8th Workshop

Finger Painting Exploration

Title of the activity: Finger painting exploration

Date and place: 15.07.2024 - Dance studio - We Dance, Riga, Latvia

Duration: 60-80 minutes

Aim of the activity: To encourage self-expression, emotional exploration, and playful creativity through finger painting. To help participants reconnect with their inner child, express emotions beyond words, and engage in open, reflective dialogue. To promote self-expression in non-verbal manner and reflect on emotional experiences and personal insights

Participants info: 15 young people aged 15-23.

Description of the activity:

The session began with an introduction to the purpose of the activity. Participants were informed that the goal was to explore the tactile experience of finger painting without any specific purpose or goal in mind. They were encouraged to express themselves freely through color and movement.

Then participants were provided with finger paint and large sheets of paper. They used their fingers to create artwork without worrying about making specific shapes or designs. The focus was on exploring the sensations of the paint on their fingers and the movement of their hands. Participants showed great enthusiasm and creativity, experimenting with different colors and textures. The room was filled with a sense of playful exploration and discovery.

After the finger painting session, participants gathered for a reflective dialogue. They were invited to reflect on their artwork and the feelings and thoughts that emerged during the creative process. The discussion focused on the experience of finger painting, with participants sharing any insights or discoveries they made about themselves. The facilitator asked open-ended questions to prompt discussion and encourage participants to express themselves openly.

The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many reported feeling a sense of freedom and release while finger painting. Some participants shared that the activity brought back childhood memories and allowed them to reconnect with their inner child. Others found that the tactile experience helped them to express emotions that they had difficulty putting into words..A few participants initially hesitated to get their hands dirty with the paint, but with encouragement from the facilitator and their peers, they soon became more comfortable and engaged in the activity. Ensuring that everyone had enough space and materials to work with was also a minor logistical challenge, but it was managed effectively. The finger painting training session was a resounding success. It provided participants with a unique and enjoyable way to explore their emotions and creativity.