Photo opportunity, 2.15pm, Wednesday October 16, The Lounge community centre, 4 Beauly Avenue, Kirkton, Dundee.
An arts graduate who now runs a pioneering business which nurtures the artistic ability of children is to host an exhibition of their work at Kirkton community lounge tomorrow, Wednesday October 16.
Suzi Gasparini started her mobile arts worskshop, Print on Wheels, after graduating from the University of Dundee two years ago and now travels around Scotland co-ordinating arts activities for children and adults of all ages and abilities. Most recently, the Illustration and Printmaking graduate has been working with children from Kirkton, increasing their attention spans through developing a knowledge and appreciation for the arts.
Suzi's project at the Funtime Club in Kirkton community lounge was commissioned by the Kirkton and Ardler Youth Strategy Group, funded by the Social Inclusion Partnership.
Suzi said, "It has been hard but I have seen a great change in most of the children. I talk to them with authority but also with respect and I can get a lot of positive results in that way. I also let them choose what they want to learn and what they are interested in."
Citing the example of gaining an eight year-old boy's trust Suzi said "He told me that he didn't realise he had an interest in drawing and how happy it makes him doing something he likes. The confidence boost and simply the chance to have the fun that the project and the exhibition have offered these children are the reasons I would like to develop this further. I think it makes a difference. "
Contact Suzi on 07958 411576
By Jane Smernicki, Press Officer 01382 344768 j.m.smernicki@dundee.ac.uk