Camphill Village Kimberton Hills resident Holly Bicking works on a butterfly-themed mosaic.
Camphill Village Kimberton Hills’ Mosaic Workshop will host its first public art show, with art work on display in the Camphill Café throughout September and October.
A reception, open to the public, will be held Friday, September 11 from 7-9 p.m. in the Camphill Café. Dessert and coffee will be served and the artists will be present to discuss their work and their process. Mosaics will be for sale.
The Mosaic Workshop is one of several craft workshops at Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, an intentional community located in Kimberton, Pa., that specially includes adults with developmental disabilities.
Judith Hokky, a resident volunteer at Kimberton Hills, leads the art workshop with nine villagers (resident adults with developmental disabilities) participating. With the ultimate goal to focus on mosaic work, Hokky worked toward a foundation of knowledge by discussing elements and principles of design, including line, shape, color, balance and pattern.
Camphill Village Kimberton Hills resident Michelle Acquaviva carefully smashes tiles to be used in her next mosaic piece.
“Work went into learning the basics of design so that the villagers could incorporate these into their projects,” says Hokky.
The workshop was started just one year ago, but the benefits are already apparent. The process of placing the small pieces is good practice for building fine motor skills and developing patience. The villagers are able to experience growth in their creative skills as they work on improving their artwork. With the help of Kimberton Hills’ Art Therapist Mimi Coleman, the group participated in an art critique where feedback and advice was shared to improve aesthetic features such as the overall design and color scheme of their mosaic work.
“The villagers are creating pieces of art that they are proud of,” says Hokky. “I can see that they feel a sense of accomplishment when they finish a mosaic.”
“It’s a beautiful activity,” says Michele Acquaviva, one of the nine artists.
In addition to Judith’s guidance, the workshop receives support from Kimberton Hills interns and outside volunteers. Materials have been donated by local tilework companies, including Toscano Tile and Marble and Mohawk Tile and Marble.
Camphill Village Kimberton Hills resident Sebastian French-Corbett shows his mosaic piece in-progress.
Before her time at Kimberton Hills, Judith earned a Master’s in Education with a certification in visual art and spent time teaching art in both public schools and non-profit organizations.
“I believe strongly in the value of art and its ability to strengthen imagination and creativity,” says Judith. “This is my passion.”
The goal was to produce art that can be seen and appreciated in the Camphill community and beyond. This art show and sale has been Hokky’s vision since the start of the workshop.
“As a teacher, I believe strongly that art needs to be seen and shown to as large an audience as possible,” says Hokky. “Not only does this provide an enriching experience to the viewers, it also motivates the artist to create quality works of art.”
A preview of the mosaics available for sale can be found at www.camphillkimberton.org/mosaicsale.
Camphill Village Kimberton Hills – home to the Camphill Café – is located at 1601 Pughtown Road, Kimberton, Pa. Many GPS systems cannot find our location. Please use Google Maps for directions or visit www.camphillkimberton.org.
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Camphill Village Kimberton Hills is an agricultural and handcrafting community that includes adults with developmental disabilities. Over 100 people with and without disabilities live and work together practicing “life-sharing” as expanded families in homes throughout the village on 432 acres. The mission of Camphill Village Kimberton Hills is to create and maintain a land-based community together with adults with special needs. The practice of life sharing creates community together, fostering mutual help and understanding, providing meaningful work and building long-lasting relationships.
For more information, visit www.camphillkimberton.org.
