Last Sunday March 19 2023 at work,
We held an art exhibition!
This art exhibition would be named “Art for Health”.
It was held right in the vicinity (Kagugube Community Hall found in Makerere Kivulu) of its intended beneficiaries.
(Please pardon me for going all non-profit on you there….)
By my rough memory,
Oscar and Emma, my very awesome colleagues have been meeting with these young people (the intended beneficiaries of the project) since December 2022!
That’s Oscar for you, in the centre of the discussion!
I had always wanted to be a part of these numerous interactions that led up to the exhibition but I completely failed at that.
Being at the exhibition was the chance I got!
That’s Emma for you in the centre of the discussion.
From the photos I got to see,
There was always an interaction with these young people and us, which always ended in expression on canvas in form of art and painted.
Remember, art is something that takes a while to create and fully appreciate.
We had to be very patient with one another; the young people had so much to get off their chests (something you can see in their drawings) and we had some parameters to check off the list of deliverables from our funding partner, UNDP Uganda.
“Visual arts for psycho-social support” was the tagline of the entire project.
Now, if you have been keeping a close ear on the funding for non-profits these days, you realise it’s bending so much to the end of creative arts and mental health!
At work, we are really good with the creative arts and when it comes to mental health, you know there isn’t anyone really good at that.
We all just do what we have to do or our very best at the time and look forward to tomorrow, right?
And that’s where a psychologist was brought in, to assess and evaluate the various needs of everyone on the project.
When it came to the creative arts,
We got the brushes, paints and canvas ready for the young people to express themselves as far as how they view life.
You realise the works of art you see here open your mind to numerous themes in life ranging from care work, dreams and plans, police brutality, drug abuse, wealth, school, sports, music, love, housing, education, climate change, identity among others.
In due time,
We hoped to change their minds from a hyper-vigilant one to a more conscious one through art.
How do we mean?
Those that started drawing out graphic scenes or violent life situations would end up drawing more inspirational material that anyone could look up to and pick a leaf.
And therefore, reduce the likelihood of these young ones landing into the holding cell of the police!
Will our efforts pay off?
I really hope they do!
It’s “Art for Health”, no?!
I am so rooting for these young people to make something for themselves (some of them have already been commissioned for artworks).
Life is already hard for us all.
It batters them much harder!
Point to note: All the photographs you see in this blog post were taken by us at Faces Up Uganda and belong to us.
Art is such a powerful tool. With a brush, color and imagination, I love that anyone can do it. It truly is therapeutic and so fulfilling. Not to mention, a great outlet. Kudos to you, Oscar and Emma for your dedication and encouragement to these young folks. I, too, am cheering them on for continuing with their artwork.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
😍👍 thank you, Momo!
Thanks for sharing this article with me, it was a really interesting read! I love how it highlights the positive impact that art can have on our mental health and wellbeing. It’s amazing how engaging in artistic activities can help reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and provide a creative outlet for self-expression.
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Yes, “Life is already hard for us all.” I hope we will find more time for art and creativity. I miss painting too sometimes.
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We are all rooting for these young people to better their lives and follow their dreams. Great exhibition here!
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Art is definitely a huge tool for positive mental health. It is like an art therapy. I think it is great that communities get to enjoy programs like this.
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I love the name of this art exhibit as well as the cause of this.
Definitely, art can have a big part in our mental health.
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At one time, I considered becoming an art therapist. I love the paintings on the tire, and the ones on the shelves too! This really makes me happy to see all of you enjoying art and making beautiful paintings.
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What an amazing event and idea! It gives them something tangible, that they created, with a way to express themselves. And, since you mentioned commissioned work, a way to make some income as well.
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My mother has a master’s degree in art, she has done some beautiful work over the years. Sadly she now has Alzheimer’s and her art now looks like something a toddler would have done. Despite how it looks she finds so much pleasure in creating.
😍😍 aaawww….I’d love to see her works!
This is a great program. I like how the youth are encouraged to express themselves through art and get inspired to make their lives better. I am sure there are more than one Picasso in that group! Wishing them all the best.
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I swear by the magic of art for our mental and even physical health! Being able to just sit back and paint or draw is magical!
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I really do help everyones efforts pay off. it sounds like it will really benefit these young people if it works well.
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I am loving the idea and the art exhibition sounds like a great success and I hope that this will guide these young people to a better path.
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It’s incredible how powerful Art is. Never underestimate the power of Art. I see it with my daughter all the time. Through Art, you can tell a story.
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Very awesome post! Art really is amazing. This sounds like a great and successful program!
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Art can take on so many forms. and helps in many ways both mentally and physically. Thanks for letting me see in on this great event.
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This is truly stunning. It’s always a pleasure to witness men and young boys embracing their creative side and exhibiting innovation.
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This is truly an amazing idea, art has so many mental health benefits and the joy I can see in their faces has made my day!
Thank you for appreciating!
Art can be such a great way to channel feelings, and heal. I love this idea.
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This is amazing and they can do a lot of amazing art. Love watching art like this.
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