Paula resides in her personal abode, accompanied by a circle of companions
Unleashing Creativity: "The Scene from GL"
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Grab the newsletter for freeA vibrant mix of children and young individuals, hailing from various corners of the world, dove into creative projects at PAULA – a gathering place for global players. Their artistic masterpieces were unveiled in a weekend exhibition.
The weekend began with Mayor Frank Stein officially opening the exhibition. He commended the educational work at PAULA, expressing admiration for the children's creativity. Addressing the young participants, he said,
"Your ideas are unprecedented. With curiosity, you experiment with art and culture, attending museum tours, seeking inspiration. It's heartening to know that youngsters from Syria, Ukraine, Eritrea, Palestine, feel right at home here among friends – just friends."
Mayor Stein also shared some positive news regarding the intercultural center's funding.
"We've reserved funds for this esteemed facility in Bergisch Gladbach's city budget."
The Community Painting Stirs Up a Buzz
Throughout the opening night, the "community painting" table was the life of the party. Kids sliced postcard-sized sections from the colossal "Postcards" artwork, using templates, for their self-expressive love letters.
The large-scale, colorful cardboard painting was crafted under unique circumstances: Each participant was assigned a unique hue, allowed to paint geometrical shapes, points, lines, but not to overstep anyone else's creation. Moreover, no chatter was allowed during this creative process, which invited mental introspection, such as whether it was easy or difficult to, "Just pick up and paint," and how much space one's color claimed.
Art – The Key to a Fulfilling Life
"What is art?" inquired art instructor Carolyn Gates (KREA team), and responded, "Art is a vital human need. Every individual has an internal urge to express themselves, as evident in the works displayed here."
Almut Wiedenmann (Krea, Krea-Mobil / Intercultural Meeting Point PAULA) stated, "Positive memories from youth are essential for living a contented and healthy adult life."
Emphasizing the mission, Paula Schäfer, director of PAULA added, "We strive for this goal each day."
Talented Artists Amidst Us
In a lively, social gathering, pulsating with a rainbow of languages and sounds (Theo, keyboard), the inspection of the artwork began. Adults ranchantly examined the pieces, learning the backstories of portraits, landscapes, cityscapes, pyramids, objects/future visions. The 16-year-old Arina received wide praise for her portrait of her younger brother.
The applause peaked with the introducing words, particularly loud from the children for the statement by Paula Schäfer and Almut Wiedenmann: "Dearest children, you've made it possible to bring artistic expression to life. Without your unwavering determination, our walls and tables would remain blank. THANK YOU!"
PAULA, a cultural hub in the Heidkamp district, Paulusstr. 5a, 51469 Bergisch Gladbach, emphasizes lively exchange, intercultural encounters, and integration. It offers culture-sensitive art-therapeutic activities, art workshops, creative media work, and communal leisure activities for children, young people, and young adults. The director is Paula Schäfer. All activities are complimentary!
The project is affiliated with the social networks of the city of Bergisch Gladbach and is supported by several funding bodies, including the municipal integration center, the Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband, and the Ministry for Children, Family, Refugees, and Integration of the state of NRW.
- The community painting, a vibrant and large-scale art piece, created under unique circumstances at PAULA, the intercultural center in Bergisch Gladbach, reflects the diverse lifestyle and home-and-garden of the global participants who attend the art workshops there.
- Emphasizing the mission of PAULA, director Paula Schäfer, along with Almut Wiedenmann, expressed that art therapy and creative workshops, offered at the center, provide a fulfilling lifestyle for the children and young adults who attend, and play a vital role in their home-and-garden, fostering contented and healthy adult life.
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