Today was pretty awesome. October 22, our first workshop, was metal-oriented. The fact that we were handling metal today made me somewhat giddy, as I miss working with metal quite a bit.
Upon starting our workshop, everyone rummaged around for bits of this and that, to make something they had in mind or had seen previously. I feel like we all started out pretty uptight and gradually got very loose and comfortable in the setting. Jokes, laughter, and even a bit of language to match the cleanliness of our hands marked a good connection between the artists and art in the setting.
I collected several parts, mostly U-locks and sprockets, and devised what became a utilitarian towel rack. It was quick to assemble for Troy, who also added a few very helpful changes of his own. The piece was donated and will hopefully be auctioned off. Small details which come from different artists in a community art setting are extremely important, so take note when you see people giving each other helpful hints and praise; these situations often lead to epiphanies and always lead towards artistic development.
I also encountered a guy named Mattie and his brother Justin who were hanging around Bicas looking for a new bike. Mattie explained to me that he was somewhat new to Tucson, and worked with special needs students at a local High School. I gave him a few Bicas pamphlets and Art Auction flyers after explaining to him what our workshops were all about, when they were taking place, and what we as UA students and Art Educators were aiming to accomplish. I also got to pet his super cute puppy.
All in all I’ve (and WE have) come off on the right foot. I feel productive and optimistic, and am looking forward to new workshops and experiences. I have a couple pictures that Val is sending me, which I will edit in at a later time to document today’s work.
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