Lead Artist: KAt Healy

CYP: The North Berwick Youth Project

Project Overview

Exploring East Lothian Land, Sea & Sky through the Seasons

CYP observed seasonal changes and captured them through ​various media. In August 2024, a group exhibition was curated at ​the Recreation Hall in Gullane to showcase their work.

Workshops explored mindfulness in creative practice and ​demonstrated how these disciplines complement each other. The ​seasonal landscape ‘enhanced CYPs' connection to their East ​Lothian surroundings.

The sessions were open to all levels, and no prior experience was ​required. The focus was on the creative process rather than end ​goals, enabling participants to use creativity for emotional well-​being.

Kat Healy supported CYP using various resources. The groups ​learned new painting, printing, and drawing techniques and ​discussed eco-friendly approaches.

Fund Objectives

To deliver arts activity for children and young ​people, prioritising those who have traditionally ​found it hardest to access such opportunities

To engage children and young people in high-​quality and accessible arts activity that empowers ​them through self-expression, enhances their ​health, well-being and personal development, and ​builds their confidence and skills.

Project Aims for ​Children and Young ​People (CYP)

CYP feel better able to express themselves ​through involvement in arts activities

The mental health & wellbeing of CYP is ​improved through their participation in ​artistic and creative activities

CYP facing additional barriers have equal ​opportunities to access artistic and creative ​activites

Youth workers are more confident in ​embedding creative and artistic projects in ​their delivery

October 2023

The project began with workshops exploring the ​autumnal landscape of East Lothian. We ​incorporated the scenes created by Storm Babet, ​which included plenty of stormy waves and skies.

The children and young people (CYP) from ​North Berwick and Gullane engaged in mixed ​media art sessions, focusing on the changing ​colours and textures of the season.

These workshops set the tone for the project's ​inclusive and supportive atmosphere, ​encouraging CYP to express themselves freely ​without judgment.

Nov & Dec 2023

The project continued with sessions focusing on autumn's ​rich colours and textures, plus a special festive session with ​the North Berwick Youth Project Girls Group.

In these workshops, the CYP explored Gelli Plate printing, ​creating vibrant backgrounds and motifs using stencils ​and various techniques.

The groups used an autumn-December-inspired palette ​reflecting the twinkling festive lights of East Lothian's ​coastline, experimenting with charcoal, pastel, watercolour, ​and ink to add depth to their prints.

These workshops fostered a sense of community. ​Participants created special cards for friends and family ​while reflecting on the changing season and their ​surroundings.

Jan & Feb 2024

As the season changed, so did the focus of the ​workshops. CYP explored winter themes, creating ​atmospheric pieces that captured the essence of ​East Lothian's winter landscape.

They experimented with unique techniques like ​upside-down painting, which promoted intuitive ​creativity and mindfulness in art-making.

CYP in Gullane drew inspiration from the silver ​birch trees in the Millenial Wood, while those in ​North Berwick focused on the muted tones of the ​winter seascape.

These workshops deepened the participants' ​observational skills and connection to their local ​environment.

March 2024

As spring approached, the project embraced themes of ​renewal.

It was an ideal time to celebrate the arrival of the ​stunning snowdrops in East Lothian.

The CYP also had the opportunity to create Mother's Day-​themed art. They designed cards and vignettes while ​learning techniques like toning the canvas and layering ​with gouache.

These sessions emphasised the connection between art, ​nature, and personal expression.

April 2024

The April workshops celebrated the arrival of ​spring and the changing light, sea and landscape ​across East Lothian.

Workshops in North Berwick and Gullane ​focused on creating collages of daffodils and ​spring blossoms using recycled materials from ​previous sessions.

This activity supported artistic skills and ​development and raised awareness about ​sustainability in art.

August 2024

The project concluded with a vibrant celebration of ​sunflowers.

CYPs used soft pastels, oil pastels, and pencils to create ​stunning artworks capturing summer's essence.

The final workshops emphasised the joy of creative ​activity. After their summer break, the groups were keen ​to socialise and encourage each other as they worked.

These cheerful artworks showcased developed skills and ​community spirit, providing a fitting conclusion to our ​seasonal journey.

August 2024

The CYP and NBYP Team gathered at Gullane Recreation Hall to celebrate their hard work and share the group exhibition, ​“East Lothian, a Journey Through the Seasons”

What the CYP Have Shared About their ​Experiences Throughout the Project

I really enjoyed the workshops ​because we could socialise and relax ​and learn art skills.

I like creating new and smaller ​drawing paints and tones I don't ​normally use.

I thought the session was really fun, ​and I loved working with the ink.

I liked the workshop because it made ​me feel free.

The salt made cool effects ​with the waves.

I liked how much ​freedom we had.

The art was therapeutic and calming.

I liked how the colours ​mixed–it was cool.

The session was fun ​and I loved it!

CYP Word Cloud from Feedback Forms

www.northberwickyouthproject.org.uk

This project was made possible Thanks to the Youth Arts Open Fund

via YouthLink Scotland and the Scottish Government.

Keep up with Kat’s projects and events on social media

shorelark_org

shorelarking