The idea of an art workshop came naturally when our local community were looking for a community engagement activity to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the dawn of the Baha’i Faith.

Local Russel Island artist Sharon Jewell was asked for help to develop an idea for how members of the community of all ages might come together in an afternoon of sharing art.  As storytelling is also an art, storyteller Izzat Rameshni was asked to share a 10 minute story from the life of the Bab, the first teacher of the Baha’i Faith in Iran, who was born 200 years ago.

The message of the Baha’i Faith is:

“The Earth is but one Country and Mankind its Citizens.”

Bahai Writings

In consulting with Sharon about how the art workshop should be experienced, the idea of expressing connections between the individual and other individuals came to light. Sharon had a thought of bringing together several people to work on a single drawing project, with each individual starting from a central image and creating lines to extend their image outwards to meet the lines of other participants.  Izzat was then inspired to share a story of how people from all backgrounds came to be united in Iran by the magnetic personality of the Bab.

We have hosted previous art workshops for community, and participants have enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere, while coming together as families and friends to share art, with opportunity to meet new people.  

Adults and children of all ages are invited to participate in this workshop, which is free of cost and will take place at the Lion’s Club Hall 122 Shore Street North, Cleveland on Sunday 18 August from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For information about this project in Cleveland please refer to the Facebook event, or contact Kirsten Lisner on 0431 845 329 or by e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..