Session One Recap: Exploring Personal Identity and Belonging Through Art

Recap of session 1

From the facilitator journals, written on January 23, 2023 - unedited

The intent of the first session was to introduce participants to the project. We talked about dual identity, what it is and the leading question for that session was “What does it mean to be latino in Canada?” We also dug deeper into Personal Identity. 

The session lasted two hours. We started with a 10 minute introduction on dual identity, project objectives and expectations for sharing. We then proceeded with the “Personal Identity Wheel” activity. It consists of asking participants to fill the “Identity wheel form” and then having them share their answers with other participants. This was a great ice breaker, as it gave them the opportunity to connect with other teens. Once this exercise was completed, we did a 10 minute debrief. I asked leading questions such as “What components of your personal identity were most difficult to share?” or “ Can someone share their skill that they are proud of?” “What were some of the things that people found in common with each other?”

One of the participants (Mariana ) shared that some of the things are difficult to answer for her, where “adjectives that best describe oneself” - she mentioned that these are things she doesn't necessarily think about, so she had to reflect on what this would be for her.

Following this session of sharing, I asked participants to create an art work based on the leading question: “ which part of your personal identity is most important to you?”

Participants were then asked to select art materials to answer this question. There was an array of materials available to them, from found objects, to paints, collage paper, felt, pastels, etc. I walked around each table and discussed processes and ideas with each participant.

''Being latina is special, because it is a language that is a bit difficult, but beautiful. Even more so if you are from Mexico.  Its cultures and everything, that’s what I Identify with” - S. 18 years old

Participants were then asked to select art materials to answer this question. There was an array of materials available to them, from found objects, to paints, collage paper, felt, pastels, etc. I walked around each table and discussed processes and ideas with each participant.