Artists from around the country take part in a special encounter

In yet another workshop of our "Artists Hosting Artists" series, Palestinian and Jewish artists gathered from around the country with our hosting artist, Dorit Bat Shalom.

This workshop was unique in a number of ways: first of all the location was magical. We did not work inside a studio, but in a natural forest setting, close to a few huts and sheds. The colors and fabrics with which we worked enhanced our connection with nature and enabled us create artwork inspired by it.

We began the day in a circle, where we described the background of the project and invited the participants to introduce themselves and their work. These Palestinian Arabs and Jewish artists came from all around the country. The larger than usual number of Jewish participants in this workshop helped to equalize the Arab-Jewish balance for the series of workshops.

When we got started on our art projects, the wonderful natural setting and the helpful guidance of Dorit Bat Shalom and two artist friends of hers, facilitated a congenial working relationship among all the participants.

As usual, we brought with us tasty food for the day, which we spread out on a large table near to where we were working. That all our needs were taken care of contributed to the good vibes and harmony of the artistic encounter.

After working on our projects, we gathered at a nearby café nestled among art and handcrafts shops, in buildings that served long ago as stables.

Gallery

The closing session was warm and supportive. Reluctant to part with one other, the artists proposed various ideas on how to continue, such as conducting different styles of encounters and retreats.