Suzie Ciavetta ... Visual Arts

Diary of Events

10th April (Stamping on to fabric at Watch This Space)

The first class involved making stamps by carving into polystyrene blocks with thick nails. We then rolled black fabric paint onto our stamp and pressed it onto fabric designing our own fabric print. Lorna explained how to find cheap and free materials from polystyrene fruit boxes, timber off cuts, found objects and second hand fabrics. She demonstrated easy and safe methods of carving which could be carried out by people with low and high abilities. The first class was a little overwhelming as I really did not know what to expect from my mentor, Lorna, or what was expected from me. I felt Lorna was also apprehensive as she hadn’t the time to orientate herself with the work space, its facilities or with the participants. As I look back, this was definitely one of the most difficult classes to facilitate because of the vast range of peoples physical and intellectual abilities. A lot of work was accomplished; however the clients became unsettled after hour and still had another 2hrs to go. I felt like some of the clients were perhaps not interested in being there.

Recommendations: The first week or couple of days of Lorna’s arrival, could have been an orientation week for the mentor and mentoree. During this week, the pair would have an opportunity to get to know each other, the program, and the venue and prepare materials for the workshops. The first class should also be more relaxed i.e. drawing/painting. This would be an opportunity for the art workers to identify the type of disabilities they will be confronted with and an opportunity for the participants to get to know the venue and artists under less demanding circumstances.

11th April (Drawing at Strelow Museum)

The class was small however the environment and pace was more relaxing than the previous day allowing me a chance to get to know some of the participants one on one. Today was also a chance for me to observe Lorna’s teaching methods. Firstly the class walked around the exhibits and discussed our observations, what we did and did not like, and our associations with objects. Lorna handed out boards and paper, explained the different type of drawing materials and what effects could be achieved and how. I was interested to see how Lorna communicated with one of the clients by copying her mark making on a separate piece of paper and showed her how to colour in and outline shapes. The client completed a beautiful drawing of colorful circles. I observed how the support workers often intervene with the participants’ artwork and influenced certain type of behaviors. At one stage when the support workers left us alone with the participants the dialogue between the group changed. My other observation was that one of the participants had much higher abilities than the others and had a lot of potential to develop his skills in drawing. I felt he would have been better suited in a higher abilities class.

Recommendations: The museum offered a quiet, welcoming space with easy access for wheelchairs to move around and inspired many conversations amongst the group. Although I feel the support workers are necessary, I felt they intervened with the participants work and were a distraction. Perhaps, once the CASART classes continue some clients may not need their support worker. I would also like to see a class that caters for people with similar intellectual abilities. 

13th April (Painting at the Garden Room, Town Council)

The Garden Room was our third venue and Lorna and I were unsure of the facilities of this venue. The room was carpeted, had fabric chairs and was not appropriate for a painting class. Lorna and I did not know how many people would arrive or of their disability. Three clients arrived who were physically and intellectually disabled, two support workers and two mainstream participants. It was difficult to work with the disabled participants as we were unprepared and they could not be too messy because of the carpeted venue. The support workers made most of the mark making but showed little enthusiasm for the activity. Two participants drew outside and then painted their landscape indoors. Although I was slightly frustrated with this class, at least two of the participants were inspired and very pleased with the outcome of their paintings.

Recommendation: The Garden Room was an unsuitable venue for an arts workshop particular for people with a disability. People could not be messy with paint and it restricted other possibilities i.e. finger painting. Moving from one venue to the next is also frustrating. This class was also another example of not being able to cater to peoples disabilities because of not knowing who will attend.

14th April 10am (Shibori /Tie-dye, Territory Craft)

The morning class started with a small group of participants not from a disability service. It was an intimate group and had a different dynamic from other workshops. A client and support worker arrived late when the group conversation was in progress and attention was on the client who obviously had less ability than the other participants and found the tasks frustrating. Another keen participant decided to try and help the client but in a manner that brought attention to her disability. This may have been intimidating for her and as a result she left the room.

Recommendations: This situation proves how it would be helpful if the art worker is aware of who will attend the workshop so as to prepare for their arrival and needs. Also support workers need to be aware that attending a class early will be an easier induction into the workshop however I understand how arriving on time can be difficult. Classes with mixed ability participants can at times result in a situation where the participant without the disability (who is often a stranger to the client) can impose him/herself onto the person with a disability only to cause more distress, frustration and intimidation. Support workers also need to understand that these workshops are also for non clients and at times they may need to intervene.

14th April 1pm (Shibori /Tie-dye, Territory Craft)

The afternoon class was a great success and the support workers were very helpful and worked collaboratively on art works with clients. This was a larger group than the morning class and there was much excitement about the effects of the shiboried fabrics. One of the clients Tie-dyed his T-shirt with great results and this inspired us to have a future workshop and tie dye clothing. Wrapping the elastic bands was difficult for some of the clients however the support workers and Lorna established different methods of using the elastic bands with stones or by holding part of the band. It was interesting observing how Lorna handled each situation and how she worked collaboratively with the support worker and client to achieve results. I also realised it’s o.k. for clients not to partake but watch the process instead and be part of other people’s excitement.

Recommendations: Territory Craft is a great venue; some of the tables need to be removed for easier access for wheel chairs. I felt Territory Craft offered a vibrant and open access community space where all people are able to interact and discuss ideas. The venue is open to tourists and the Alice Springs community which I felt addressed CASARTS objective to promote inclusion and integration for people with disabilities.

15th April 10am (Stamping onto fabric, Territory Craft)

This was a highly productive day. This morning we were pleased to see the same client from yesterday mornings Tie Dye class, arrive for the stamping workshop. We didn’t mention the incident yesterday and initially she shyly partook in the activities until her confidence increased once she produced some excellent fabric designs. Her support worker was very encouraging and they worked quietly together. Lorna showed me how the finished fabrics could then be reconstructed into one to produce an effective community art piece. As the workshops have progressed I feel more comfortable with my role as a trainee and my relationships with the participants. It was also great to observe the difference in a clients work with enthusiasm from their support worker.

15th April 1pm (Stamping onto fabric, Territory Craft)

The afternoon class was very active and full of energetic people. The client from this morning returned very eager to start making her stamps and printing onto fabric. She ended up working on a long table with her support worker and was smiling with confidence all afternoon later helping us clean up. Another young client started off the class more interested in stabbing the polystyrene with nails, so I went outside to gather a few twigs and he ended up making a small sculptural piece out of twigs, polystyrene and string. Later the client attempted the stamping with wooden blocks and also produced an effective fabric design. The tea breaks are a nice way to socialise, relax with the participants and get to know each other.

Recommendations: A debrief period between the mentor and mentoree, after each workshop, to discuss what went wrong, what worked and why would be beneficial for both parties. Although Lorna and I did manage to have some discussions whilst cleaning up after the workshops, often she had another appointment. I would also encourage a tea break in the middle of the workshop or as the workshop is winding down, it’s a nice way to discuss the art works and get to know each other.

16th April (Patchwork at Territory Class)

I have never attempted patchwork however I thoroughly enjoyed the medium and the effects. So today I was more of a participant than teacher. Once I got the hang of it I was able to assist one of the clients with her piece. I was also conscious of not doing the work for her as I wanted her to feel the needle and thread and work out the placement of the needle. She chose her own fabrics and arranged them herself. Lorna emphasised, as an arts worker you need to know when a person’s artwork is complete. Once the client had completed her work, Lorna sewed a frame around the piece which enhanced the clients mark making and decisions. I found this type of class involved more one on one; each client needs a lot of attention from their support worker and the art worker.

Recommendations: This class is best suited to people with high abilities rather than a person with low physical or intellectual abilities.

22nd April (Shibori/Tie Dye at Territory Class)

I have enjoyed the diversity of the classes and today’s class was small, productive and personal. The group consisted of mixed abilities, but all of high mobility. Everyone conversed as a group of friends and one client, who is usually unsettled, sat for most of the session asking each of us questions, in an adult manner, and quietly assisted by allocating strips of dental floss to each person. Although she did not successfully complete a tie dyed fabric, the client participated in an indirect way and contributed to the class. People are also now familiar with the surroundings and with some of the other participants which make classes easier to instruct.

23rd April (Patchwork at Territory Class)

I was looking forward to the patchwork class as were many of the other participants who have excelled in this medium. Our group started off without people with disabilities; however the client and support worker who attended yesterday’s class, arrived late. Considering yesterdays class was such a success, they were keen to return for the patchwork. The client is usually a little rowdy at first but we all know not to interfere and eventually she calms down. A regular participant, who had previously not met the client, was amused and interacted with her in a mother-like manner which agitated the client working towards a potential outburst. I watched as Lorna attempted to calm down the client by interrupting their conversation however the support worker felt it was best to leave.

Recommendation: I felt that the support worker should have intervened earlier and perhaps had a word with the other participant not to provoke the client. Although the participant was trying to help and encourage the client to partake, it was inappropriate and unfortunately distracted the rest of the class. I think that support workers need to be aware that these classes are also for people without disabilities and who perhaps do not have much contact with those with an intellectual disability. At times it may be necessary to intervene and distract the client and take them away from that person.

24th April (Painting, Art Shed)

This was a great opportunity for me to instruct a class with guidance from Lorna and Veronica. I appreciated being given the chance to share what I have learnt from Lorna and feel that I can only improve with more workshops. The workshop involved Tie Dying so as to continue with the theme of the fabric design. This was a small class however with successful results. People worked as teams and individually, creating great effects, ideas and fun. 

Recommendations: The Art Shed is another great venue, it is non-threatening, easy access to kitchen and toilets, the art studios add colour and atmosphere to the space, and the members from the art society are very supportive. The time of 6.30pm seems to be inappropriate for many clients because of their routine; therefore the time will need to be rescheduled and discussed with support workers. An afternoon class either on a Saturday or late afternoon on a weekday may be more suitable. More tables may need to be arranged in future for bigger projects. I also feel that participants should take a piece of their work home with them rather than leaving with nothing, considering they pay $5 for the class.

Overall Recommendations;

• 1 week of orientation and preparation for the mentor and mentoree prior to the mentorship.

• 1-2 hour class, depending on the type of workshop, in one venue only.

• A basic, get to know you, workshop for the art workers and participants.

• Art workers debriefed on who is booked into the class, what are their needs and what are their abilities.

• Low and high intellectual and physical ability clients separated and the class organised according to the clients’ capabilities.

• Strelow Museum is a good venue for drawing classes.

• Territory Craft and the Art Shed provide good facilities and should be used for future workshops.

• Debrief after each workshop between the mentor and mentoree.

• Non-clients charged accordingly for material costs.

• Support workers debriefed about how to intervene when a non-client interacts inappropriately with a client.

• A change of time for Thursday night class to be discussed with support workers

• Once a client feels comfortable with the workshops, he/she may not need their support workers to attend.

• Participants should take home their own art work.