A Unique Path of Learning, Developing, Gaining Confidence and Acquiring Skills
This service is all about artists and craft people, some of whom have mental health problems or learning disabilities, working together to produce beautiful items that can be sold in the APT Galleries.
The work of APT is focused in the art and design studio, craft workshops, the APT Creations Gallery and shop, with a range of activities which people can experience as part of a varied weekly timetable or by concentrating on one activity for a longer period.
On a different note we also have an active community garden team maintaining the gardens around our various buildings.
APT is all about learning, developing, gaining confidence and acquiring skills and training. It offers a unique path of learning and growing beyond limitations. The studio and workshops are peaceful spaces where people can explore their own creativity in partnership with others.
At Camphill St. Albans our unique mix of holistic lifestyles including day opportunities enables people to find the will and strength to embark on this path and the benefits can definitely be experienced also by those who come only for a few sessions a week.
The art studio produces original paintings and many different styles of unique hand-made greetings cards for every occasion which are especially popular with customers.
The textile studio or ‘weavery’ has looms which are used to produce articles including cushion covers, rugs, table runners and tapestries. This workshop is a beautiful and peaceful setting for developing skill and creativity.
The textile studio or ‘weavery’ has looms which are used to produce articles including cushion covers, rugs, table runners and tapestries. This workshop is a beautiful and peaceful setting for developing skill and creativity.
The work in ceramics ranges from simple shapes and plaques for use in jewellery design to casting with liquid clay, sculpted figures for seasonal decorations. Glasswork at present involves composing beautiful one-off decorations with segments of beautifully coloured glass soldered into striking abstract designs and natural forms, such as dragonflies, birds and butterflies, also individually designed mirrors.
APT Creations Gallery and shop sell a wide range of high quality art and craft gifts and jewellery and provide a setting for people to meet and interact with the general public, learning valuable retail and social skills and with opportunities to train for NVQ qualifications.
As a further innovation, Café APT opened in the Gallery in June 2009, providing additional work and training opportunities for people to learn all the skills involved in serving customers from a fully organic menu including carefully selected coffees, teas and juices and a range of homemade lunches, sandwiches and cakes.
One of the workers, says, “The café is the centre of attraction in the shop. It creates a special atmosphere for everyone in the shop. The food is very healthy and delicious. It attracts the customers and puts the people in a good mood and helps them to look at the shop in a relaxed way.” Also another regular worker, says, “I arrive there in time at 9.30 to start work. I like working there. I meet people and serve them and smile and check that all is well. I help with the dishwasher. I have lunch with friends. The café brings people together."
If you would like to find out more about us we can arrange for you to visit the studio, craft workshops, galleries, weavery and garden team. If you like what you see, the next stage would be to have some taster sessions to experience the different creative situations. A session is from 9.30 – 1.00 or 2.30 – 5.00. We are interested in finding out about people’s personalities, their interests and what they would like to do that is creative and stimulating.
After this we will need to discuss with you and your Care and Support Manager how many sessions you might want to attend and how much it will cost. You will need to arrange your own transport and your Care and support Manager can help you to decide the best way of getting to APT.
For your benefit there is a minimum of 2 sessions per week. Price per session per week is 2@ £40 each, 3 @ £35 each, 4 @ £30 each and 5 or more @ £25 each.
We will then agree a start date and time for your first day. We will also give you information about how we think you are getting on and discuss with you any suggested changes, including your own ideas.
Are you ready to take a step forward in your life, to find a new way of self-development through learning, building your confidence and gaining new skills which can lead to NVQ qualifications? Would you enjoy working with others as a team in a friendly social environment? If so, then you will be able to find what you are looking for at Camphill St. Albans. Get in touch with us and discover what new path of learning and growing can open up for you.