Last month Izara Arts was invited to lead an art workshop at The Build Project, a non-profit organization based in Mae Sot, Thailand. The Build Project works with young people from Burma to provide training and teach technology and vocation skills, along with Thai and English languages. The workshop, which consisted of 11 students, was held to encourage the students to think outside the box. In a largely conformist society, this is traditionally frowned upon. Izara Arts was invited to break the tradition and get the students creating. The students had also just finished two days of academic tests, so it was a welcome break from all the hard work. Andrea Fitzgerald, Executive Director, wanted them to relax a bit before they moved into their new premises the next day.
Patricia Solar, Director of Izara Arts, began the workshop with a conversation about the difference between art and crafts. Explaining what a Fair Trade Organization, like Izara Arts, does versus what an art museum might do. She and the students discussed self-expression, symbolism and color.
Then, Patricia and Ashley, an IA volunteer, poured out bags full of "art items" and asked the students to create something! The art items consisted of anything from Q-tips to string and fabric scraps, screws to wire, Popsicle sticks to wine corks - things one may not normally see as art. It was pretty amazing seeing the young minds go to work.
The students worked at their projects for about an hour. Ashley talked to the students about all the different kinds of art that emerged from the creations: architecture, fashion, painting, sculpting, drawing....forms of art the students probably never thought they were capable of, but executed (and some, quite well!).
After discussing all of the creations, almost all of the students agreed that creating their art made them happy and relaxed them...exactly the outcome IA had hoped for. The students felt comfortable with the idea of art, creating it and enjoying it. I think you could say our job here is done. For now.
Right across the street from the old Bus Station in Chiang Rai sits a cute little coffee shop and restaurant called Cafe Connect. They have an extensive menu consisting of just about any western dish you'd like - and lots of local favorites. It's helpful to know they also have a special vegetarian menu if you're not so much into the meaty things. Cafe Connect also has large hot, cold and iced drink menu along with lots of sweets from their homemade bakery.
