The Art of Escapism project took place over the winter months in 2019/2020 across three domestic violence refuges in Derbyshire. The lead artist for this project is Derbyshire based Emma Reynard and support artist; Leicester based Meg Bonser. The artists worked with temporary residents of The Elm Foundation, Derbyshire. The concept and management of this project was by community arts organisation Platform Thirty 1.
The theme of escapism was the starting point, as we wanted to explore what solace could look like in the present day and where you could escape to by immersing in creative activity. This project allowed women and children to explore what that feeling of escapism may look like. We decided to use ‘rainforests’ as a main theme and to explore the many varieties of flora and fauna to create large-scale, mixed media artworks.
This project was made possible by funding from Arts Council England.
Participant Feedback
"I love doing art so it was a nice change to be able to take part in this. Also it meant that we could chat with the other housemates and artists. It made the time pass quickly!"
Adult Participant Feedback
"Escapism was a good theme because it distracts you from everything else going on for a while, Because it opened my eyes to the different ways of using art, It made the day pass quickly, and I felt I had escaped from everyday life."
Adult Participant Feedback
"I enjoyed working with new people and children and I looked forward to joining in every week. Sometimes you get stuck doing everyday chores, this was a good way to escape from that and enjoy the whole experience."
Adult Participant Feedback
"I didn’t know I could draw as good as I did! I want to get some paints and a sketchbook so I can carry on doing art. I looked forward to getting home from school so I could join in."
Child Participant Feedback
Emma Reynard - Lead Artist
Emma has 25 years’ experience in the fields of art education, community art, art as therapy and public art. She has created public art commissions in laser-cut metal, textiles and cast bronze. With a BA (Hons) in Textiles and an MA in Illustration, Emma’s enthusiasm for materials shows through in all aspects of her work. Emma works with groups of all ages and abilities, with an aim to create all-inclusive art workshops that are inspiring, stimulating and fun. She loves to see people gain confidence and try out new things as well as developing skills that they may already have. www.emmareynard.com
Meg Bonser - Artist Facilitator
Meg is an artist and tutor working across the East Midlands. She has been delivering creative workshops for adults and children since graduating from her BA (Hons) Contemporary Art degree in 2016, teaching a range of arts and crafts - from painting and sculpture to sewing and textiles. Meg has works with a wide range of community groups, galleries, schools and charities, most often with vulnerable or at-risk adults and children. She enjoys bringing creative activities to those who may not necessarily have access to them and seeing participants learn, experiment and escape. Meg also spends time developing her own practice, creating abstract-style botanical paintings, and often enjoys weaving this interest in nature into her workshops. @megbonserpaints