UTSDGs

【USR Hub】Accompanying Art Studio: A Taipei Art Action Plan for Learning, Companionship, and Inclusion - Empower Studio Art Companionship Activity: Hands-on Art and Getting to Know Each Other (Class B)

1. Preparation Process (1)Course Plan Discussion: Teaching assistants (TAs) designed the course plan based on objectives set by the instructor. The feasibility and details were discussed with the instructor, and revisions were made following their suggestions. Given the wide age range and varying familiarity with art creation among participants, as well as potential differences in creative speed, the course was designed to provide appropriate support tailored to the participants’ abilities. (2)Material Preparation: Materials such as face cards, polystyrene balls, clay, diverse decorative materials, cutting and adhesive tools, and yarn were prepared in alignment with the course design. (3)Demo Piece Creation: TAs created a demonstration piece using clay and decorative materials on polystyrene balls to illustrate the creative techniques and introduce the artistic materials during the session. (4)On-Site Inspection: One week before the course, the team visited the Zhongzheng Women’s Empowerment Center to assess the classroom environment and facilities. (5)Pre-Class Preparation on the Day: Students were pre-assigned to four groups, and the materials were sorted and placed on the respective group tables in advance. 2.Course/Activity Overview Through personal polystyrene ball creations, participants explored self-expression and individuality while fostering group cohesion. The course also enhanced their confidence in art by introducing various artistic materials. Finally, participants visualized their connections within the group by wrapping yarn around their creations, culminating in a collective testimony of their bonds. 3. Participant Feedback and Outcomes (1)Personal Polystyrene Ball Creation Initial Curiosity: Participants expressed curiosity about the materials and shared past experiences with art, demonstrating excitement for the session. Creative Engagement: Participants actively used the materials, complimenting each other’s works with remarks such as "beautiful," "creative," and "unique." Collaborative Themes: Common themes emerged within groups, such as floral designs, natural styles, or marine elements. Encouragement for Reluctant Participants**: Those hesitant at first found inspiration through observation and trial, eventually producing unique creations. (2)Yarn Collective Testimony Participants enjoyed wrapping yarn to connect their creations, marveling at the visualization of group connections and eagerly capturing photos of the collective artwork. Verbal interactions during the yarn process further strengthened group cohesion. Even participants who chose to wrap yarn solely around their own creations welcomed others to connect their pieces, receiving positive feedback for their individuality. (3)Course Outcomes Participants explored their inner selves and expressed their individuality through polystyrene ball creations. They gained confidence in using diverse artistic materials. Participants shared their creative concepts and listened to others, fostering deeper connections within the group. 4. Overall Execution Insights and Recommendations (1)Insights The **Empower Studio Art Accompaniment Series** showcased the empowering potential of art. Participants pushed their boundaries to create meaningful works, externalizing their inner worlds and fostering connections even in unfamiliar group settings. This process enhanced their sense of efficacy and belonging. As facilitators, we designed the course with a focus on adult women’s backgrounds and needs, aiming to empower and bring joy to participants. Hearing them describe the activity as therapeutic and stress-relieving was deeply moving. This not only validated the activity’s benefits but also strengthened our belief in the value of art accompaniment. (2)Recommendations Tight Lunch Breaks: The one-hour interval between the A and B sessions was insufficient for resetting the venue and preparing materials. Extending the break time would alleviate pressure. Artwork Display for Exhibitions: To streamline preparation for exhibitions, participants can directly arrange their creations on display tables and add name tags. Clarifying the purpose of name tags (real names versus pseudonyms) beforehand is advised. Use of Music: Background music provided by the venue created a calming atmosphere for participants. This practice is recommended for future sessions.

Implemented by Center for Teaching and Learning Development
Date: 2024/07/03