Last April I had the opportunity to work with the Foster Carers Cooperative on their ‘See Me’ exhibition shown at the Senedd, Cardiff Bay ( the Parliament building of Wales). The task was to stage an art exhibition showing something about the life of looked after children, to break down stereotypes and create something that the children would enjoy doing.
We decided on broad themes: What are your favourite things? What do you like doing best? We also offered the option of portraits. At first I thought this might be difficult but I was surprised at how easily they took to this option. I facilitated two sessions where both Foster carers and the young people painted. The ages of the children ranged from 5- 16.
The resulting exhibition was a particularly moving event. A foster carer spoke of the challenges and rewards of caring and a young woman who spoke about her life now as she pursues a fashion course at college.
During the art sessions I remember one particular young boy. He was shy and didn’t want to get any paint on him. By the end of the session he had completed 2 pictures, one of his carer and one about football. He also continued to draw on the flip chart, there really was no stopping him and he was okay about getting messy.
You can view the video of the exhibition here – please do its fabulous!