ARTS AND CRAFTS - WHAT COULD OUR FUTURE BE????

I used this activity at a retreat in 1999 and it worked very well. It helped students to express their hopes, fears, dreams and concerns and highlights the depth of their desire for healing in the world. It can get very messy so be prepared, and you will also need much material - eg. Cardboard, paint, cotton wool, different types of paper and so forth.

Rationale: Some of the obstacles that we face in discovering and living out our personal vocation in life, are the problems that are facing our society and our world. They often depress us and make us feel that we can't make any difference at all. What if we could face these challenges optimistically and together? What kind of world could we create?

Task: In groups of 4 - 5, make a painting with two depictions of our society. The first part of the painting will depict some of the problems facing our society - issues or concerns that are hurting our society and are concerning you. The second part of the painting will depict the ideal future that your group sees for people your age, in 10 years time. You may also wish to place each member in the group somewhere in that picture too, acknowledging how each person can help bring this about.

Perhaps you could include some of the following in the second part of the design.

• Abstract pictures
• 3D effects using the available material
• A prayer for the world that concerns them

1. Create Mural as a group

2. Sharing of mural with rest of group