Fourth Edition of Open studio dated 25th/June/2023 got attendees quite busy with each of them positioned at different points to engulf in the knowledge, techniques that were being shared by the facilitators of the different workshops at studio. Unlike the previous 3 editions were all that the attendees did was see the work displayed on the walls, tables and network, this time round the studio was a cocktail of activity as every one was busy hands-on with at least one or two activities at a go among the activities that were going on at studio.
From a making beads workshop by MugiCrafts to the drawing workshop by Kakuyo Desire, planting flowers and plants workshop facilitated by Abraham Ttyaba and Ezra Tamale, the making of banana fibre crafts by Nakayiza Kate of Katrinah Designs, printing and design workshop by Kevin Murungi of Afro Muru, Crocheting workshop by Nakimuli Crochet Everywhere, painting workshop by Kiggundu Rodney, all these had a number of close to 7-8 people engaged and listening attentively to what steps the facilitators told them to follow. The goal of this edition was to initiate the workshops officially in bid to create more engagement in our open studio events. The team realised this is a good way to engage the attendees and guests at studio as it creates a sense of belonging between them and the space unlike before. Each attendee that participated got to walk away with whatever they made as a souvenir for engaging wholly in the activities.
The attendees included students from neighbouring schools, people from community, guest artists and elders, young upcoming artists and several young people from the surrounding community and beyond. We were glad to host one of the renown artists and elders in the Art industry in Uganda commonly known as the "Bead King" Mr. Sanaa Gateja to the space to check out what we do at the space and talk to the young artists and people about their craft. He advised them to continue doing what their doing and be creative and explorative in what they do. In frame below is Mr. Sanaa Gateja checking out the activities on the Arts and Crafts workshop table.
The calm Sunday evening came to a close with a sentimental book reading session facilitated by our Admin Faith Agumya who read a excerpt from her soon to be launched book " To Live Or Not To Live" a deep dive into her story battling with several suicide attempts and aimed at creating awareness about Suicide Prevention a recurring mental health challenge in our communities especially amongst young people. The session sparked a candid conversation about Suicide prevention and mental health and got the audience asking questions about triggers, causes and how to seek help when needed. Agumya shared signs you can see when your friend is going through a mental health challenge and how to help them. We were glad to have Awel Uhinganye the Founder of LeO Africa Institute grace the Open Studio and also attend that session. He urged creatives not to always wait to hit rock bottom to talk about mental health but to cultivate a sense of awareness on how to sustain proper mental health. He said it is quite absurd that the Creatives and Artists who often times mend our depreciating mental health are often times the ones who are suffering deep inside. He urged creatives around to always talk to someone. We thank you Awel for always supporting our community
Faith's book launch happened a week later on 30th/June/2023 at Fairway Hotel Kampala.
At the end of the session, Faith and Rodney Shared about their excruciating Mt. Kilimanjaro experience and urged other creatives to take up the challenge too the coming year. We were then blessed to watch " TTULA" a short animation film about being lost and being a victim of ones own mind. A characters descend into hopelessness. A film about being lost Ttula is set in a town in "Kawempe" a division of the Capital city of Uganda. Ttula was written, directed, animated, scored and sound designed by Mwesigwa Benjamin eknoch, under the wooofbunny banner. We thank all guests that came around and participated in the different workshops and events. Until next time.
Please check out this highlight video of what transpired at Open Studio 4 Workshop Edition.
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