Maki has been facilitating community art groups for children, young people and adults and children with and without learning disabilities since 2009.
'In Other Words' is one of the project Maki started which still runs in L’Arche Belfast community.
'In Other Words' is one of the project Maki started which still runs in L’Arche Belfast community.
In Other Words Art Group
In 2010 Maki started an art group called 'In Other Words' in L'Arche Belfast, a community for adults with learning disabilities. In Other Words offers a space for people from all different back ground with a variety of abilities, talent, artistic interest to meet up and connect with each other in a spirit of friendship.
Maki run the session twice a week and group has been creating all sorts of art such as paintings, ceramic murals, mosaic, collages and other art and craft to express ourselves.
Art group have had a few commissioned projects and exhibitions in Belfast such as Ulster hall, Churches and cafes.
Maki run the session twice a week and group has been creating all sorts of art such as paintings, ceramic murals, mosaic, collages and other art and craft to express ourselves.
Art group have had a few commissioned projects and exhibitions in Belfast such as Ulster hall, Churches and cafes.
''How it began
Maki, a volunteer from Japan, was asked in her first few months in L’Arche Belfast, “What would you like to do in the community? What are the things that you are passionate about that you would like to integrate into your work in L’Arche?” Makiko has always been passionate about art, and she realised that art was a way she could connect with others in the community.
Initially, the art sessions began with just two people – Maki and Jillian, a core member in the community. While Maki struggled initially with the English language, she found a common bond through art with Jillian, who does not communicate with many words.
From this relationship and the bonds created through artwork, an art space was procured to allow more members of the community to meet and participate on a regular basis. Over the years, what started as a shared interest between Jillian and Maki has blossomed into a group of 10 -15 people of differing abilities who meet twice a week to create art. Interest in the group has also grown beyond L’Arche Belfast; the group is composed currently of both people from L’Arche Belfast and individuals from the wider community. The group has also finished a commissioned project for a local business and produced art for several exhibitions in and around Belfast. ‘’ (L’Arche Belfast website)
Maki, a volunteer from Japan, was asked in her first few months in L’Arche Belfast, “What would you like to do in the community? What are the things that you are passionate about that you would like to integrate into your work in L’Arche?” Makiko has always been passionate about art, and she realised that art was a way she could connect with others in the community.
Initially, the art sessions began with just two people – Maki and Jillian, a core member in the community. While Maki struggled initially with the English language, she found a common bond through art with Jillian, who does not communicate with many words.
From this relationship and the bonds created through artwork, an art space was procured to allow more members of the community to meet and participate on a regular basis. Over the years, what started as a shared interest between Jillian and Maki has blossomed into a group of 10 -15 people of differing abilities who meet twice a week to create art. Interest in the group has also grown beyond L’Arche Belfast; the group is composed currently of both people from L’Arche Belfast and individuals from the wider community. The group has also finished a commissioned project for a local business and produced art for several exhibitions in and around Belfast. ‘’ (L’Arche Belfast website)