"May peace be upon you all! So, welcome to the Arty-Crafty Crescent Club, where creativity meets community and where being different is celebrated! First off, let me introduce myself. I'm your tutor, and yes, you might notice a French accent
Now, let's address the elephant in the room - or should I say, the colorful, artsy elephant? I happen to be neurodivergent, with a sprinkle of autism, a dash of ADHD, a pinch of dyscalculia and a side of fibromyalgia.Yes I won a full prize on invisible disabilities! So, if you catch me in a brain fog or hobbling in with my walking stick, don't panic. It's just me being my fabulous, quirky self.
But enough about me, let's talk about why we're all here. The Arty-Crafty Crescent Club isn't just your average art club. Oh no, we're on a mission! We're here to shine a spotlight on Muslim art and culture, because let's face it, it's been seriously overlooked. Plus, we're here to debunk some of those pesky misconceptions about Muslims. Trust me, I've seen the difference myself - I spent 34 years as a non-Muslim, and let me tell you, wearing a hijab changed everything.
So, what can you expect from our club? Well, for starters, it's a safe space where you can let your creativity run wild. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a total newbie, everyone's welcome here. Got half-finished projects gathering dust? Bring 'em along! This isn't a stuffy art course - it's a club, where you can relax, unwind, and just have fun.
Now, let's talk rules - but don't worry, they're more like guidelines. Rule number one: there are no mistakes in art. Seriously, embrace the imperfections! Rule number two: there's no right or wrong way to create. We're all artists in our own unique way, so don't be afraid to experiment and take risks. And rule number three: forget the techniques once you've learned them. This isn't about following a paint-by-numbers approach - it's about making art that speaks to you.
Oh, and one more thing - Feel free to follow your own rhythm. Come late, leave early, make yourself a cup of tea, or bring your own lunch. This is your club, so make it your own!
So, who's ready to unleash their inner artist? Welcome to the Arty-Crafty Crescent Club - where art, culture, and community collide in the most fabulous way possible!
To conclude allow me to share a brief introductory story written by Professor Salim Al Hassani, which beautifully encapsulates the essence of our project *if we replace the world “science by Art” :
"Imagine a time and place where people from different countries, culture, religions and backgrounds work together to discover new knowledge , understand more about the world, (...) A world in which the common language is Art* and that language is used for the benefit of everyone. A world in which progress is based on the sharing of ideas and working collaboratively.
Such a time and place existed (for Science). It was long time ago and has almost been forgotten."
Let’s make it happen again.
Together. For Art. For all.
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