It’s true, there are about 1,000 swallows that are integrated into the Ode_à_Primavera Project launched by four artists from the Portuguese city of Caldas da Rainha.
It is a non-profit project that consists of a collective and community installation that takes Place in the Portuguese City of Caldas da Raínha,from March 23 to May 5 , 2024, whose subject is The Swallows, which are the symbol of this city.
These four artists responsible for organising the event called on social networks to the participation of everyone, artists or not, Portuguese or foreigners, with creative works on the subject of The Swallows, which will be installed in the streets of the city and in the windows of shops which joined this initiative.
As soon as I heard about this project I decided to participate and shared it trough my social networks. I love challenges and I’ve found this unmissable for several reasons: it is organized by artists but it is aimed at everyone, the subject is attractive, it appeals to creativity, it aims to spread art through the streets and keep local commerce alive
People’s participation was huge, in approximate figures joined: 8 Portuguese districts, 3 countries, 1.000 swallows and 75 shops.
With their swallows, in all possible techniques, materials and shapes, students, companies, artists and people of all ages and jobs, from Portugal and abroad - France and Austria - participated. After all, we are all creative people and exercising creativity is essential for a richer life
The success of this initiative shows that, with a good motto and effective communication, it is possible to mobilize people for positive common goals, having everyone the opportunity to being part of such a diverse creative community, because as Zélia Évora ( one of the artists in the organization) wrote “The community begins in each one of us”.
Nowadays, when we are so disconnected from each other, joining this event also brings people a sense of belonging and connection, so relevant for our well-being.
MY PARTICIPATION
It was with great joy and enthusiasm that I created my swallows that flew from here in Porto to the city of Caldas da Rainha.
I did a mixed media art work, combining painting and collage, where I used watercolour paper, oil pastels and other papers (Japanese papers, découpage papers and textured paper).
I’m sending my congratulations and a huge and grateful hug to the organizers of the Event, to all the participants, people, companies and shopkeepers and to the city of Caldas da Rainha.
EVENT ORGANIZED BY:
• @ode_a_primavera
• Zélia Évora @zeliaevora
• Mónica Correia @lojadocalho
• Manuel Bandeira Duarte @m.bandeira.design
• Ana Hermenegildo @anahermenegildo
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