Rowan
SUSIE JOHNSON
Please could you tell us a little about yourself and your background.
My background is in building, architecture and decorative art. I ran and taught on an apprenticeship program in decorating at a building college in London before moving on to administering and assessing work experience for all the building student disciplines on building sites. My interests moved towards design processes and creative conventions so after moving to Cambridge I took a Fine Art degree and secured a studio at Cambridge ArtWorks Co-operative. I split my time between Rowan my studio where I focus on drawing and sculpture although my interests are diverse.
How did you come to work at Rowan?
I started at Rowan nearly 7 years ago, setting up and running a new Printmaking workshop. Rowan wanted to offer students a bigger choice of artistic activities and decided to expand into print. I was looking to complement my own artistic interests with new challenges and use my teaching experience and practical printmaking skills. I applied and was delighted to get the job.
What is it about Rowan that makes it so special for you?
The students bring so much joy with them to Rowan. We get to know everyone’s personality very well working closely in the studio together. We spend most of the day noisily and playfully being creative. Each student has their own distinctive artistic style; the exploration of new subjects and the realisation of finalised artworks I find exciting and rewarding.
Please can you tell us about your working environment…
The print room is a bright and ordered workshop, set up with intaglio and relief presses and the walls are covered with framed examples of the students’ work that give them a great sense of pride and also promote sales. We are extremely lucky to have the support of our volunteer who is invaluable, making it possible to give more time to individual students. During breaks the students can mingle in the large open foyer space or enjoy the sunny outside area with its vegetable garden.
Please can you tell us about the impact art makes on the students’ lives…
There are some who come to Rowan because they enjoy the company and the time out from their routines. For others, working hard on developing their artwork into greetings cards and prints to be sold at one of our selling events provides a lot of satisfaction and new confidence.
Is there something you need that would make a significant difference or improve the outcomes radically for the students?
More time to spend with students individually comes immediately to mind - something more tangible would be a stock of simple frames and mountboard so that we can regularly give the student artists their framed, ready to hang artwork to take home and take pride in.
ROSE BLOOMFIELD
Please can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
I joined Rowan as the Fundraising Engagement Manager at Rowan in April. I have worked in the Charity sector for the last 10 years, working with a mixture of large national charities, and smaller local originations. I have two children, Lily ,4, who has just started primary school and Joseph who is nearly 2.
Please could you tell us a little about the charity and its origins?
Rowan was set up in 1984 by four Cambridge professionals, with the support of the NHS and Cambridgeshire County Council, to improve the live of adults with learning disabilities through the provision of day services and meaningful activities. Initially, Rowan started out as a small woodwork project but over the years expanded to incorporate the various workshops we enjoy today including ceramics, print, mixed media and textiles. In 2017, our drama and music workshop was established and in 2019 we launched ‘Rowan Rangers’, our Forest School.
What is its ethos, mission, and vision?
We believe in a world where all people with learning disabilities have access to the creative arts. We seek to promote wellbeing and eliminate social exclusion, isolation and prejudice. Using visual and performing arts, Rowan endeavours to provide a safe, creative and enriching environment where adults with learning disabilities, under the direction of artists, craftspeople and volunteers, can grow artistically, as well as in their abilities, confidence and self-esteem – all vital ingredients for independent living, health and wellbeing.
Rowan is committed to:
Approaching life as an adventure, with humour, passion, optimism and fun
Sharing our passion for bringing art and people together
Fairness and equal opportunities based on respect for all people
Doing good for the whole – our students, staff, community and society
Providing a safe, caring, nurturing, inspiring and creative environment
Championing personal development, innovation and excellence
Encouraging friendship and a sense of belonging
Sustainability and acting in an environmentally friendly and ethical way
A social enterprise model that produces financial returns and social impact
What are the charity’s key goals over the next few years and what help and support do you need to deliver them?
As we begin to emerge back into ‘normal life’ Rowan is focused on ensuring all our students are settled and happy in their workshops. Moving forward, we are keen to expand our services so more local adults with learning difficulties are able to access our services. To do this, it is essential that we raise the profile of Rowan and form meaningful, strong partnerships with local corporates and community organisations to secure the future and stability of Rowan.
What makes Rowan so special?
Our people. Rowan is attended by some truly special and talented adults who, despite the challenges they may face, take everything and their stride and enjoy life. We have a team of dedicated and passionate staff who always put our students first and we are fortunate to have a number of volunteers who freely give up their time to support Rowan. Without them we simply couldn’t offer the same level of support to our students.
How can people support your work?
There are plenty of ways people can get involved and support Rowan. From organising their own fundraising activity, making a regular donation, volunteering their time or leaving a gift in their will. We hold a number of fundraising events throughout the year including our annual Christmas fair, sponsored Walk and numerous Art exhibitions which all help raise the profile of Rowan and raise much needed funds.