What is it? We asked.
It's an experiment, a mini Scarborough*, an artistic experience, we were told! Come and see. Intrigued, a lot of us did that (and some brought friends too).
It started with coffee, tea and scones - very welcome for those who had had an early start and long drive, very thoughtful. Then proceedings kicked off with a lovely artistic devotional arranged by Sarah Munro and Susie Agahi. From then until 5 pm, apart from lunchtime, we were free to investigate and try a variety of different arts and crafts. At intervals we enjoyed entertaining events – and we were invited to join in too, in the centre of the hall. These included a very energetic presentation by the youth dance workshop, singing, and music, Irish dancing and dramatic story telling.
The stands round the hall had a fascinating collection of artistic activities all there to be sampled. They included face painting, potato printing, painting/gilding, calligraphy, printing, glass painting and pottery. There was also a Tranquillity Zone ™ set up as a display. At the entrance end of the hall there was a display of many and various artistic creations, produced and brought by Bahá'ís from all over Northern Ireland.
Dr Keith Munro, Chairman of the Bahá'í Council for Northern Ireland, said farewell to Amal, Sharon and the family Ma’ani-Hessari, and wished them well in South Africa, and did the same for Pippa Cookson who is leaving us for Macedonia.
A lunch of soup, bread and cheese was provided at a nominal cost, many thanks to the ladies in the kitchen, and as a special treat we had melon and pineapple and pistachio nougat brought round during the afternoon. Lovely.
Many thanks and warm congratulations to the organizers, I for one really enjoyed the day, the experiment if you will. It was an opportunity for the Bahá'ís from the different parts of Northern Ireland to get together and chat, to meet old friends and make new ones. The variety of activities available brought home just how diverse a field “the Arts” can be and what it has to offer for our enjoyment, uplift, yes, and our participation. I hope it gave the friends and family members who came too, a chance to meet and get to know some other members of the Bahá'í Faith.
ECP
* Scarborough—site of the annual UK Bahá'í Festival. A major event!
Pictures from the day: clockwise from right
Artists at work Storytellers Glass painting
Tranquillity Zone is a registered trade mark of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United Kingdom
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