Snd Edition of "Young Gardens of Lebanon" in Beirut 04-19.07.2024

This year’s edition of “YGOL” was different than the first edition we had last summer. Magda, a Polish art teacher, an artist herself and the author of “Gardens of Lebanon” suggested we choose a way of art expression that the workshops will be based on, using watercolors. After much reflection, the choice was abstract art, the reason behind this choice being my art classes and knowing that people lack the knowledge about it. 

"Many people think abstract art is just splashing random colors on a blank canvas; however, it is not. Abstract art is a free form of art expression with no rules. It also conveys the same topics as the realistic art, using different shapes, forms and colors." - says Chloe 

Magda and Chloe (cooridinator) agreed that nonprofessionals should give this workshop. We chose people who have already taken art courses in university and are aware of such a form of art: Dany, a member of YBTE, who is also an interior designer, Maria an active volunteer with us, a fresh graduate of architecture, and Chloe, majoring in fashion design, gave the workshop which expanded to 3 sessions over one week. 

First, we reached out to the parents whose children were interested to join our workshop. We had 14 children participate in the workshop: 5 children who participated in last year’s edition, and 9 new children including 2 Syrian brothers from our beloved Maaloula and 2 girls from the “First Step” Program in NDA school, in Badaro. 

Once the number of participants was confirmed the Team held a meeting one week prior to the workshop. We prepared a small presentation about abstract art so we can ease up the startup with the children and we announced our theme for this workshop “outer space”. It is a theme that gives no limit to the imagination.

During the first session, the children were given A4 papers and watercolor paint so they could express and paint outer space from their own perspective of abstract. They made lots of paintings, some even drew 7 in just one session. 

The second session was about pencil drawing and painting using only 2 A4 papers. This session was a bit more difficult for them because they felt a bit lost. This is when we, as a team, decided to hang up their works from the first session to re-inspire them and remind them what abstract art is.

The last session, was a “touch up” session. They worked on the paintings they had previously done in both the first and second sessions. Some painted one more artwork. When one person would finish painting all their work, we, the team, would call up on them individually so we could choose together which artworks they would like to exhibit. A maximum of 3 artworks were chosen for every child, and also discussed what title they would like to give to their paintings. This work was done in preparation for the exhibition.

The exhibition was held a week later after the last session. The artworks were placed on 3 different shades of blue cartons to invoke the theme of the second edition of “Gardens of Lebanon”, water source life. We also presented works done by Polish children inspired by that same edition. On a big foamboard, pictures showing these Polish children in action. 

We installed a glitter station, where Maria gave us all glitter touches on our faces and hands, and a food station where we offered cookies and juice to celebrate this special occasion together. 

We distributed certificates of participation to the children along with a small sketchbook for each one of the participants as gifts from Magda to the children. 

"As the coordinator of this project, I felt most connected to this edition, as I was more involved in the process. I helped the children get a glimpse of what abstract art really is, and attempt expressing themselves in abstract art. It was very interesting for me to see how they were inspired by the presentation and how they interpreted it later through their paintings. Their journey was a beautiful movie I watched. Shopping and preparing for the exhibition were such a beautiful experience, working hard on presenting the works they made. As for the exhibition, it was a dream for me, it was such a safe space and experience. It was heartwarming to see the children and their parents proud of the work done, they were so amazed by the works of the Polish children as well! All that I can say is that I am glad I had the opportunity to be the coordinator of this project, it has yet again reminded me of my real purpose in life. Looking forward to the next edition!" - Chloe