The LimbBo Foundation, a Yorkshire-based charity supporting children with limb differences, recently hosted an inspiring event at Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) to celebrate British ScienceWeek.
The event was a collaborative effort that brought together the threads of science and art into a unique experience for participating families.
The activity day welcomed 10 families from across the UK and included around 50 participants in total.
The fusion of science and art
The event was a powerful collaboration, bringing together the expertise from AmazeLab an award-winning provider of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths) education, the trade association British Glass and YSP artists Puy Soden and Nat Bellingham. The workshop was centred around the British Science Week theme, “Adapt and Change.”
This year’s theme was perfectly embodied through the exploration of glass. At the heart of the workshop, glass is a material renowned for its transformational qualities beautifully demonstrated in one of YSP’s exhibitions, “Alchemies” by Bharti Kher. Kher’s work, which involves reusing and melting glass bangles to create strong glass blocks, served as an inspiring backdrop for the children’s activities. The event provided an opportunity for families to explore the material’s adaptability and strength, aligning with the overarching theme of change.
Leonie Briggs, Director at Amazelab said, “British Science Week is an incredible opportunity to bridge science and creativity. Workshops such as this with LimbBo families help to promote inclusivity and creativity and build a future where science is accessible to everyone. It has been wonderful to again get together with LimbBo families to experience science in a fun and accessible environment.”
Activities and creative exploration
The workshop featured an array of engaging activities that allowed children to experiment with glass materials. Bottles, jars, discs, and small ballotini were generously donated by Glass Technology Services and Yorkshire-based manufacturing members of British Glass.
These materials became the basis for the children’s creativity, as they crafted colourful sound jars and large-scale pictures that explored light and refraction. Additionally, the children engaged in sand casting, a technique used by glass artists, to create unique artworks that emphasised touch and texture.
Victoria Adams, Communications Manager from British Glass shared her thoughts on the day, saying, “It was wonderful to work alongside the families and the LimbBo Foundation. Children were able to lead on their own creative journey using the materials provided to explore and investigate the multisensory workshop to create some really unique pieces of artwork.”
Community through creativity
Jane Hewitt, founder and trustee of the LimbBo Foundation, reflected on the event’s success, stating, “It was lovely to see our children meeting up with old friends and making new ones. The activities were all-inclusive, and our children loved them.
“Bringing families together in a safe space and allowing them to be creative in their own way is priceless. Lots of laughter as always.”
One of the LimbBo family parents said their child was “absolutely thrilled to be involved and had an unforgettable time exploring the park, engaging with the stunning art and connecting with such inspiring people.”
The event at YSP not only celebrated the versatility of glass and the fusion of science and art but also underscored the importance of community and inclusion for children with limb differences. Through creativity and collaboration, the LimbBo Foundation continues to make a meaningful impact, supporting families and fostering an environment where every child can thrive.
