'Unveiling the Colorful Chapters of Cotagala Special School's Art Workshop Journey'
( Personal Overview )
"Being part of Cotagala Special School's Art Workshop was a transformative experience, witnessing the boundless creativity within these special children and the impact of art in fostering connections and self-discovery."
Greetings, lovely souls! I'm Sandeepa,
I'm beyond excited to share with you the enchanting experience we had at Cotagala Special School on October 21st and 22nd, 2023. This wasn't just a workshop; it was a magical adventure of self-discovery through art.
Location:Â Cotagala Special School, Mawanella, Sri Lanka
Duration:Â 2 Days (20/21 Oct. 2023)
Team:Â Sandeepa Vithanage, Charith Wijesundara, Dinesh Wickramasigha, Jeewana Amarasinghe, Dilik Abeykoon, Dihan Dhamika, Benver Keil,Supun Sandaruwan, Kanil , Pramudi Nisansa, Dinendri Kumarasinghe
DAY 1: A Heartfelt Beginning-
In the heartwarming corners of Cotagala Special School, an invitation from Jeewana Amarasinghe and the Preethipura community brought together a group of special children, their caring teachers, and a team of passionate artists. Little did we know, this would be a journey filled with colors, laughter, and endless creativity.
For more updates and a closer look at the vibrant journey of the Cotagala Special School's Art Workshop, follow us on Instagram @CotagalaArtWorkshop
A Symphony of Joy: Songs, Dances, and Dramas-
The rhythm of creativity didn't stop with our brushes. The children kicked off the workshop with vibrant dances and songs.
During breaks, they dazzled us with their talents, and in between, Dinesh and Benver treated us to a dramatic performance that left us in awe.
Guiding the Creative Odyssey-
With Charith Wijesundara by my side (Sandeepa Vithanage), we embarked on a mission—to break free from conventional education and unlock the boundless creativity within each child. The canvas became a playground, and the strokes of imagination knew no limits.
Diverse Activities, Infinite Expressions: A Palette of Possibilities -
ACTIVITY 1: T-Shirt Expressions -
Picture the joy as children, in pairs, designed their own T-shirts. Each brushstroke was a moment of self-expression, revealing styles, colors, and unique design elements. It was a journey of discovering their creative voice on wearable art.
The objective of activity 01-
Provide a liberating platform for children to design their own T-shirts in pairs.
Create an environment that allows the expression of feelings without any restrictions.
Utilize each brushstroke as a conduit for emotions.
Transform the fabric into a canvas of self-expression.
Outcome:
Individual and paired exploration of styles, colors, and unique design elements.
Creation of wearable art as a result of the converging creative voices.
Discovery and articulation of each young artist's unique perspective.
Expression of emotions through the artistic process.
Empowerment of children to use T-shirts as a medium for showcasing their creative
ACTIVITY 2: Self-Expression Portraits -
Faces turned into canvases as the children explored self-portraiture. This wasn't just about capturing features; it was a mirror reflecting their unique personalities, aspirations, and the beauty within.
The objective of Activity 2,
Encourage children to embark on an introspective journey through self-portraiture.
Move beyond capturing facial features and delve into expressing individual personalities and aspirations.
Utilize the given template as a medium for self-expression, exploring inner beauty.
Outcome:
Collective creation of a 30-face mural.
Reflection of the uniqueness of each participant.
Celebration of the beauty emerging from the diversity within the group.
Deeper understanding of self and others through artistic exploration.
Visual testament to the harmony found in embracing individuality within a collective masterpiece.
ACTIVITY 3: Nurturing Teachers, Nurturing Minds -
Dinesh Wickramasigha, with the support of the incredible staff, delved into the transformative role of art in education. It wasn't just about brushstrokes; it was about nurturing teachers to become facilitators of creativity within the classrooms.
Beyond the Canvas: Engaging Spaces for Exploration
Special Session for Teachers While the children explored their creativity, teachers had a session that broadened their perspectives on art. It wasn't just about teaching techniques; it was an exploration of how art can become a powerful tool for connecting with students on a deeper level.
