Monday 18 May 2015

Home School - Event Review - Re-creation

I have always been a fan of reading and usually prefer books over films any day. As a child I was a massive Roald Dahl fan, as I am sure many of you were, his stories always seemed to capture that pure essence of imagination.
 
One of my all time favourites of his was, of course, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The idea that there was an inventor out there who used his pure imagination to create these marvellous creations that brought enjoyment to the world captured me from the start.
 
One of my favourite quotes from the book is this:
 
“I am the maker of music, the dreamer of dreams!”  


Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could live in a world like this; a place where we are not drudged down by a 9 - 5 job, housework or the juggling of every day life but instead we could explore our imagination, be the maker of music and fulfil the wishes of our dreams!
 
I thought such places and people like Willy Wonker and his chocolate factory were just myth and imagination; that seemed true until I was invited, with William, along to an event at Re-creation by @ArtRoomLND
 
This incredibly quaint space is a multi-discipline Art room in central London that offers a unique place for both Adults and Children.
 
William and I was invited along as part of a Home Schooling event but if I am honest the moment I walked in I could see why this could become much more; something that I will discuss further in this post.
 
We were greeted with an array of refreshments whilst Alisha and Krissi explained who they were and what they were about.
 
 
Now I know many of you will be aware of the different sides of me but did you know that one of the degrees (Yes I have a couple) was in Art and later a qualification in Art Therapy? Obviously this, with my keen enjoyment or producing my own artwork, made me extremely excited to enter this space!
 
I automatically was in a magical land where I was a dreamer of dreams and anything I could imagine could be made; I was like a child in a sweet shop.
 
The workshop had drawers upon drawers, shelves full and table spaces available of materials for any project; and if I could actually sit here and list every aspect it would need a post of it's own! I wouldn't know where to start but I hope the photos below give you some idea. (They even support clay work and have their own Kiln, as well as resources available to work through the glazing process)



Everywhere you turned there seemed to be more:

 
(O.K I admit a flinched a little at the sight of shelves filled with a variety of coloured glitter!)

 

As mentioned above this space has some great potential uses and one that the ladies are aware of:
 
The workshop offers a drop in Arts and Crafts sessions for both Adults and Children and is open Tuesdays to Fridays 13:00 - 21:00 and Saturdays 10:00 to 18:00. (With it costing £10ph which covers most activities there)
 
They are also looking to offer Home educators in during Morning sessions. Along with this they are have tutors who offer support and guidance along given projects. We actually met Isabelle one of the tutors who openly dismisses herself as a tutor but rather as a "Problem solving facilitator" who clearly has a passion for all things creative stating:
 
"Art is a space for freedom both mentally and physically" and "If you can draw it then you can create it"
 
They also offer local business and groups 'team building' exercises; which to me sounded fantastic!
 
Or even Lunch time sessions where you can pop in for an hour or spread it over a couple of lunch breaks; bring lunch and create!
 
For us the Home School element was our main focus and once William had settled and got over being shy he was happy to join in and try out a few of the activities available.




With Art being one of those topics that can be incorporated in to most subjects I don't tend to put aside particular time slots each week. We are more likely to just have an art day and create (As you might have seen in our castles project)

What this event showed and reminded me is that with the right space and materials Art can be a continued presence of exploring the imagination; something that I had forgotten.

By the end William didn't want to go home. He wanted to stay, explore and create with a twinkle in is eye at the potential of what he could do next. I know that we will be making more of an effort to attend Re-Creation and use it as a regular place within our curriculum.

On a personal level I would be quite happy to take myself off for an afternoon without the children and just have some me time and really get back to my artistic routes. If you're local to London or happy travelling there then this little den of creative treasures would be ideal.

And as Roald Dahl wrote:

“I've heard tell that what you imagine sometimes comes true.
-Grandpa Joe”
  
 
 
For more information on Re-Creation, including pricing for different sessions, then please follow the link to their Twitter page:@ArtRoomLDN
 


(I was invited to this event for free. My opinions are my own and I am under no obligations to give a positive review. Please see my full disclosure at the bottom of my blog)


 

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8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Martin and William - we're really pleased that you love re-creation as much as we do. Your interpretation of the space is magical Thank you xxx

Kim Carberry said...

Oh wow! What a wonderful place! It looks and sounds like you had a great time...

Martyn Kitney said...

I'm glad you guys enjoyed the review. We love it there and will be back very soon. :)

Martyn Kitney said...

It is a little corner of magic in London which I loved. These little places should be around more. We had a great time there

Alan said...

Looks like a fun place to spend an hour or two. Sounds like William and you had a great time.

Martyn Kitney said...

Thanks Alan. It's a great little corner the more people should know about and even then that should be replicated everywhere. William loved it. We're hoping to go up again very soon!

Henry Harper said...

This review has me excited! My daughter Alisha sent me this review. I will definitely visit when next I am in London.

Martyn Kitney said...

Thanks for reading Henry! I'm pleased she sent you this review. We truly loved it there can't wait to go back!