Funoon Art School is a unique and innovative place where children can learn and enjoy the beauty and diversity of Islamic art and crafts. The school offers a range of workshops that aim to inspire and challenge children to develop their artistic skills and express their creativity. The workshops also enrich the curriculum by connecting Islamic art with various subjects such as mathematics, history, geography, and religion.

The workshops are designed to suit different ages, abilities, and interests. Children can choose from a variety of topics and techniques, such as:

  • Geometric Pattern Design: Children learn about the mathematical and aesthetic principles of Islamic geometric patterns and how to create them using compass and ruler. They also learn about the symbolism and meaning of different shapes and colors in Islamic art.
  • Tiles and Mosaics: Children work together to create a large tiled design that reflects the unity and diversity of Islamic art. They use glass paints to decorate individual tiles that are then assembled into a stunning mosaic.
  • Embossed Tiles: Children explore the texture and dimension of Islamic tiles by creating their own designs on quick-drying clay. They use different tools and materials to emboss and carve patterns and motifs on the clay tiles. They can also paint the tiles with vibrant colors after they dry.
  • Small Coloured Mosaic Tiles: Children design and make their own mosaic tiles using small pieces of colored glass or ceramic. They use squared paper and traditional examples, such as eight-pointed stars, to plan and draw their patterns. They then transfer the patterns to a hard surface and glue the tiles accordingly.
  • Repeated Patterns: Children discover the variety and beauty of Islamic repeated patterns and how they are used to decorate different objects and spaces. They experiment with different methods and media, such as stamping, cutting, sticking, stenciling, tiling, embossing, and folding, to create their own repeated patterns. They also use different textures and colors to enhance their designs.
  • Calligraphy: Children learn about the art and history of Arabic calligraphy and how it is used to write and adorn the words of God in the Qur’an. They practice writing Arabic letters and words using a reed pen and ink or a brush and paint. They also learn about the different styles and scripts of Arabic calligraphy and their characteristics.
  • Calligraphy & Other Art Techniques: Children combine calligraphy with other art techniques to create more interesting and original artworks. They use patterned backgrounds on handmade paper by stamping, air-brushing, painting, or cutting shapes before writing. They also use different materials and effects, such as gold leaf, glitter, or collage, to embellish their calligraphy.
  • Moulding: Children learn about the art and craft of moulding and casting by making replicas of Islamic artefacts. They use a moulding preparation to make a mould from an artefact, such as a coin, a seal, or a pendant. They then fill the mould with plaster to make a copy of the original. They can also paint and decorate the plaster casts with different colors and patterns.
  • Occasions: Children learn about the cultural and religious significance of different Islamic occasions and events, such as Eid, Ramadan, or Hajj. They design and make greeting cards and wrapping paper for these occasions using Islamic art styles and techniques. They also learn about the geography and history of the Islamic world by using audio-visual methods and examining artefacts. They can also explore religious topics, such as prayer mat design, and use descriptions from scriptures to inspire their painting with acrylics and other media.

Key information :

  • The workshops are adaptable for all ages, from preschool to secondary school.
  • The workshops support many curriculum subjects, such as art, math, history, geography, and religion.
  • The workshops enable children to create lasting decorative artworks that they can take home or display in school.
  • The workshops promote cultural awareness and appreciation of the Islamic art and heritage.
  • The workshops can be customized according to the needs and preferences of the children and the teachers.
  • Consultation sessions can be held prior to workshops to ensure that the bespoke nature of the event will be maintained and that the correct materials are in place.