CLAY GROUP for women victims of sexual assault/family violence

CLAY ART GROUP

A new art group for women who have experienced sexual abuse or family will begin at the South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault (SECASA) this week. There are still a few places available.

When: Thursdays, beginning 1 May, 2014 until 1 August (15 weeks)

Time: 10 am to 1 pm

Where: SECASA, East Bentleigh (Melbourne)

Booking: is essential, Emily (SECASA Admin) 9928 8741

Enquiries: Anne 0417 526 636 ariggs@alphalink.com.au

Cost: No cost, basic materials supplied

Refundable deposit secures a place on the course.

Some information :

This is an enjoyable and safe space to learn and create. This year we will be working in clay. You will make work to take home and part of the project will focus on expressing feelings of grief and loss. It is particularly useful for women who have been in a mosaic group and are ready to explore their creativity and feelings a little more.

Participants in these art groups are never asked to reveal or disclose anything about their past or present experiences, although some choose to share some elements of their stories. As women learn to express themselves through their art the focus of these groups is creative practice and not therapy.

Participants learn the basics of working with clay, such as using coils, slabs and colours. We look at how this wonderful material be used to express ourselves, including feelings, stories, joys and sorrows. And how it can be formed to create function works. Participants learn about how artists express themselves through their creativity – and we use their works as inspiration for our own.

I run this group; participants also have the support of a SECASA counsellor who attends each session.

New participants will meet with me beforehand, to discuss their needs and the program, and to familiarise themselves with the room and surroundings.