Art Nouveau In The Past And Present, Hungary

WHAT
The aim of the workshop was to give learners the opportunity to transform everyday items using motifs found in art nouveau period of art history.  People were encouraged to use those patters they saw in the temporary exhibition or their own imagination.

WHERE
In the Marble Hall, one of the grand galleries in Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest. (www.szepmuveszeti.hu). The workshop ‘Join us, create your own art’’ was organized by the Education Department of the Museum as part of the Museum + programme (link) which are open to all Museum visitors. Live jazz music and a café are also situated close by in the Marble Hall. 

WHEN
18.00 – 21.00, Thursday, 14 October 2010

WHO
FACILITATORS AND STAFF
Judit Cser, Art Historian and Museum Educator
Litza Juhász, Museum Educator

ADULT LEARNERS
Twelve woman and three men all between the age of 25 and 45 years old participated.  One older gentleman stopped by twice to draw.

WHY
For learners to: To find objects that inspired them.
For facilitators to: To see whether learners would transform modern, everyday objects into art nouveau pieces of art. 

HOW
Most of the learners were woman who either joined individually, with a female friend or with their partner.  After a short time to plan what they wanted to do, learners began painting or gluing with the average person working for about thirty minutes.  Two couple participated, with the first one working together while the man and the woman in the other one worked separately.  At first the woman engaged in the activity while her boyfriend sat on the sofa.  However, he became inspired to join in, creating a fantastic work of art, a painted spoon which he was truly proud of. 

VALUE FOR LEARNERS
Most learners took home an object of art they could use as an everyday object which they had designed themselves and were proud of.  They had an opportunity to work for a relatively long period of time on decorating their object and enjoyed the experience.  One of the male participants requested detailed information about this program and was pleased that museums provide such opportunities for their visitors.

VALUE FOR FACILITATORS
The facilitators correctly theorized that learners would be inspired by the materials provided (objects) and gladly join in the program.  Wooden spoons, trays and glasses turned out to be the most popular choices. 

Written by Judit Cser and translated by Litza Juhasz