Sharing my skills with others
I was scheduled to deliver a sculpture making workshop in July, however the latest Covid pulse put a brake on it.
Am I upset? No, not really; I have done so many workshops over the years, so its not a problem for me to have one postponed, but I am aware that many are missing out on this essential human contact and opportunity to share and create communally, and for that I am sad.
I was an art teacher many years ago when I lived in California, however, recently I admitted to another art teacher that in all my years of teaching, I never drew up a lesson plan! I actually do not know how to do one. I was taught to do one, but it never really made sense to me. When I did have to show proof of a lesson plan to the school principal or head of department, I always did the plan after the lesson. Somehow, I got away with it. I’m sure I never fooled anybody.
To be honest with you, I think my lack of planning provided the most exciting and dynamic experience for the students, as I could respond to them as individuals and, it also allows all the happy accidents and unexpected learning along the way.
If I know what sort of workshop I am providing, I do think about the materials that might be needed in advance. For example, if I am doing a sculpture making workshop for adults, I will seek to understand how skilled they are at sewing. If I don’t know this then again I will just wing it and provide for all eventualities.
I always bring my sewing machine and an iron with me; and one or two extension leads. I usually ask the participants if they are happy with hand sewing or if they want to bring their own sewing machines and if they would like me to provide all materials or bring some of their own.
A question I often get from students is “are the materials I am providing inclusive in the price of the course, or will there be hidden extras?”. In my experience the best workshops are where I provide all materials, one price for the whole thing and if the attendees want to bring their own materials, they are welcome, but the cost doesn't change.
Do I provide handouts, instructions, tea coffee, refreshments?
In this time of Covid, depending on where the workshop takes place, I would ask the attendees to bring their own refreshments and lunch. I recently attended a workshop where mugs, tea and coffee and cake at teatime were provided, but I would certainly have been happy to bring my own mug, teabags and afternoon treat. In these unsettling times I fully expect to be responsible for my own well-being.
I do really enjoy running workshops, especially to a responsive and engaged audience. I remember one time I was asked to give a “talk” about my art journey and artwork to a group of mature, skilled embroiderers. If they liked my talk/presentation I would be asked to run a workshop. When I saw the audience falling asleep right in front of me, while I gave what I thought was an interesting talk, I knew I was in the wrong place with the wrong people! Of course, I was upset by this experience and vowed never to do a talk or workshop again, but time is a great healer and you come to appreciate that every experience has something to teach us, and this understanding and learning drove me to find my tribe and not say yes to every offer.
I am much braver now, more resilient, and discerning. I have given a few 20-minute talks about my work, showing a few physical examples and I’m always surprised by the questions asked. I keep it all in mind for the next talk. I still don’t draw up a lesson plan for my workshops, but I do have a system and pretty much know what can be achieved in the time allocated.
I always provide a pattern and show how it can be altered. I bring materials and examples of my work. Most of all I am flexible and can “wing it” whether I’m working with unskilled and skilled people, or a mix of both in the same workshop.
I know the workshop has been successful when people are pleased with what they’ve achieved and go home smiling and wanting to know if there will be anymore workshops.