Creatively Welcoming the Holiday Spirit at the East Meadow Public Library

What a pleasure it was to be in the company of willing adult learners (plus one child) who did not hesitate for one moment to unleash the textile artist in them as they recently designed their own unique holiday silk scarves! The sole elementary school student participant was just as comfortable. She confirmed my suspicion when she loudly declared something to the effect of, ” I am enjoying myself”.

With the exception of two participants with some art background, these ladies came in ready for the challenge-not knowing what to expect. It is clear to me from the nature of my interaction with each artist, that their anxieties were quickly laid to rest when they began to appreciate the fact that what they initially regarded as “mistakes” during a creative process were now valuable opportunities to expand their reach and embrace their own creative spirit in a manner that they can truly be proud of.  This was true for those who thought they had “messed up” their work! After a few demonstrations, they could see for themselves how creativity and the concept of messing up just do not mesh!

If you are by now thinking that I quite enjoyed facilitating this Workshop, you are right. It was yet another pleasant reminder of why I have chosen to utilize my passion for the arts to creatively communicate and interact with others!

Thank You, goes to Jude Schanzer, the Director of Public Relations and Programming, of the East Meadow Public Library for granting me an opportunity to share my creative talent with the library’s patrons. I thank the workshop participants whose enthusiasm reinforced the “why I do, what I do factor” of my artistic journey and my other half, James Lacy – a fine example of one who believes in unconditional love and support!

Silk Scarf designed by facilitator at Wear Your Art Workshop    

www.mytimehascome.org

Madona Cole-Lacy, M.A.Ed., Program Director/Facilitator

                 Madona Cole-Lacy is a registered Nassau and Eastern Suffolk BOCES Teaching Artist and can be reached at madona@mytimehascome.org 

My Time Has Come Program Provides art-related workshops for Schools * Libraries * Faith and Community-Based Organizations.

                       Promotes and Supports                             Equality * Inclusion * Diversity.

Fosters a sense of belonging, accomplishment and pride gained from the creation of well executed culturally-inspired works of art.

Develops skills and techniques in the execution of handcrafted contemporary and multicultural textile designs and visual arts.