Art x Culture x Social Impact

Nesting Doll (Matryoshka) Hands-on art-making experience

Contact us on Insta for DISCOUNTS! @flowwa__japanese_art_therapy

Matryoshka dolls, also known as nesting dolls, Russian dolls, stacking dolls are a set of wooden dolls of decreasing size placed one inside another.

Did you know there was a connection between Matryoshka and Kokeshi, the Japanese wooden dolls?

The workshop facilitator Anna from Russia will share with us intriguing historical and cultural aspects of Matryoshka. Then we all get to design and paint our own sets of the dolls in this fun, hands-on art-making workshop.

We will see the picture of the very first one ever made, talk about its inspiration and the symbolism of the ‘nesting idea’, look at nesting dolls in modern times and see great new designs and cheeky interpretations.

Options:
A: You will follow simple step-by-step instructions to draw your own doll and colour it with paints on paper.
B: Design and paint on stacks of wooden nesting dolls. (Purchase the set of dolls at $20.00)

Fundraising:
All profits from this workshop will go towards helping refugees, migrants and new comers seeking mental health support.

About Flowwa, the Not-For-Profit Arts Organisation for social change:

Flowwa is a survivor-led, Not-For-Profit organisation that runs art x wellness workshops, nature retreats and peer-support for violence survivors. Flowwa is rooted in our love for flowers and the specific Japanese belief about nature - that humans are equal residents of this planet alongside all living things. It's in our name "Flow-wa" - 'Wa' in Japanese means 'Harmony' and 'Community'. Lastly, 'Wa' is the sound of amazement, joy, wonders and appreciation.

Like all kinds of flowers in nature, everyone's journeys of healing and growing is unique and everyone has an important role to play in our community. Survivors' stories give so much insights and drive to make the world safer, healthier and kinder.

About Anna, the artist and facilitator:

Anna is an accomplished educator with a Bachelor’s degree in Teaching and over 20 years’ experience. She is an exhibiting artist, member of the Victorian Artists Society, tutor and workshop convener at the Diamond Valley Arts Society in Eltham. Her creative practice spans to art, design, crafts, dance and performing arts. Anna offers careful curation of presented material, authentic engagement of participants into the subject, utilising their rich existing knowledge and experience, and ultimately taking them on a journey of self-discovery. A good facilitator will get participants to gasp in wonder when they produce something extraordinary, something they didn’t even know they could do. This is what Anna strives for.

Inquiry:

info@flowwa.org

430 583 509

(Please text or leave VM, as we're unlikely to answer your call right away)

Design & Paint Your Own Nesting Doll (Matryoshka)

Choose your tickets

Flowwa Friends (must show Flowwa Card, wooden doll NOT included) ticket

Add the blank wooden nesting dolls to paint on (optional) ticket

General Admission (NOT including blank wooden dolls) ticket