Volunteering for the Flying Seagull Project

A few posts ago, I blogged about The Flying Seagull project, (registered charity no.1136379) which promotes "fun therapy" travelling across the world working with all sorts of disadvantaged people. Check out that blog post for more information on what the charity does.

Alternatively, here is the link to their blog: http://theflyingseagullproject.blogspot.co.uk/

I will soon be a member of the Seagulls (maybe I already am!) as I will be going out to Romania to volunteer with this amazing project.

Rural Arts Project (R.AP.)

I will be part of the R.A.P. which is a long term project currently being set up in a small village in the Bacau region of North-East Romania. Using music, art, dance, drama, circus and (soon to be) skateboarding, FSP create opportunities for community events, workshops, theatre projects and creative classes for isolated and underprivileged rural communities. 

Alongside that, 'visiting mini projects' will also be in full swing. The FSP organises short courses all over the country for up to two weeks, in various towns and villages.

This is something truly exciting that I can't wait to be a part of. 

By actually going to to Romania and offering my array of skills, to actively promote, fun, happiness and general well-being by means of offering such awesome opportunities to people that may need it most is one of the most beautiful gifts one person can offer another (or rather a group of humans to another group of less privileged humans). After all, isn't that what life is really about?

Alongside the other Flying Seagulls, I will be working all day, (although it won't feel like work at all!) , five days a week running workshops in drama , music, art, dance and skateboarding. Of course, I will be outfitted in the most ridiculous attire at all times… as long as it doesn’t hinder my skateboarding!

Of course, I am offering my 'services' completely free. It goes without saying! My flights there and back will completely funded by me. Just like all the other Seagulls who volunteer, I need to raise funds for my accommodation and food while I'm staying there. This is £50 per week and since I'm planning to go there for three months, it works out roughly at £600.

I am currently coming up with some fundraiser ideas, one of which is a Romanian themed May Day Art Fair (although the date will likely be at the end of May!) Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any ideas! My email is harrietalana@hotmail.co.uk.

This was Greed

A couple of weeks ago I was part of the 'Greed' show at the Bear and above is what I put in. Because that was such a hectic day for me I completely forgot to take any pictures, so this is just my work resting on my living room door. Below is a photo Rich de Courcy took before the opening of the show and below that; a link to Jack Sachs blog showing a particular wonderful photo of the main men of the show!

(Vlad and wifey are in the right corner)

http://jacksachs.tumblr.com/post/44954876494/goofin-around-with-some-awesome-illustrators-at

Stoked I could be involved! Thanks to the Greed team :P

The Flying Seagull Project

The Flying Seagull Project is a registered charity made up of a group of actors, artists, clowns, dancers and musicians determined to make a difference. They travel across the world, including Romania, Cambodia, Albania and soon to be India, visiting disadvantaged children, people with disability, the rural poor, marginalised communities and terminally ill children to promote the concept of "Fun Therapy," by ways of creative workshops, structured play and interactive shows.

It's not a scientific concept, it just means that we are free to have fun... and after, everyone feels better! Kids get a chance to be kids, learn new ways to interact, confidence is increased, and a general state of well being is experienced by all, both child and adult alike. The idea incorporates the whole community and encourage a strength of community bonds and celebration of cultural identity.

Right now, the charity is concentrating their efforts with disadvantaged children from all corners of Romania within these groups:-

• Gypsy Communities
• Orphans and Abandoned Children
• Young Adults with Learning Disabilities
• The Physically and Mentally Disabled
• Children in hospital and the Terminally Ill
• The Rural Poor
• Street Children

Visit the blog right now to see how you can help:

http://theflyingseagullproject.blogspot.co.uk/

The website is currently under construction (by the super talented Adam Johns) so watch this space for more news on that.

Bash (aka Ash) Perrin, the ringleader of the Seagulls has also made a facebook page and flickr account for the charity, so be sure to check that out too! (He has also just driven all the way from London to North East Romania to the village of Godinesti De Jos to start up the projects for 2013 with continuous outreach programmes in surrounding villages and towns.)

FB: http://www.facebook.com/flyingseagulls?ref=ts&fref=ts

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/flyingseagull/

I am soon to be a member of the Flying Seagull Troupe as I plan to go out to Romania later this year to aid on the mission of promoting fun and laughter! I am in the process of coming up with fundraiser ideas so watch this space for more information! :)

Unabashed and shameless self-promotion

All these are, are busy-ness cards... and I made them into zines! I give 'em out, post 'em out... just so people know I have a website... harrietalana.co.uk

Beautifully riso-ed at Hato by the wondrous Kristine ;P Find me if you want one.

International Women's Day Poster and Logo for Tower Hamlets

Yesterday was International Women's Day and I was asked by the good folk at Brady Arts Centre, in Tower Hamlets, to design their yearly event poster and logo. It wasn't the final poster used, as much more council stuff had to go on it, but it's the one I prefer.

These are some of the original drawings that went around the Earth on the poster. For the final council poster, the sewing machine and bicycle were actually changed as they looked a bit too 'modern,' although I'm not sure why... it's not like women can't use 'modern' stuff, whatever that means!

Greed at the Bear

I'm in this show (honest!) on Thursday for one night only! So you've got no excuses not to come! Curated by 2nd and 3rd year Illustration students at Camberwell including Elliot Freeman and Pat Macdonald. Details on the poster.