Corrymeela summer school is a '˜must do' event

Julia Maguire attended the 23rd Northern Ireland Group for Art as Therapy (NIGAT) last August and reports that the experience went beyond her expectations and believes it is a ‘must do’ event for those interested in art as therapy.

Julia, an art therapist from Belfast and currently working with children and young people at Jigsaw Community Counselling Centre, thought the Summer School would be useful for her on both a professional and personal level.

“I saw it as an opportunity for personal and professional development, as well as an opportunity to make art in a safe and creative environment,” noted Julia. I was looking forward to really engaging in the whole process. My hope that I would be able to reflect on my own practice, as well as learn from others. On a personal level, I looked forward to space and time to create art for myself,” she added.

The theme for 2016 is ‘Inside Out/Outside In’. This year’s summer school has a strong list of presenters and workshop facilitators. Leora Sotto is travelling from Israel to give a presentation and workshop. Suellen Semekoski, comes from Chicago and will be presenting on her work with veterans. Malcolm Learmonth and Karen Huckvale, directors of Insider Art will also be offering presentations. There will be a strong local presence with Phillippa Brown from Northern Ireland and Patricia Fitzgerald and Pamela Whiter (Dublin) facilitating workshops and giving presentations.

This year’s NIGAT Summer School takes place in Corrymeela Ballycastle from Thursday August 4 – Sunday August 7, 2016. The full residential experience price that includes accommodation on a shared basis is £380 for non-members and £360 for NIGAT members. www.nigat.org or contact Clare on 07870119175 or Julia on 07745850572.