A new art club has been launched in the region, that will allow both adults and children to explore and discover their individual creativity.
Set up by former professional artist, Victoria James, the Art Club Puplinge helps students experiment with different materials and techniques that will enable them to express, in the best way possible, what they wish to create. Describing the process to knowitall.ch, Victorial told us,
“At my art club, work is never “evaluated” in the formal sense, so that whatever is produced remains as authentic and personally expressive to each individual, and is uninfluenced by the opinions of others. Art Club Puplinge is a place where adults and children come together and have a “balancing effect” on each other, creating autonomously, using the space and materials provided, through the various themes suggested (such as different techniques, perspectives, subjects, colours and use of materials). When the weather permits it, we also get out into the neighbouring countryside and get inspired by nature. Sometimes topics may be suggested which may need research and thinking outside of Art Club time (such as history about a topic, artist, piece of writing, music or movement…)”
With a degree in drawing and sculpture gained at the Chelsea College of Art, and many years spent working as a professional artist, Victoria was drawn again recently towards working within the art domain, after a number of years employment outside this field. For a long time, Victorial felt that something was “missing” in Geneva, that the community needed a place where both English- and French-speaking children and adults could come together in a light-hearted, warm and fun environment to create something personal, without risk of evaluation or judgement. So in September of this year she seized the opportunity to create something special for the community, a friendly club where people could use different media, with her support, to “get creative”.
And she seems to have achieved her goal! One client, Leigh-Anne, told us, “Victoria is a delight and full of positive energy and enthusiasm, which her students feel. Both my children attend her Art Club and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Victoria thinks out of the box when it comes to art so the children and adults really use their imagination, there is no pass or fail. or right or wrong. but full freedom to express! The Art club is the very thing that we were missing in the area. Parents are always looking for creative opportunities for their children that are affordable and offered during vacation time too. Victoria has hit it on the nail, and the best thing is that parents can join their children too, which is a great family activity!”
Another client, Megan, added, “I have attended Victoria’s classes with my husband and son and it's a big hit each time. Victoria is a very innovative, creative and effective moderator, leaving a space for each kid and adult to find their own individual creative expression. My husband, who was initially wary, as he insists he's " no artist", came away with a sense of inspiration and joy. I would highly encourage all ages and levels to try art club for a wonderfully freeing and fun experience.”
Art Club Puplinge costs Fr. 30.- for a 2 hour class, or Fr. 270.- for a 10-class pass. Art camps are also held during the school holidays and cost about Fr. 200.-, depending on the duration of the camp (3 – 5 days). Private one-to-one classes with Victoria are also possible for the price of Fr. 160.-/2 hour session.
Art Club Puplinge
www.facebook.com/artclubpuplinge
Course Flyer
Remaining classes in 2013
December:
Tuesday 17th 9:30-11:30am
Wednesday 11th and 18th 3-5pm
Saturday 14th and 28th 10am-12 or 3-5pm
Sunday 29th 3-5pm
First two photos courtesy of Robin Coupland, from his blog "Talking Beautiful Stuff", in which he writes about his experience of being a student at Art Club Puplinge.
