Wayne Powters
"This was the 2 nd programme I have done, having attended the initial course. As I enjoyed it so much I was eager to participate in the 2 nd one. Each programme has helped me gain confidence in my own art work, teaching me new skills especially in areas where I needed assistance such as portraits where I felt my own accomplishments were less than satisfactory. As a group we all gelled together well. It was good to reconnect with members of the initial OAC. We have created a WhatsApp group so we can remain connected outside of class time. We exchange information on exhibitions and art courses others in the group may find interesting as well as regular social connections. I personally have made a deep friendship with another member, a relationship that extends beyond art and is very fulfilling. I am disabled requiring a wheelchair for mobility and have experienced times when I was not well during class. I have been treated with nothing but love, kindness and respect from everyone in the group, especially Noga. This is of major importance to me - without such kindness and acceptance I could not continue to attend."
"This Program literally gave me the motivation and the strength I needed to go throughout.
Definitely I got news skills, I’m better with my drawing I believe and more confidant in trying news ways of art
This group is truly warming and welcome, one of my best experiences ever 💜
Carla Sofia Ramos
Veronica Lindsay-addy
"I learnt new skills thinking about the stain glass workshop but also the portraiture which gave insight into how to approach both the artistic task and business side.
I have increased my connection to people within my local area, more so than last time of being on the course.
I was taken out of my comfort zone at times but having done so I felt much better for it. I am thinking of the dance session we had with Daniel in particular. I have not danced in public for years."
Noga created a safe space where all could contribute without fear of being judged. She put together a varied program in which many of us tried things we might not have done. She broadened our experience of what art could be. Different sessions played to different people’s strengths, so we all got an opportunity to shine.
Something else Noga is very good at is timetabling, giving clear instructions, keeping us informed at every stage and always being accessible. I suppose you would say a good manager or leader."
Caz
" I met some lovely new people, who I would not have met but who have similar interests to me and I know we will keep in touch. Being taught by an array of teachers was great as each one had different skills to deliver and a different perspective towards art which was wonderful.
Being exposed to other people’s ideas on how to view art is fascinating and gives another layer to the whole experience. It also makes exhibitions more fun 😊
Noga is very knowledgeable about art and different ways of seeing which I think is very important. I have learnt a lot about the ways masters paint for big impact from her, that I did not know. She is also very good at assembling a good team around her that seems very cohesive. Noga has inspired us as a group to be more confident about ourselves."
Silvana
"The program was so varied, informative and well presented and gave me the confidence to explore and experiment with my art work. "
Wendy
"The program enabled me to gain confidence in my art work, and to acquire knowledge on the various types of art.
Mixing with other like minded people is useful me to learn from and to shear my experiences together.
I found Noga very professional in her manner. She is very organised and considerate to everyone equally in the group."
Ana Gabriela Hernandez - Creative LGBTQ+ Young Adults Mentoring Program
"The mentoring sessions exceeded my expectations. I had 2 mentors in the program, one for poetry writing and another one for drawing. Both of them are artistic practices that I was trying for the first time. On the first hand, the drawing session was inspiring. First, my mentor asked me about my motivations to draw, he listened to me and gave me useful drawing techniques to implement in my personal projects, this session was relevant and adapted to my needs. On the second hand, I had 2 mentoring sessions with my poetry mentor, she also took the time to listen to my motivations and struggles, she was interested in giving me tools to get over the barriers, and to be able to include poetry across different spheres of my life. She gave me the support necessary to focus and continue my journey as an artist in the most efficient and mindful way, even sharing recommendations about how to apply for a talent visa and how to apply and find job opportunities in the art industry. Furthermore, my poetry mentor volunteered to do 2 more sessions that are pending, in which we will continue working on my career development as an interdisciplinary artist."
I felt included from the beginning, and with time, I built special bonds with some of them who became my friends. I even had the opportunity to collaborate with one of the participants, we created together a workshop using dance as a tool to trigger drawing and painting ideas. In a moment in which I was moving to a new country for the first time, it was a really good space to socialize with people whose interests are aligned to mine.
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My overall experience in the program was motivating, from the beginning until the end. The weekly workshops gave me a purpose and the opportunity to continue working on what I want for my future. Also, I participated in the curation and performances of the final exhibition. In this experience, I learned curatorial skills for the first time, and I could perform for an audience of non-dancers. Most of the times I perform, it happens in dance contexts, but dancing for a group of interdisciplinary artists gave me different feedback that I do appreciate. "
Adam Hennessey - Mentor and Workshop Facilitator
"Thank you for inviting me to take part in your workshop series for TOAC. There were many things that made it a rewarding experience. I was impressed with how many people attended the workshop. This was my second time doing a talk and workshop for TOAC. This time I felt more confident as I had a better idea of what to expect with the size of the venue and the abilities of the people attending. It was helpful being able to discuss ideas prior to the workshop with Noga as it gave me a better idea of what was possible in the time and what level to pitch the practical tasks at.​ A bigger venue would benefit the group as they would be able to spread out more. Also, a bigger budget for materials would mean participants could experience working with a larger variety of media.
Working for a LGBTQ+ led organisation makes me feel safe and encouraged to talk about any queer content within my artwork. "