Last week we were invited to get creative at The Fluid Project, and while we are usually more comfortable viewing art in a gallery, we accepted the challenge. Looking online at the technique developed by the team at The Fluid Project it seemed like this was a style of art accessible to our whole family and best of all, it looked like lots of fun.
The Fluid Project – accessible art Sydney
Despite all my efforts when Braeden was younger, he had absolutely no interest in art. When I thought about it, art required effort and focus which he found difficult, and the results didn’t appeal to him. Since leaving school Braeden’s been more open to giving art another try so when we heard about The Fluid Project we thought we’d take him along.
The Fluid Project started in September 2022 and has been a wild success worldwide. After participating in a workshop with Hubby and Braeden I can see why. The activity spans all ages and while I felt I was unleashing my inner Picasso; it actually requires zero artistic skill.
Our first assignment was to pick our projects and colours. Braeden chose a bear and an astronaut keychain, and I chose a bunny and a bear keychain. Braeden loved picking the paint colours and watched intently as Fiona, the co-founder of The Fluid Project, gave us a demonstration of how to best paint our chosen figures. In this case your blank canvas is a choice of a rabbit, balloon dog, bear, lucky cat, unicorn or Frenchie dog. On the shelving along the wall there is plenty of inspiration with previous workshop participant’s finished art on display. I found this helpful in knowing which colour combinations I fancied but no two artworks will be the same, even if you choose the same colours. It’s what makes the workshop so unique.
Due to Braeden’s limited fine motor control, he couldn’t do the paint pouring but loved watching as the paint flowed over his chosen characters. And while I say there is zero skill required, the way you pour the paint changes the effect, so you do have some control over the outcome. Braeden proved the ultimate supervisor.
After watching the boys, it was my turn to give it a go. I felt nervous when the paint was about to leave the cup and make its first splash on my bunny. With every move and as the colours blended I felt like a proud mamma giving birth to a real cutie. At any point when I needed something I’d call on staff member Terence for advice and he’d quickly give me his tips or top up my paint. This is one place where it’s okay to paint outside the lines and make a mess.
My verdict – it’s fun, easy and social. Shared experiences get strangers chatting and immediately there’s a comradery in the room as everyone gives something new a go.
The Fluid Project – accessibility
The Fluid Project is located in a large warehouse in Homebush, Sydney, The entry is step-free and is offered through a large roller door so wheelchair access is good.
Once inside the warehouse it is not overly spacious but we chose to sit at a table where Braeden had plenty of circulation space. The table was a good height for Braeden in his wheelchair.
Accessible parking is available a few metres from the door.
We had such a fun evening and there was much anticipation around the delivery of our bunny and bear to see them dry and finished. They were delivered yesterday and we are really thrilled.
You can book a session at The Fluid Project as an individual, family or as a group. Sessions, including your character and paint, start from $70 per person.
I would love to see disability groups giving this a go. If I’d thought about it when we visited with Braeden I’d have come up with something we could rest his bear on so we could help him pour the paint but I’ll know for next time.
The Fluid Project’s DIY kits for painting at home
If you are interested in painting your own bunny, bear, unicorn or other character, but don’t live in Sydney, The Fluid Project ships kits with everything you need inside to make your own creation. Shipping is available around the world. You can see the selection of kits and prices on The Fluid Project website.
We were hosted for the evening at The Fluid Project and did not pay for our characters but as always our review is based on our experience and we had a blast. Hubby, Braeden and I all came away with big smiles and another family memory notched up. Amelia was working so sadly could not join us but this would have been a hit with her too.
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