Random marks with Liz Dowling

I would like to organise an event to involve the public in making their own marks at a space in
Lismore Square for Mental Health Month in October.

I see Arts Therapists in Australia as pioneers in Mental Health. While we work to facilitate healing,
growth and empowerment with our clients, we are also educating them.

The NDIS has exposed not only their ignorance of the value of our work, but also closed their
minds to our progress. There is also, I feel, a general devaluing of the arts in Australia, something
which we have the power to change.

People power can cause change when it’s important enough so I would like to start a campaign to
promote art therapy in the most simple, non-threatening, even playful way: using random marks
such as the scribble technique for people to connect and learn about themselves.

I would like to organise an event to involve the public in making their own marks at a space in
Lismore Square for Mental Health Month in October.

For my research study in Art Therapy, I used the Scribble Technique to unblock artist’s block.
Scribbles, and any other marks made intuitively, are used in many ways: individually, mindfully;
in pairs, conversation; and in a group drawing, for social connection, teamwork, etc.

So, arts therapies need promotion via experience and need to be understood as valuable mainstream
to show politicians how working intuitively can be effective and desirable for a person’s mental,
emotional and spiritual health.

The day will be held at the Bangalow RSL, from 10.30am to 1.30pm. Bring along an easel if you have one (a few will be coming with Liz). It's no stress if you don't have an easel, the random marks can be worked on with the tables too. Also bring along a $20 contribution for the facilitation and hall hire and a plate of food to share for lunch.

We look forward to meeting on 27th June! Feel free to chime in with any queries.

With warm regards

Sally, Amanda and Liz.

Winter Gathering - Random Marks with Liz Dowling