Some of my favorite memories from 798 ICAF in Beijing were the times we spent with our ICAF hosts, Hattie, Sasha, and Mariana and the 9 other invited artists.
Mariana, Nanci, Ellen, Sasha, and Hattie at our Butterfly Kisses booth at 798 ICAF
We had many opportunities to hang together at lunch, coffee breaks, took each other’s workshop when possible, and shared fun night time excursions with Hattie, Sasha, and Mariana, our ICAF hosts.
Our daily lunch at the ICAF office
Alevtina Sharapova, a painter, tapestry and fiber artist from Russia did felting with the children, and I managed to take her workshop as well. (l)Nanci, Alevtina, Alpana
Jovanka Djorovic is a painter, urban planner and architect from Serbia, currently living and working in Beijing. She and musician, vocalist and performance artist, Geraldine McEwan from England were our favorite coffee buddies.
Coffee stop with Jovanka (center) and Geraldine (right)
Geraldine and Ellen and I would also continue exploring the 798 Art District after our workshops ended and before the galleries closed. Jovanka did mixed media constructions with the children, and Geraldine’s sound mapping workshops were held next to our Butterfly Kisses Workshops; two very different art activities (think John Cage meets Mary Poppins, ok not quite, but sort of.)
Geraldine McEwan’s sound mapping workshop at 798 ICAF
Artists Arturo Muela, a printmaker, sculptor and architect from Mexico did clay skulls and other figures, Nina Griffee, a make up and body painting artist originally from England gave the children an opportunity to paint wonderful imaginative designs on their arms and faces are also currently living and working in Beijing. As is Kyle Skor, an American from Minnesota whose collaborative ongoing installation with the children and their families was a joy to experience as it grew and changed from day to day.
Kyle Skor on site at 798 ICAF
Amol Saraf, an artist, designer, portrait artist, calligrapher, and mural artist among many things, and his wife Alpana Saini flew in from India and led very popular workshops in Sand Painting.
Alpana and Amol getting ready for a session of sand painting with the children at 798 ICAF
Amol, Alpana, Geraldine, Ellen and I spent a great deal of time together as we were all staying at Yitel Hotel across the street from the 798 Art District.
Group shot in front of ART at 798 ICAF.
L-R: Amol Saraf, Alpana Saini, Ellen McVicker, Nanci Hersh, Geraldine McEwan
We got on fabulously from our morning breakfast buffets, art chats with Alpana’s Indian Chai tea parties in the hotel late at night and all the wonderful evening jaunts exploring Beijing.
Group shot in front of the National Centre for the Performing Arts (a.k.a. the Giant Egg) in Beijing
Such an amazing experience!!! Thanks for sharing! Lucky you, lucky kids!!!
Thanks for your ongoing support Liza, love having you read and comment here. It was an amazing experience and am grateful to be able to share it with supportive friends.
Years from now you will be even more amazed at this incredible experience. Youve always been a team player and have encouraged and supported other artists so theres no surprise here that you bonded with the other creatives. Im so happy for you and this adventure. Love seeing the photos and reading about all of it.
Laurette, you know first hand that we are blessed, fortunate, and lucky to be able to share our passion for art whether we are home – or anywhere else in the world. Thanks for reading and commenting, always appreciate your insights.
Love reading about your trip Nanci! Such interesting people and great experience. So glad you got that opportunity. Look forward to seeing you when you return from next fun trip. Xo
Thanks Allison, love catching up with you, trading stories and adventures. Looking forward to seeing you soon as well. xo
Very dear Nanci
it was such a great experience where we got to meet great artists like you and enjoy the extraordinary creativity of the kids. It was surely one of the best times as an artist and as a person. Surely look forward to many more such experineces together..Best regards and love
AlpanAmol
Dear Amol-meeting and getting to know Alpana and you was truly one of the highlights of our time in Beijing. Working along side you was uplifting. Looking forward to sharing more wonderful experiences together in the world. Love to you both.