2012 Bursary Update

"My aim is for each student to achieve a standard that they didn't think they can reach. I believe that self esteem and confidence come through challenging yourself and achieving results. The participants in my courses gain a sound knowledge of pastel art and I gently nudge them into unfamiliar territory. The most rewarding part of teaching these groups is watching people progress from saying "I can't do that, there's no way I can do that," to "I did that and so can you!"

Phil was delighted when he heard he'd won the Bursary. "I think we all enter our applications with the attitude 'you have to be in it to win it' but never really thinking we might," he says. "The money will be used to purchase art materials. Through the Yard project we aim to reach people who would normally miss out on arts and crafts, so with this in mind I intend to set up a pop-up workshop which I will take to other local venues and run short courses. This will help reach more people in their own area. Many of my students face different challenges when starting a new activity, from confidence to access, cost or travel. I intend to reduce some of these challenges with the pop up workshops."

Geraldine lives in Suffolk and has recently started running workshops at the Trimley Methodist Church Hall, in Trimley St Martin. Since suffering head and spinal injuries in a car crash 20 years ago, she has had ME and fibromyalgia, but her love of art and music helped her to cope with the turn her life had taken. "I understand how people feel who are shut off, or can't cope," she says. "The last 20 years have given me experience in coping myself, and with my many years' of teaching experience I want to be able to help others too."

ran her first art workshop earlier this year, and made good use of SAA books by the likes of Geoff Kersey and Noel Gregory, whose reusable tracings proved popular with students. She has since run and is planning several more, and offers students themed sessions or the chance to do their own art all day without interruptions. "I have created an atmosphere where people can come and paint and just take time out for themselves," she explains. "Relax, have fun with their work, meet new and old friends, or just work on their own. Even newcomers can feel part of the day and leave knowing they have achieved something and wanting to come back again. The workshops are portable in that I can take the subject matter to other art groups who are interested in having a go, or groups who are looking for a therapy activity."

"I feel people need their confidence boosted, or restored after experiencing a shock or loss," she says. "I let them choose what to paint and there is no set course as such, because I find that people who have never tried to paint before get good results from going straight in and letting the colour flow, then go home so pleased with what they've achieved."

Kaye gives her tutoring for free and finances the club, so winning the bursary was an added bonus. "First on my shopping list are brushes, they take a lot of punishment from inexperienced painters!" she says. "Then practice paper and paints, all bare essentials. I am told that I am an excellent teacher, who is enthusiastic and patient, and for the future I'd like to increase the number of members. Above all I want to head an art club that is positive, inspirational and fun!"

We'd like to say a big congratulations to our other successful applicants who were awarded SAA vouchers to help them continue the good work they are doing.