11 Feb HARP Residents create ID art Installation @ Southend Adult Community College
Budding Artists from HARP celebrate the unveiling of their art installation ‘ID’.
Over the past few weeks, HARP residents have enjoyed learning and creating at Southend Adult Community College. They have been exploring identity through photography, print and publication. The group have been experimenting with innovative techniques to create a collection of artworks entitled ID, which is now exhibited at the Ambleside Drive site, for all to view.
The artists visited contemporary art spaces in London and local creative places including Southend Museums and The Old Waterworks, where all the printed artworks were produced. They collaborated with talented host artists Laurence Harding and Emma Edmondson to produce the works for this installation.
Tricia North, Head of Adult Learning, Southend Adult Community College said, “I’m impressed by the commitment and inspiration of our HARP learners who have skillfully used innovative techniques to devise a stand-out body of artwork presented in this thought-provoking exhibition. The bold works give the viewer a glimpse into their journey of self-expression and empowerment. The tutor/learner collaboration with outside arts organisations is inspiring. It created space for learners to expand their imaginings and open a world of widening expectations and self-belief.”
Damon Starky, The Training, Development & Meaningful Activities Co-ordinator at HARP said, “Art is an integral part of meaningful activities that creates an extremely effective gateway to further interventions. Creative projects are a real passion of mine because they bring so much joy to our residents. I have found that groups like these can boost self-esteem, confidence, people skills and communication. I believe that anyone can draw or paint, and I love watching the process. There are so many therapeutic benefits of art and creative groups. It teaches our service users that they can learn new things and new ways of thinking.”
This installation will be at the Southend Adult Community College for the rest of the month and is free for anyone to visit.
