Week 4-5 Workshops and Engaging Exhibition

Week 4: Botanical Dyeing Workshops for Students

With the fundraising going on and the cooperation with local bookstores, helped with other volunteers, we held two workshops for students in a bookstore. 

Course documenting:

At the beginning of the course, we organized a fun icebreaker game called "Plant Squat." Each child chose their favorite plant and formed a circle.

Some children showed a keen observation of everyday plants during the game and introduced plants commonly found in their living areas. One child named themselves "Balsam," while another chose "Cypress." During this activity, everyone shared various interesting plants.

After the explanation session, I asked the children to choose their favorite plants and start creating. From arranging the plants to deciding their shapes, the children displayed unique creativity and thought, exploring the mysteries of color.

One child used red leaves, which resulted in brown leaf prints and veins, leaving an "autumn" color on the canvas bag. Another chose the southern "Bougainvillea," printing a bright pinkish-purple. Some children layered different leaves, using the overlapping and blending of colors to create a distinctive visual presentation.

In the hot summer, the indoor space felt like a return to the fields and forests. Each canvas bag seemed like a small secret corner. Seeing their smiles and the joy on their faces, in this free expression of color without a "right answer," we expressed our feelings and creativity together. It was a process of mutual empowerment.

This week was indeed impressive for me, we planned a lot and did a lot. I love the laughs from the kids. And the bookstore also collected the funding for them.

Week 5: Exhibitions of Students' Works

After the workshops in week 4, we held a small exhibitions of students' works in this bookstore, which makes the whole exhibition meaningful. A lot of people came to visit their works, which empowered these students a lot. I still remember that one of the students told me: "I will bring this self-made bag with me wherever I go!" I laughed, and she laughed as well.

Challenges and Reflections

One of the main challenges was organizing the exhibition in a way that effectively showcased each student's work. Ensuring the bookstore space was suitable and coordinating the setup required careful planning. Additionally, managing the expectations of both the students and visitors was crucial to maintain a positive atmosphere.

The exhibition was a powerful experience for the students, boosting their confidence and sense of achievement. Seeing their work appreciated by a wider audience helped reinforce their skills and creativity. The moment when a student expressed pride in their creation highlighted the impact of the exhibition. This experience underscored the importance of providing platforms for students to share their work, fostering a sense of empowerment and community.