Another Friday has rolled around and, yes, it’s time for another blog- although there’s a tinge of melancholy to this one, as it’s going to be my last! Yes, my four months here at Project Ability are at an end. Although, true to form, it’s been a busy old week trying to finish everything off!
Last Friday saw the launch of Cameron’s Way: Coast to Coast, and the launch of our newly refitted shop. The evening was undoubtedly a success, and not just because there were free refreshments! To quote one attendee:
“It’s so unexpected… a really fun interpretation of Glasgow, away from the traditional… it’s incredible!”
I don’t think you can say fairer than that! There have been lots of lovely comments left in our guest book too, noting how cheerful and invigorating the mural is. It’s open until August 23rd, so come down and have a look for yourself- it’ll cheer up grey, rainy days no end.
There was no rest for the wicked after that, though: Saturday was the latest Friends and Family Fun Workshop, and the theme was distinctly floral. The group were making patches for our Flowers of the Commonwealth banner, which will be on display in Trongate 103 in September.
This project seems to have inspired some really imaginative results: I was out at one workshop about a month ago, and have had a nosey at some of the patches from our other associate schools. Every single one has been truly unique, despite all working to the same brief. I really think the finished banner is going to something quite spectacular!
The rest of the week was spent catching up with our Aspire Summer Workshops, snapping pictures and trying not to get in the way of photographers Alicia and Iain! I also had to wade through the mountains of footage and photographs I’ve taken in my time here- looking through it all has really shown me how far I’ve come in the last four months.
It doesn’t seem like that long ago I was sitting writing my ‘Meet the Intern’ blog and thinking about what was to come in the months ahead. I had no idea what I’d be in for when I applied for the job, and was slightly terrified when I got it- after blustering about my technical skills, I now actually had to prove them!
When I first applied, I was looking for a creative challenge that I hadn’t got in previous jobs. I’d been working in technical departments as a trainee, and was feeling pretty uninspired. Thankfully every single person I’ve encountered here- from artists to volunteers to my fellow colleagues- has welcomed me with open arms and encouraged everything I’ve undertaken. It was a bit daunting trying to remember faces and names, but I got there in the end!
I also wanted to work with different workshops, which I’ve certainly had a chance to do: from the bustling Aspire workshops, to the ReConnect walking group, kids’ Create Saturday workshops and the Introduction to Film classes, the variety of activity going on has truly inspired me.
In saying that, it’s not just been about making films: I’ve also got to write this weekly blog, help out at exhibitions, go on day trips and even run my own workshop. If you’d told me I’d be doing that before I started, I would’ve balked at it. Before this I’d never taught a thing in my life!
I’d better wrap things up here before I start waxing lyrical too much. All I can say is I’ve had the most humbling, inspirational and challenging four months of my life here at Project Ability. I’ve learned so much from every single person that’s walked through our doors. I can’t thank everyone enough for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this fantastic team and get as much as I possibly could out of my time here. And on that note, goodbye and happy Friday everyone!
