Ceramic Workshop ‘Manetes’

In this workshop, an activity on ceramics was carried out.

The participants were seated around a table and, in the centre, Sonia, the ceramics educator, introduced herself and talked a little about her professional career together with her daughter, who was always her assistant.

The aim is to freely create objects such as plates, pots, jugs, decorative objects.... She briefly explained the technique of ceramics, the tools to be used, why it is important, its benefits for physical and mental health and, of course, its creative side. To create a suitable atmosphere, while the participants were getting ready by putting on their aprons, she played some relaxing music that lasted throughout the whole process of creation.

They began to create their piece of art, while Sonia, attentive at all times, answered their questions. People who have already practised this technique, who have skills, or who simply like to create, could be seen to be calm, happy and absorbed in their work. The involvement of the participants has been at its maximum.

Their impressions, when we asked them, were that they liked it very much. They think that these activities are necessary for all audiences and that they should be carried out more often. Some participants were very interested in the subject and even bought ceramics in the shop to give to their family and friends.

At the end, they were invited to a small snack as a token of gratitude for attending the workshop.

On the website www.mansartesanals.com you will find more information about Sonia.

These activities can be very productive by introducing them in neighbourhood communities, associations, schools, institutes... The theme can change according to the times (Christmas, Easter, the seasons...), without losing the roots of popular culture, so that young people have knowledge and learn by interacting with older people and that this is their source of information as well. For young people, it is a way to enrich themselves intellectually and to socialise, leaving aside, for a while, the new technologies and, for older people, especially those who are, or live alone, a way to get out of the house, to relate, to feel useful and to contribute their knowledge, wisdom and experience to this society. For older people who have not been able to go to school or have done so for a short period of time, these types of activities are very gratifying because they continue to learn at their age.

Those of us who have carried out these activities have observed and, above all, have been surprised by the ability and desire to learn of all the participants..

Knowing and letting others know our roots, maintaining them, promoting art in all its aspects, imagination, creativity, socialising, empathising, through workshops and activities, are fundamental to progress as a society.