Stephi Prieto and her family attended Clay Harmony at Liberation Art Gallery as part of Brighton Fringe.
Our family had such a fantastic and enriching time at Liberation Art Gallery’s Clay Harmony. From the moment we walked in we were enveloped in an atmosphere that felt both warm and incredibly welcoming, radiating a truly beautiful and empowering feminine energy.
Harmony, the resident potter who led our session, was absolutely brilliant. Her emphatic nature and remarkable patience shone through as she guided each and every child soul immersed in this creative moment with such care and enthusiasm. The children were completely captivated by the pottery wheel, enjoyed getting their hands delightfully messy and the pride on their faces as they presented their finished creation to take home was priceless. It was also a thoughtful touch to offer the opportunity to make adorable pinch bowls to suit different tastes and skill levels.
Engaging in conversation with the dedicated mother and daughter duo Caroline and Harmony and Caroline at Liberation Art Gallery, we discovered their deeply admirable aim to bring this kind of hands-on workshop experience to the wider community.
It was particularly clear they believe that the creative process inherent in all artistic endeavour is also profoundly therapeutic, providing a unique avenue for self-expression and mindful engagement.
The gallery environment truly fosters this sense of connection, not only between individuals and their art, but also between those who share the space. The presence of other arts, such as sculpture and model making, ensured that there was a diverse range of creativity to explore, catering for different interests.
The thoughtfully allocated one hour and a half time slot struck the perfect balance, keeping the little ones fully engaged and focused without feeling overwhelmed. We also greatly appreciated the practical aspect that accompanying adults and carers didn’t require a ticket, making it a more accessible experience for families. And the essential reminder to bring an old t-shirt was certainly helpful.
Liberation Art Gallery is clearly committed to being an accessible space, readily welcoming assistance dogs. We also appreciated the thoughtful touches that enhanced our visit, such as the availability of refreshing drinks like homemade lemonade and comforting coffee, adding to the overall welcoming ambiance.
In these often difficult times, the opportunity to spend quality creative time together as a family is valuable and absolutely necessary, and this experience provided just that. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a form of active meditation, a way to be fully present in the moment while creating something tangible and beautiful.
We learned that Harmony’s passion for pottery is deeply rooted, having been passed down through generations from her mother. This lineage adds a beautiful layer of history and tradition to her craft, making her dedication feel even more profound. She clearly feels a strong calling to this art form, dedicating the majority of her time to honing her skills and sharing her knowledge. Her belief in making this art accessible to everyone is palpable, driven by a genuine desire to share the joy and therapeutic benefits she has experienced, check the Liberation Art Gallery’s website for their upcoming dates and to book a time slot.
Clay Harmony is a truly creative, deeply connecting, and thoroughly enjoyable experience that leaves you renewed sense of creative energy.
Tickets: Brighton Fringe
Venue: Liberation Art Gallery, 38 Meeting House Lane, BN1 1HB
