Lariak Art Club's Newletter

16 October 2009
 
 
 INTRODUCTION
WORKSHOPS
TREE NURSERY
ESTABLISHMENT
MASK ESTABLISHMENT
PAINTING MATERIALS
FOR THE SIPILI SCH. FOR THE DEAF
ANNUAL COMPETITIONS WAY FORWARD
 

Since the schools opened for the third term, we have had painting sessions as usual. Most paintings are based on observation, imaginations and memory. In Lariak Secondary school and Sipili School for the deaf students are doing wonderful paintings. You will see them when you come.

As conservation of environment is within the objectives of MASK, in Lariak secondary we have established a tree nursery. We are growing mangoes, avocados and passion fruits.

Due to its popularity, MASK has spread to other schools. Itis now operating in six more other schools. These schools are:
Makutano primary school
Kaharati        ”           ”
Young Roses             ”
Shinning stars             ”
Kio                              ”
Lariak                          ”
 

So far, we have had one painting session in each school and both teachers and the pupils are showing a lot of interest.  It is my proposal that you plan to spend at least two weeks in Sipili when you come next so that you may have time to visit these clubs. I would also suggest that you come prepared so that we can organize for an annual competition among these schools. We have bought painting materials for Sipili School for the deaf using some money that was given to Hellen by Mr. Appolos Machira.

We wish to spread MASK far and wide in order to tap and build painting capacities of our young artists. Though traveling from one school to another will be a challenge as you understand the geographical site of Sipili, I strongly believe that with time we shall conquer it.
 

Best wishes form MASK members.
 
Report compiled by: Kanyoko T. Kahari, Volunteer Teacher
 Joel Gatua, Student

John Waweru, Volunteer
Hellen Gichuki, Volunteer

September 2009

We’ve opened school for the third term and this term we’ve had painting sessions of Fridays and Thursdays in Lariak Day Secondary School and Sipili for the Deaf respectively.  On 27th there was an Annual General Meeting in Lariak Day Secondary school and we did an exhibition it was quite colourful. I am going to send you the design of the MASK calendar we have done for 2010 for you to approve.  Also, NGO called TREE IS LIFE which paints murals has approached us and they are willing to collaborate with us.

Report compiled by

Kanyoko T. Kahari – Volunteer Supervisor
John Waweru – Volunteer Artist
Helen Gichuki – Volunteer Teacher
Joel Gatua - Student

Last time I visited Sipili was during their August holidays.  I therefore did not manage to meet with most of our club members but I managed to meet with Joel.  He is personally doing very well as the club in general.  He told me that they still have art materials and they meet every Friday afternoons as before.  He also told me that the drama club is not very active especially after I left.  I advised him and the other members to concentrate mostly on Painting at the moment.  The art club at the Deaf School is doing very well.  Godfrey told me that they still hold meetings every week and Hellen visits in most of the sessions and work with the kids. Great. Thomas is still supervising the two clubs.

John Githiri

8 June 2009

About the club

John’s relocation and appointment of Margaret Wachira

Invitation of John Waweru for painting sessions

Donation of painting materials to Sipili School for the Deaf

Purchase of painting materials by the school for the club (Lariak Secondary)

Dear Alla,

The cCub has been going on well. We have had several sessions of painting and I would say that there is progress in painting. We have had paintings done from observation, memory and imagination. We have also done some paintings on environmental conservation.

John Githiri relocated to Naivasha, following his relocation we realized that Hellen might find it difficult to work alone with the deaf children, so we have asked Margaret Wachira a former MASK member and secretary to work with Hellen in Sipili School for the Deaf.

They have done paintings on observation and I can’t fail to mention to you that they had a session with people from Putney School in the U.S.A. in fact they produced wonderful paintings. The people from Putney School donated some painting materials to them and they were amazed because they never thought that those kids can produce such paintings. They promised to donate more materials once they are back in U.S.A.

After John left for Naivasha I have invited another artist who is as talented as John is or even more and so far we have had some sessions with him, he is quite helpful. His name is John Waweru and if you wish we can e-mail you his two or three paintings for you to see.

The school has bought the club some painting materials that is 53 manila papers and three containers of green painting powder that had gotten finished.

Please keep us informed about the exhibitions and our organization progress on that side.

We look forward to hearing from you. Pass our warm regards to John, tell him that we miss him as much as we miss you.

Best wishes

Compiled by:  Thomas K. Kanyoko, Joel Gatua, Hellen M. Gichuki.

26th January 2009

Introduction.
Reopening of the school.
Painting
School’s next project.
Way forward.
 
Reopening of the school.
The school opened on 6th Jan 2009. After the school opened we launched KOSA film to the club members. It was successful and was well appreciated.  We intend first to make exhibitions to spy how the community is going to take it at the same time we feel that this will create market for the film and at the same time it will serve to popularize MASK. 
 
Painting
Since the school opened, we’ve had two painting sessions. The second session involved painting on peace issues. Press men from Kameme fm media station which also owns a K24 Local television station interviewed our club members about peace building between communities through art. Soon the club is going to have a DVD (Digital Video Disc) on that. A programme on that interview is going to feature in K24 television station.
 
Next project
As a club, we are intending to film dramatization in poetry as our next project we’ve already identified ten poems that we are going to dramatize all composed by Kanyoko T. Kahari and we’ve already started practicing them. We hope the film is going to be an interesting one and we hope its going to popularize MASK too. Why we decided to undertake this project is because poetry is a compulsory subject in Kenyan secondary school course. It is one of the feared subjects which most students believe to be hard/ difficult to understand. As such we intend to demystify poetry. We are quite sure the film will reach many schools and as such it will also serve to make MASK popular.
This year we’ve given our club members an open end where we incorporate all art talents. Among our members there are those who are good in music, drawing cartoons, strips, playwrights, young poets e.t.c
 
Conclusions.
We hope all will go well though we welcome and cherish your advice on our intentions.
 Kanyoko. T. Kahari

John Githiri

Joel Gatua.
Hellen Gichuki

Annual Report, December 2008

LARIAK SECONDARY SCHOOL ART CLUB

The Lariak Art Club was started at Lakiar Secondary School by MASK Director Alla Tkachuk in mid February 2008 as one of the MASK initiatives. She donated paining materials to the club. It is during this period that I met her in Sipili. Due to my interest in art, I was very happy and grateful when she offered me a chance to work as a volunteer teacher in MASK. During her stay at Sipili she also met Thomas Kanyoko T.Kahari, who happens to be an English teacher at the Lakiar Secondary School, and a wonderful local poet.  Alla also appointed sudents Hellen Gichuki as the Head of the Club and Joel Gitau as her Deputy.  Teacher Kanyoko T.Kahari became Club's Patron. I, John Githiri, became its volunteer teacher. The Club immediately has registered 36 members.

Since its formation the Club has managed to cover the following:

(a)    Painting from observation

(b)    Painting from memory

(c)    Paintings from imagination

(d)    Stencil painting

(e)    Landscape painting

The painting club holds its meetings on Fridays afternoons immediately after classes i.e. 4.30pm – 5.30pm. Currently the club has about 20 dedicated members.

SIPILI SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF ART CLUB

MASK's Director requested that we, the LAC, will be also running art workshops at the neighboring Sipili School for the Deaf.  In June 2008 we established Sipili School for the Deaf  Art Club and managed to cover

(a)    Painting from observation

(b)    Painting from memory

Currently, Sipili School for the Deaf Art Club has a membership of sixteen pupils. We hold painting sessions on Thursday afternoons.

DRAMA CLUB IN LARIAK SECONDARY SCHOOL

Besides painting and drawing, the Lariak Art Club has started Drama Club in June 2008. The following chairs were formed.

Chairperson -Josphat Thumbi, student

Secretary -Monica Wandanga, student

Club partron -Kanyoko T. Kahari, teacher

Drama teacher –John Githiri, teacher

The club activities have been drama training, writing and performing plays during different public events.  So far we have managed to perform two plays. In third term this year, the Drama Club was also began KOSA project - making a documentary film about drugs problem amongst children. By the end of third term; the Drama Club had twenty two dedicated members. The club holds meetings on Saturdays between 11.00am -12.30pm

DRAMA CLUB AT SIPILI COMMUNITY LIBRARY

Lariak Primary School in Sipili, one of the schools of MASK's network, has a Community Library.  I bring MASK's activities to the Library and engage kids in art, drama and music, reaching all local children and youth who visit the community library; they come from five local schools.  MASK has therefore managed to reach over 60 kids through the community library.

The library provides drawing and painting materials. The Club meets during the Sunday afternoons.

DRAMA CLUB IN SIPILI SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

The club has a membership of sixteen pupils. All of them belong to the painting club. We normally invite them, together with their Headteacher, Mr. Gikunda to join their senior counterparts in Lariak Secondary School and train together. The club is unique since actors and actresses are deaf.  Sign language therefore captures the attention of the audience. One of the pupils took part in project KOSA.

PROJECT KOSA

KOSA is a Lariak Art Club's play about drugs problems amongst children.  We wrote and performed the play between 27 September - 12 November 08.  We are turning it into a documentary film now. Kosa is a Swahili word meaning mistake. PLOT: Kosa is a pupil and comes from a poor family. His uncle is a borehole attendant at Sipili market. His uncle is a “kind” man and he gives Kosa five shillings to go to movies but not before Kosa has delivered drugs to the boys in a neighboring school. Sadly, Kosa has not only been trafficking the drugs but he is also using them. Recently, a community library has been opened and Kosa by chance attends one of the activities there - a counseling by the a retired school headteacher. Today, the teacher is telling his pupils a story about two boys, Sam and Bro who used to be his students and used drugs. Kosa sees a reflection of his own life. Kosa decides to confess to the counselor. He tells him that he is ready to change, he won’t do drugs again nor will he traffic them any more. The counselor notes that Kosa has a talent in art. He encourages him to be visiting the library and join the painting club. He decides to have a word with Kosa’s headteacher and together they decide to help and support Kosa and any other schoolchildren who have joined drug club’.

Themes addressed in Kosa

(a) Drug abuse among the youth

(b) Poverty

(c) Ignorance

(d) Human-wildlife conflict

(e) Insecurity

(f) Caring

Project Kosa attracted a large audience from the local community. Some of the residents in Sipili offered their homes as locations of our filming, while others volunteered to act in the play. This was mainly because project Kosa is addressing those issues that the communities face in their day to day life. The community embraced the Club's efforts to address these issues through drama.

EXHIBITIONS

One of MASK's mission is to organize exhibitions of the artwork done by our club members both locally and internationally. Our director organized international exhibition while we, Thomas and I, organized four exhibitions locally.   Their details are on our website www.mobileartschoolinkenya.org. Most of those who visited our stands during such exhibitions appreciated the Club's work and MASK in general. In fact, during the exhibitions we met other drama, music or poetry groups who wish to join MASk network and be assisted by MASK.

PARTICULAR PROBLEMS THAT THE CLUB HAS FACED DURING THE YEAR

Some luck of discipline in attendance among some members was a challenge to the club, particular to the Drama activities and goals.  It disrupted our training and rehearsals  for the plays delaying progress.  Not enough time to train and rehearse has been a major challenge to the club. This especially affected drama club.  we only train for two hours per week. i.e on Saturdays. At some point during the year the drama club faced a major blow after two of the members transferred to other schools. The two girls were good actress and used to take major roles in plays.  Lack of costumes in drama club has also been a challenge to us. Most of the members provided their own costumes.

SOLUTION

We decided to hold a meeting of all the club members and together we formulated rules governing the club. Those who missed two consecutive meetings without notifying the club were to be considered to have left the club. I think this is going to explain why the club numbers were high during the clubs formative stage as compared to the current number.

SHORTAGE OF ART MATERIALS

At some point during the year we faced a shortage of painting materials. This was caused by the fact that the school principal had promised to fund the club something that was never realized.

SOLUTION

Thomas assisted in the buying of materials before our director sent us money to buy the materials.

COMMUNICATION

We normally communicate to our director concerning the clubs affairs through the internet which is accessible at Nyahururu a distance of more than 50km from Sipili. This has therefore been expensive besides taking a lot of time before we can send her a message.

RESULTS

Over the nine months since the Lariak Art Club as started, it has became very popular not only within the Lariak community but also within and around Sipili. MASK objective to identify and develop children's talents is already taking shape. In painting club I have identified seventeen students whose work is very impressive. They are all dedicated and willing to learn. I believe given more time these young artists will develop their talents. After covering paintings from memory, observation and, imagination, I noted that most of them like and do well in paintings done from memory and imagination. I think this is because in these paintings the artist is given room for creativity. We concentrated very much in paintings from observation mainly to emphasize the effects of light.

Because of the Government's reforms of 2001, the art subject is no longer tested in Kenyan schools. As a result the schools dropped the arts altogether. This means that most of our members have never studied art subject in their life.  These young artists are very grateful to MASK for giving them an opportunity to identify themselves. Before, most of them didn’t realize the importance of art as a subject. MASK has therefore given the kids an opportunity to excel in art something the government deprived off them.

Most of the members in drama club has improved in other subjects which has prompted several teachers to comment on. I think this is because in our club we very much put emphasize on being disciplined and responsible. Our club motto reads “Hard work never goes unrewarded”.

Project KOSA has enabled us to reach the community in general. The Club through this project has taken the responsibility to address issues affecting the community at large. It is a disciplined force that is concerned about the welfare of the whole community. Ignorance is a major barrier to the development of our communities. Project KOSA is more of a mirror to the lifestyle of our people.

MASK therefore through its initiation of such projects has achieved the objective  of social responsibility. I believe this project can bring great change to the community at large. During project KOSA people from different tribes and backgrounds worked together with a common goal. Normally our area is prone to conflicts among different tribes. Most of these conflicts are caused by unfair administration. Most of our people are illiterate and therefore do not know their rights. MASK has thus lit the candle towards prosperity by providing awareness among the residents.

This project can be of financial benefit to our Club which is something that can ensure Club's self sustainability and development.

RECOMMENDATION

The Club needs a recording device in the future e.g. camera or a handy cam so as to keep record of the clubs major events such as plays and exhibitions. This I believe will cut the cost of hiring a camera man.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

It has been fun working with Lariak Art club. Its great fun being among artists as they see the world from a different angle.

I would say one of the main challenges that I faced personally during this period was finance as I work as non paid volunteer.

To be in a position to work effectively with Sipili School for the Deaf, I had to learn sign language. The kids always assisted me. It was hard at the beginning but it is fun if you only concentrate and be open.

Thomas has not only been a good workmate but also a great friend of mine. He always had time for me whenever I needed his support and guidance.

I would say I faced resistance from some family members at the beginning but my commitment made them realize that I was serious and ready to follow my dream. They now accept and respect what I do. This only adds to encourage me.

 John Githiri

November 2008

PAINTING

At the beginning of the year, the painting club started with membership of forty students.  According to our attendance records, we currently have twenty active members.

This year in painting we have managed to cover the following:-

(i)                  Painting from observation

(ii)                Painting from imagination and memory

(iii)               Still-life painting

(iv)              Landscape painting

Before the end of this term we had a continuous assessment on painting and drawing theory.  The areas tested included:

The basic elements of art and design.  The performance was good and quite encouraging with a mean grade of C+ (above average).

On 14^th November, the club members had painting competition for the Christmas card.

Helen did not participate in this competition, because she was feeling unwell.

EXHITIBIONS

In late February this year, we had an exhibition in Lariak Day Secondary School; that was shortly after the establishment of the painting club in the school.  There after we’ve had three major exhibitions that is on; 8^th August, 2008, 19^th August, 2008, and 12^th October 2008.  not forgetting the major exhibition in London on 23^rd October, 2008.

Through these exhibitions, MASK has become popular in the community which in turn greatly appreciates the activities of MASK.

MATERIALS

Though in the course of the year we had experienced some challenges as far as materials are concerned, we thank our director for her concern to offer remedy for the situation.

DRAMA

We started the drama club at the beginning of the 2^nd term 2008, with a membership of 35 students.  The number has gone down to twenty devoted students in Lariak Secondary School.  Since the establishment of the drama club, the club has been performing plays during major events involving the school.  At the beginning of third the club was involved in performance project (KOSA). KOSA is a simple play that was performed by the students addressing issues affecting the community.  The editing of this play is underway.  We hope very soon you will be able to access it in our website.

STUDENTS

Among our art club members include the fourth year students who have left the school after completion of their four year course as required by the government.

Those students are:

1.                  Helen Gichuki

2.                  Eunice Maina

3.                  Sheila Njoroge

4.                  Margaret Wachira

We are yet to know the future of these students as club member from the director

WAY FORWARD

Due to its popularity the club has been invited for a one day youth explosion day to be held in a neighboring school which will involve youths from all spheres of life.

There will talks from officials from the ministry of youth affairs and other non-governmental organizations.  We intend to exhibit our painting on that day.  The event will take place on 6^th December, 2008.

We are also expected to give a talk on MASK.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Due to its popularity and uniqueness, we’ve received numerous calls and messages from active community groups enquiring on how MASK can be of assistance to their activities.  These groups perform: plays, poems, songs and a few do painting.  Most of their members include youth outside school.  They kindly request if MASK can find a way to accommodate them.  We feel that this is an issue that our director needs to decide on.

CONCLUSION

It has been a busy year.  We thank all the supporters of MASK and its activities.  We wish them all Merry Christmas and a happy prosperous New Year.

Lets meet next year God wiling.

Report compiled by: Kanyoko T. Kahari, John Githiri, Helen Gichuki, Joel Gatua

 October 2008

- INTRODUCTION

- ART CLUB:

1)      Painting – paintings themselves

2)      Drama- participants

INTRODUCTION:

Hello Alla! This is our report for this term. The term began on 2^nd September 2008.

ART CLUB:

Since the establishment of Art club, it has become very popular within the school and in the surrounding community. Its popularity has grown from the active participation of its members. We have been performing during big occasions such as school prize giving day, the opening of the community library, ALIN (N.G.O) open day.

PAINTING:

Since the term started, we have met thrice. Now we are emphasizing on painting from memory and imagination. Kids are very interested especially when it comes to painting from imagination. So far we’ve managed to make 140 good pieces of painting (inclusive of paintings from Sipili School for the deaf).

DRAMA:

At the beginning of this term, some changes were done on the school timetable. These changes affected our meeting on Tuesdays and now we meet on Fridays and Saturdays. As drama cannot be qualified as in paintings, we’ve already started making shootings of the performances which we shall present to you in form of V.C.D (Visual Compact Disk).

            In this area John has really shown his true strength (talent) like tea leaves put in hot water. Very soon we are going to send a comprehensive report on the same.

In this project, the art club has involved the following participants:

Ø      The art club members themselves in Lariak Secondary school

Ø      Lariak school for the deaf

Ø      Lariak primary school

Ø      Sipili School for the deaf

 One of our objectives is to work closely with other NGOs. With this in mind we’ve involved Kid’s Libs Community library and the surrounding community.

WAY FORWARD

We are intending to hold a farewell party to some of our members who will be leaving us after the completion of their course.

The party is also intended to mark the end of the year as an appreciation of the work that MASK has carried out for the last one year.

CONCLUSION

The ART club wishes you all the best as you prepare for our major exhibition on 23^rd October 2008 in London. Hellen is sitting her final exam from 21^st this month.

 Report compiled by: Kanyoko T. Kahari, John Githiri, Hellen Gichuki, Joel Gatua

September 2008

Dear Alla,
I hope you are fine. Thank you for your messages. I have never met a better boss than  you, Alla. I mean it. I believe in MASK. Its incredible the role MASK is going to playing promoting art in Kenya. I have never been so proud of an idea. This very idea is going to play a major role in fulfilling so many young dreams.MASK has brought a new dawn to me and I believe to many others.

I did a painting about my relationship with MASK.  I compared myself to an acacia tree struggling to grow in the thorny savannah in ne of the kenyan plains. Just like a new dawn brings light and hope to this tree, so do MASK  to my life. I wanted you to see this painting. I am so excited Alla, I cant wait for your ever positive criticism.

The art club at Lariak Secondary School has become so popular, I am proud of it. I like referring to it as our pilot project. Its success means a lot to us. I hope you receive the photos on the exhibition that we held on 19th August at Lariak secondary school. The excibition was very successful, I managed to meet company representatives from various parts of the country, community leaders, and parents. Most of them visited our art stand and were thrilled by the kids talents. They praised MASK in its role to rekindle the almost extinguished flame of our talent among the kenyan students. They asked various questions regarding our mission which I was proud to answer. Most of them promised to visit our website for more information. To me the exhibition was an eye opener.

I had made arrangements with Hellen, Joel and anothe boy to carry with them a few paints and manila paper during the August holidays. This was
to enable them to do paintings during their own free time. This was possible due to their commitment to the art club, something Thomas also recommended.

Schools will be opening this week. I promise to keep you informed of our progress during the entire term. I pray that you succeed in everything you do over there Alla. Lots of love. Bye.

John Githiri

August 2008

INTRODUCTION:

BODY:            Painting

                        Dram

Special unit (sipili school for the deaf)

Exhibition

Materials

Way forward

Conclusion

Introduction

Receive much greeting from all club members. We hope that you are doing well as here we are doing well though now we have gone for holiday which started yesterday till 2^nd September, 2008

The following is what we have been able to do this term.

Painting

At the beginning of this term, we concentrated on painting based on observation for the first three sessions, and then we progressed to painting from memory.

Although little painting has been done from imagination, much painting has been done from memory. Through painting of landscape, we emphasised much on perspective in painting, texture cte.

Drama.

At the beginning of this term as we reported to you we established a drama club which is flourishing very well. The drama clubs performed in the launching of the community library on 7^th June 2008. We’ve had session on every Tuesday afternoon for training. 

Special unit (Sipili School for the deaf)

We usually invite them for drama training on Tuesdays though they have their own painting sessions on Tuesdays afternoon because of their daily programme which is not concurrent with the secondary programme. A connecting gate has been put in  place to facilities easy movement between the two institutions. During the painting and drama sessions they are usually accompanied by their teacher so as to translate the sign language.

Exhibition 

The mask has became so popular infact on 8^th august we exhibited the paintings and the drama club performed during the school prize giving day ceremony which was attended by parents and dignitaries among them the local area member of parliament. Helen received a prize as the leader of the art club. We shall send you the photos immediately the are ready.

Materials

Previously we have experienced challenges as far as materials are concerned. Mr. Apollos had communicated to us that he is going to provide us with materials. We gave him the requisition form but we haven’t received the materials yet. We talked to the principal of the school who promised to buy the materials come next term. We are going to communicate to you immediately we receive these materials.

Way forward

On 19^th August 2008 there will be a big occasion which will be taking place in our school. We intend to exhibit the paintings again. Third term we intend to concentrate on paintings based on imagination.

We hope that the club is going to became even more popular. As a club we wish you good health, we are proud of you as our Director.

Report compilled by:

Thomas K. Kanyoko   – Supervisor

John           Githiri        _ Volunteer teacher

Hellen M.  Gichuki}     _ Student in charge

Joel            Gatia}          _Student in charge

July 2008

Introduction 

 Hello dear Alla, much greetings from all club members and especially from Hellen and Joel. We hope that you are doing well in London; so are we here in Kenya.

1. The club is progressing well. This is what we have been doing for the last one month.

Painting 

For the last one month we’ve done painting mainly based on memory as a step ahead from the previous painting we’ve been doing which was mainly based on observation.

The kids have really appreciated painting from memory and we cannot forget to acknowledge that they’ve demonstrated great talents and abilities in their paintings. For example they did painting of the landscape. This was to equip them with the understanding of perspective as an inevitable element in painting.

Special painting

The kids from the special school for the deaf have been joining us and it’s a wonderful experience to work with them. According to their teacher, they really appreciate the company of the secondary school kids. In one of their visits, they performed a play on environmental day. They have also been involved in painting sessions. A connecting gate between the two institutions has already been put in place to facilitate easy movement between the two institutions. We really appreciate this. Beatrice is doing fine and we hope she can do even better with time.

Drama 

The drama club after establishing has peaked well. We performed on 7^th June during the cool launch of the community library. Anne Moore was really happy and moved. They also presented a poem and a solo verse. We wish you could contact Anne, we are sure she can provide you with the shooting she took that day. We feel that soon we may require a video camera so as to record the performances the kids make so that we can have it in record. In our performances we are focused to addressing the issues that affect the society.

Materials

During the last one month we have experienced a shortage of materials. Though the school had promised to buy the materials for the club it has not provided the same but Thomas rescued the situation by buying us some. The school complained of not having enough funds as the government had not given out the money it was supposed to give to schools. We hope that the administration will provide us with the materials as he promised but we shall keep informing you of the unfolding events.

NB: 

We asked Joel and Hellen to write you about what they feel about the club. The following is a quotation of what they wrote.

“How are you Alla, hoping you are fine. How are you doing? Joel and I are okay and the other children. Mr. Thomas and John are great people they are actually giving us full support. Our potential in painting has really improved, as I told you, we have learnt about the texture and perspective. Our neighbourhood special schools of the deaf children join us in the painting session and we have been cooperating with them. We have realized that they are really enjoying painting. We wish you well and we are missing you. Hope to see you soon.

As a club we really appreciate what you are doing. We (John and Thomas) promise you that we shall always work with you. We are eagerly waiting for your coming back.

Report compiled by Kanyoko T. Kahari- Supervisor, John Githiri – Volunteer, Hellen Gichuk

June 2008

HI ALLA!
Hope you are fine. I am doing good myself.
2nd term opened on ( 6th of May .I managed to visit the deaf school.   This was because you had expressed the will to continue with the club there .After having a meeting with those involved with the administration , we came into agreement .We decided that they will give me one hour every Thursday afternoon so that i can meet with the art pupils .We kicked off well and i have managed to meet them thrice .
On our 1st meeting we decided to invite them (deaf school at member ) at Lariak Secondary school .We had decided with Thomas that, since they are going to share the materials with the art club at Lariak Secondary , then we should no have two clubs and this is should be run under one umbrella i.e art club. The deaf school art member s are sixteen.
Alla, we had also discussed with you about starting a drama  club .We managed to start one at Lariak day Secondary .We did not need to have a big club and we therefore decided with Thomas to hold auditions. Members were drawn from Lariak day Secondary . I managed to get about 24 members who can be trained( we still feel that this number is high) .The drama club holds meetings on Tuesdays afternoons i.e from 4.00pm- 5.30pm. Thanks to Thomas who organized for the extra time .This has made the painting class on Friday afternoons to run without any interruptions.
Drama club is also under the art club. We therefore run the clubs as one.The "clubs" are doing well , kids are very happy they turn out in large number thus showing their interests.So far we have managed to do several paintings and practice plays.In fact the drama club had a play about the community Library.They acted during the opening of the Library i.e on the 7 th of June 08, Ann Moore like it and praise their ability.
Alla, we had run out of primary colour i.e powder colour, Thomas have so far bought them and thus the art club was not interrupted thanks to him.
The school promised to buy the art materials but we have not received any so far.
I am still doing my personal paintings Alla. You don't know how much i enjoy this. Ann Moore had requested if i can do a painting at the library. I did one on the wall and "Wow" is what she said .She like it Helen and Joel are doing well. Hellen is doing her final exams this year and she is rather committed to her studies. She still attends art meetings though.
Alla, i would like to tell you that the club is running well so far just as you had wished. Please tell me about the London exhibition. Let me know incase you want something to be clarified .I wish you all the best in everything you do.MASK is going to be a success.
 John Githiri

May 2008

INTRODUCTION

Ø      Acknowledgement

Ø      Kick off- drama club establishment

Ø      Special unit visit

Ø      Painting

Ø      Drama

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are glad that we’ve featured in the MASK website from where we downloaded some of the student’s work and pinned it on the school’s notice board. The students were much exited about it and this surely boosted their morale of painting.

KICK OFF

Second term commenced on 6^th May 2008, we kicked off well. So far we have managed to do the following

Establishment of drama club following your expression of a wish to have a drama group. We’ve established one in the art club. The criterion used to select the best dramatists was andantinos.

SPECIAL SCHOOL VISIT

We visited the Sipili School for Deaf Children on 19^th May 2008. During the visit we met the administrator so that we could make arrangements of the best (appropriate) time to be visiting them. On 20^th May 2008, the kids (those interested in painting) visited our school and we carried out a common session with the help of their teacher for interpretation.

At Lariak Secondary we are fortunate as the principal (school administrator) has allowed the club members to be meeting twice a week; that is on Tuesdays and Fridays from 4.00- 5.30 P.M.

PAINTING

We’re still painting from observation because we feel that they (students) still needs to be more equipped with painting and drawing skills before they progress to painting from memory and imagination. For the last two sessions since opening of the schools we’ve done two paintings.

DRAMA

After establishing the drama club, we’ve met twice and we’ve already started on the basic training.

RECOMMENDATIONS

This club is progressing well and we’re determined to do much better now that we’ve an extra day for meeting.

We look forward to achieving nothing less than success.

Report compiled by:

Thomas K. Kanyoko - supervisor

John Githire  - volunteer teacher

Hellen M. Gichuki - student in charge of the art club

 Joel Gatua - deputy student in charge of the art club

April 2008:

Hi Alla, 

Sorry for taking so long to reply your email. The main problem was that I could not access the internet at sipili.  The one at lariak sec. school is very slow and thus making it too expensive. Otherwise am currently at Nairobi.

Holla we completed the 1ST term well. Just like I told you on my report, the students have been doing painting mostly based on observation. The main subjects were empty cans, jerricans and paint bottles. It was hard for them at the beginning but after several sessions of painting.  They are really doing well.

The turnout of the students interested on painting was huge ie compared to the materials available. We decided not to turn them off but rather to give them a chance. I believe that with time we will be able to identify those students that are really dedicated to painting from (joyrides)

I managed to talk to the principal concerning the club affairs. he is particularly interested and ready to offer assistance whenever possible. though we have not yet ran out of materials I told him that in future the school will be required to buy them. He said there is no problem since there is a kityy set aside for clubs activities. After talking to Thomas on the same subject he told me that in case the school denies the club some money to buy the materials he is ready to buy them rather than see the club fail to function. I decided to cut the manila papers into cards on which the students are using to paint on this way we avoid a lot of wastage.

Personally I am still painting more n more paints. Its really fun and I make sure that I paint one painting every free afternoon. I can confidently assure you that I am improving every day. I mostly concentrated on painting human faces ie with different expressions. I used the skills that you taught me and it really worked magic. I have gone ahead to painting structures, landscapes n wildlife. But I still have a million questions I would like to ask you. Many are times when I wish you were around when am doing painting.

I visited the website, Alla I tell you its really nice I enjoyed seeing the work of numerous artists from all over the world. I opened the work of Marlene Dumas n I liked her work, I was particularly thrilled by the tales of Amnesia by Chitra Ganesh.  Its real fun going through our website, I just hope that I will contribute to the saatchi-gallery someday.  Alla, I would like to join the artists from all over the world someday. Thus why I will continue painting as long as I can.

Lots of love from art club members in particular Joel, Hellen and Thomas. They have broken up for April holidays.

Bye Alla n I wish all the best.

WE MISS U VERY MUCH 

March 2008:

INTRODUCTION

Within the last four weeks we have met four times and we have been able to do the following:

1.The students have elected their officials.

2.They have done some painting.

ELECTION

The students under the supervision of John Githiri and Thomas Kanyoko elected their officials.The process was done through voting.The officials elected as follows:-

1.Chairperson

Assistant Chairperson

2.Secretary

Assistant Secretary

 3.Treasurer

he officials are to work in conjunction with Hellen M. Gichuki and Joel Gatua.

PAINTING

So far the students have done one painting and one drawing.We have also given them some basic skills on drawing and painting.For the remaining part of the term,we are going to concentrate on painting based on observation.

WAY FORWARD
Although at the moment we are concentrating on painting based on observation,our plan is to progress onto painting based on memory and imagination in future after the students are  well furnished with drawing and painting skills.We should also like to commit ourselves to sending you report of the clubs progress on monthly,termly and annually basis.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The club has kicked off well with a turn out of 33 students who so far have potrayed a great interest and commitment.It is therefore our hope that the club will flourish even more as time goes.
Report compiled by: Thomas Kahari Kanyoko, John Githiri, Hellen M.Gichuki, Joel Gatua