I could see as soon as I entered Malta House that there was a lot of energy.  Children were in the nursery so that the mothers could participate in the “Village” project.  My daughter and I had a wonderful time talking and discussing the act of creating with all the residents.  I could immediately see that they were mothers and had many things on their mind.  A few of the children wandered in seeking out mom and what she was doing.

A tremendous amount of creativity as well as great ideas came out of Malta House.  The residents were engaging and  very involved with the task at hand.  When I think of the experience at Malta House I can sum it up in one word “proud”.  A sense of accomplishment was felt and with this came a feeling of being part of something.  When you think of our everyday experiences there is always a connection that allows us to feel secure and needed.  In so many cases when hard times hit we feel disconnected and with this comes a sense of desperation.  When a connection happens it can turn a persons life around.  If nothing else I am hoping that the “Village” project will create a feeling of being needed that is not just temporary.  For without the participation of everyone this project could not go forward.

the houses from the mothers at Malta House

Next stop on the “Village” path is at the Harvestfest in Pound Ridge N.Y on October 15th, 2011.  It will be posted on the “Ittakesavillage” page.

working on a house at Open Door Shelter...

Lugging the clay into the family unit of the shelter we were greeted with smiles and lots of energy from the residents. Once I explained the project they were all eager to sit down and create. As each artist began their creation I noticed that an immediate transformation began. It was as if they had been transported to another place and the task in front of them was all that mattered. I too have this feeling when I enter the studio to create. The residents spent a considerable amount of time making their dwelling and some decided to create more. One resident spent a tremendous amount of time on her home and at the end of the hour I announced that I would need to finish in the next ten minutes. She hurriedly created a cross to place on the front of her home. One resident who seemed a bit depressed when I arrived announced after creating her dwelling that she felt better after making her home and that she was going to take a walk after having spent the last week in her room. I have always felt that the act of creating had its own power but it has never been so apparent to me as through this project. We all know how children love art class and I being an art teacher have been able to witness the joy it brings to my students. However reaching out to adults that do not have the opportunity to express themselves is a whole other world. Watching the residents with their children making something and share their creations was both heartwarming and wonderful to see.

the house with a cross...

What I am understanding as this project progresses is that the idea of creating houses reaches much further than just the actual creation. The process is just as important as the final product. Their ideas behind the home or dwelling is just as fascinating as the actual home. So as I blog along I will be using various participants ideas and I too will be understanding each individuals identity as it pertains to their creation. My mentor for this project said that it was important  not to create too many parameters for this project. Allowing this project to take on a life of its own it is letting it grow in ways I did not imagine.

the wonderful houses from Open Door Shelter!

I need to go see if the next set of houses are ready for their firing. Then I need to go buy more clay. Next venue for creating houses will be posted soon….. hope to see you there.

Come see art for the peeps, by the peeps!

The show opens TONIGHT, August 24, from 6:30 to 10 PM. Bringing art to the peeps is our goal and the show runs till August 28, Sunday. My work exploring the idea of the house as dwelling and home through different mediums will be on display. I am one of 12 artists from Firing Circuits Studios who will be exhibiting and selling together, so come see us!

For more information, go to http://wp.me/pMenw-dS

Bring the family and build your own clay house!

I will be hosting a creative workshop at 136 Washington Street (the old Sweet Rexie’s building) as part of the Peeps Show on Friday, August 26, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM. Each participant will mold their own ball of clay into a small clay house to be included in a future collaborative installation. All ages are welcome, bring the whole family down to South Norwalk for dinner and a fun, creative event!

We’ll use this blog as a place to keep track of all of the great happenings with “It Takes A Village,” so be sure to check back often as we continue to visit new sites!