Emergent Thinkers™

Art has an incredible power to ignite the imagination, express deep emotions, and unleash boundless creativity. For children this power can become a transformative force, paving the way for a remarkable creative journey. Today, I want to celebrate the extraordinary opportunity that is the ‘Criw Celf program’. It has been nothing short of phenomenal.

The Criw Celf program opened its doors to children aged 9 to 14 who had responded to a call via local schools to share their interest in art, inviting them to embark on a fun and exciting series of creative workshops. These workshops were designed to nurture artistic talents and provide a platform for playful exploration of various art forms. Led by professional artists, each session under the theme of ‘Responding to the Landscape’ became a haven of imagination, where the young artists could delve into art materials, techniques, and themes with unrestrained enthusiasm. Weather permitting they would be taken out into the landscape to observe. listen, feel and capture what they found, then translating, as Lauren Heckler explained, “their shapes, moments and memories of their walks using tints, tones and shades”.

Since February, through this program, young artists have been exposed to a wide range of artistic disciplines. From balance sculptures to oil painting, printmaking, charcoal and ceramics. each workshop was an opportunity for them to expand their horizons. The talented artists guiding them, such as Mary Sikkel, Sarah Tombs, Dylan Williams, Flora McLachlan, Leigh Sinclair, and Lauren Heckler, inspired their young proteges to think creatively, push boundaries, and develop a deep appreciation for the world around them.

As parents, we were warmly welcomed into the workshops at the end of each session, eager to witness the incredible artistic creations our children had brought to life. The atmosphere was filled with joy and excitement. I will hold dear the memories of my Zachery (10) animatedly explaining the techniques and experiments he had explored during the day, taking me by the hand to survey the steps and trials and creative outputs across the bustling studio.

The culmination of their artistic journey took place in the beautiful grounds of Parc yr Escob/Bishop’s Park, Abergwili, where the young artists’ outstanding work was showcased in an exhibition titled “O’r Caeau // From the Fields.”

The art exhibition served as a testament to their growth, dedication, and immense talent. The vibrant creations that adorned the gallery walls and embedded in the gardens were a reflection of the artistic exploration and the remarkable skills they developed throughout the program. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Criw Celf Coordinator, Abby Poulson, and Oriel Myrddin Gallery Manager, Catherine Spring, and to the wonderful artists who have shared their skills and passion. Their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts have made the Criw Celf program a resounding success.

The Criw Celf program has provided Zachery and his new friends with a platform to express themselves, nurture their creativity, and develop skills that I am convinced will serve a lifetime. I am so grateful to Criw Celf and all the artists, mentors, and organisers who made this opportunity possible, especially at a time when budgets are so tight in schools. Their unwavering dedication has sowed the seeds of artistic passion in the hearts of these young individuals, paving the way for a positive future filled with artistic exploration and self-expression.

Thanks also go to The John Burns Centre in Kidwelly, home to the wonderful studio base, and also to Aberystwyth Arts Centre who welcomed the children into their galleries, maker spaces and ceramic studios.

Diolch.

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