IB Art Trip

We had a great day, students started by visiting Paa-ya-Paa, reportedly the oldest art venue in Kenya, which started in 1965. They got to learn the history of the place and meet the founder and also the creator of the Marang"a murals; Elimo Njau.

They then moved onto Banana Hill Gallery, which was packed to the rafters with work utilising recycled materials, many painting styles and mixed media - this was a definite favourite with the students!

Then we battled across town to reach Karen Village, where students explored the native museum and looked around the Ocean Sole factory which re-uses flip-flops to create art; brilliant for our upcycling club and upcoming 'Big Draw'. They got to chat with artists working in their studios, and IB1 got to work with a painter called Nedia, and IB2 worked with a stained glass artist called Tonney.

Lastly we had a whistle stop tour of Kuona Trust, which houses a large selection of sculptors, print makers, textile artists and painters. It was full of busy studios, and provided an insight into the working life of an artist.

Students were absolutely brilliant, engaged in the workshops, history and people they met, making intelligent conversation and conducting themselves so professionally we have several offers of re-visiting and working in partnership with the venues.

It was all worth it to know students can use this to develop their work and understanding for their coursework portfolios, and see their smiling faces!