Polytunnel Art- a community wellbeing project for Asylem seekers in Bellharbour, Co.Clare.

 Plant, Paint and Place; Polytunnel Art in the Burren

I was invited by the Burrin Community Group and Donnacha Fahy, polytunnel owner and horticulturalist, to offer an art class that could lift the spirits of the new neighbours in the village of Bellharbour where I grew up. Part-funded by Healthy Clare micro fund. ( I had helped set up Failte Isteach chat club that I co-ordinate in Bellharbour since May so I got to know some new neighbours and their interests.)

 I designed a creative workshop around 6 herbs common to Ukraine and Ireland that grow over the winter in both locations. Working with Donnacha and a group of Ukrainians each week we engage with a specific herb. Coriander & parsley to date. We draw, tell stories, sing, paint, taste, smell, eat and plant new seeds in the Polytunnel that Donnacha will water over the winter. It's a privilege to share such lore and insights across cultures and I'm so impressed how the Ukrainians who are partaking just love to draw and make no bones about it! No complementing but no pressure- no competitiveness, just enjoying the delight of drawing together on a huge sheet of brown paper. I recognise I come from a creative culture of shame, we are never good enough ... so its very healing for all of us there to embrace drawing for drawings sake!