When Hearts and Hands Unite: Using the Arts to Enhance Understanding

Yesterday, Sunday, July 6th afternoon, the Heartfulness Centre in Cowgate became a space of gentle discovery as friends from across Dundee gathered for "Using the Arts to Enhance Understanding." What unfolded was a beautiful demonstration of how creative expression can serve as a bridge between souls.

Andrew Goodwin opened the presentation with an encouraging observation:

If anyone can write, then anyone can certainly create art.

This simple truth set the tone for an afternoon that would prove just how accessible artistic expression truly is. Through videos showcasing diverse artforms , from delicate face painting to butterfly embroidery, from wood carving to simple paper flower techniques participants witnessed the breadth of creative possibilities.

The interactive presentation sparked lively discussion as Andrew invited participants to share different forms of artistic expression they knew and explore what emotions art evoked within them. These conversations naturally led into the hands-on portion of the afternoon.

Tables adorned with craft materials invited exploration through various mediums. Participants delved into paper cutting to create architectural structures inspired by the House of the Báb, worked with colourful modelling clay, and crafted delicate tissue paper flowers. Each activity offered a different pathway to express profound concepts that often remain locked within our hearts.

What struck many was how the arts unlocked a different kind of communication altogether. Where words sometimes falter in conveying spiritual truths, a simple paper structure or clay creation could speak volumes. As the afternoon drew to a close, participants shared their creations in what had become a small gallery of heartfelt expressions, reminded that the arts are essential tools for fostering the understanding and unity we seek.