Charities Art for Guernsey and Changing Faces are teaming up to promote “face equality week” – which aims to spread the message that everyone should be valued for who they are, and not how they look.
To kick things off, they’re holding a free art workshop on Saturday, (17 May), but are on the lookout for more people who have facial differences, (things like scars, birthmarks, or conditions affecting their appearance), or anyone who has felt self-conscious about how they look, to be “sitters” for portraits.
David Ummels, the founder and chairman of Art for Guernsey, said; “I was touched a few years ago by the incredible courage, resilience and work of James Partridge, the founder of Changing Faces, who sadly passed away. When Jill Clark and Nick King from the charity approached me about a collaboration, I immediately felt excited because I believe that if there is one field that should celebrate diversity and difference, it is art.
“We will kick-start this project with a workshop led by Charlie Buchanan, and we would like to take this opportunity to invite sitters and participants. In the spirit of inclusivity, the workshop will be free of charge to attend.”
The workshop is meant to be the start of a bigger art project involving schools, leading to an exhibition next year. The idea is to use art to show that everyone is unique and beautiful in their own way and to encourage acceptance.
The free portrait workshop on is taking place on Saturday 13:00 to 15:00, and will be led by local artist Charlie Buchanan.
Jill Clark is the Chair of both Changing Faces in Guernsey and Face Equality International. She said; “People with non-perfect faces should be celebrated – we should judge people on their personality, not what they look like. We are hoping that a ‘My Face is a Masterpiece’ exhibition will encourage everyone to view people who have facial differences in a positive manner.
“If you have a facial difference and would consider sitting for us, you would be helping to pioneer the campaign for Face Equality.
“If you are interested in sitting but have any worries or concerns, please let us know as we are happy to chat – this is an entirely positive campaign and the Art for Guernsey Gallery is a very safe and welcoming space.”
If you’re interested in being a sitter or participating in the workshop, Art for Guernsey says you should make contact, you can find out more on their website HERE.
