Friday, September 26, 2014

Teaching Graphic Novels in Zaatari Camp, September 2014


Studio Syria has returned to Zaatari Syrian Refugee Camp in Jordan. We partnered with IRD who provided transportation and access to their amazing big tent. Jean and Laurie taught a couple of workshops to young adults about how to write and draw comics and graphic novels. 



Laurie Balbo, with Studio Syria, is a child magnet. Here she shares her camera with some children at Zaatari Camp.



Jean had the pleasure of teaching a young man's English class how to write comics and graphic novels. We all had a wonderful time with much laughter and English spoken. Everyone was given art supply packs to take home including good quality paper, ink, brushes, pencils, erasers, rulers, pencil sharpeners and blank booklets.



Jean used this book as an example of a graphic novel as well as many others via a slide show.




In an attempt to soften the rocky ground IRD has laid sand and artificial grass inside the giant tent.


A group of young women were joined by some young men from an art club. The focus was intense and at times the tent was almost silent - except for the sound of the power generator and the wind tugging at the tent walls. 


"I dream to be a war man to protect my country". When we asked him who he wanted to fight against he said "ISIL".


This woman is a medic. She drew her hospital coat in the lower right corner with her head removed from it - showing that she can no longer wear it.


This mother drew a bird sending a letter home to her son, fighting in Syria. 


The Studio Syria education and activity booklet was as popular as ever with the younger crowd. 


Thank you to all who donated to Studio Syria this year and made this mission possible. We continue to raise money and plan further art workshops and education supply distributions in the spring. Please donate at www.studiosyria.org.