart their own course creatively and follow whatever makes them excited. For many this begins with painting stones. Like using clay, the feel of using the stones is almost a primal response - very grounding. And for some people their love and exploration of stone painting, is ongoing, and difficult to move away from (haha Louise!). Some of the activities we have done so far are bubble painting, painting, rock painting, marble painting, box art, (this also includes painting boxes), and painting on ceramic tiles. We plan to offer some mosaics, printing and nature painting also.

We have offered an INTRO rate of $100 for Term 3, to enable us to offer our programme to more children.

(Minus the weeks you have missed) Spaces still available, we are growing. Call Susan 021 248 4377

Our Friday Family group 4.00pm-5.00pm, is also a lot of FUN, and is also growing as they add people too.