Giving up magic powers so that someone else can make the world a better place. A world without disease, without war - but with horses for everyone. What sounds like dreams from a children's book are the real thoughts of Catalina, Polina and Lesja from the art group of the Krefeld Child Protection Association.
Under the title "Stay colourful", this year's exhibition in the Kinderkunstpunkt series shows the works of 14 young artists in the Future Work Lab of The Hochschule Niederrhein in the Behnisch-Bau on Petersstr. 122. On display are colourful paintings, imaginative sculptures and touching statements - the results of a year of creative work in the Regenbogen studio under the direction of art therapist Katrin Petri.
"Sometimes it's easier to express feelings with paint and brushes than with words. Art is a language that works without words," explains Nicole Ehrlich, Chairwoman of the Executive Committee of the Krefeld Child Protection Association.
With her sensitive manner, Katrin Petri creates a protected space in which children and young people can gain confidence and develop their creativity. One ritual is particularly important: there is always a cup of tea to welcome them - a small symbol of security that is lovingly mentioned in many interviews in the accompanying exhibition catalogue.
Some of the young artists also visit different facilities run by the Krefeld Child Protection Association. What unites them is their joint creative work in the Regenbogen studio.
There they find peace and quiet and a wonderful community. They all appreciate the fact that they can talk about everything and trust each other in this group. And while some wish for wealth or a football career for their lives, for others it is important to have lots of friends or simply to be able to forget some things.
The exhibition is the fourth of its kind. This year, however, marks the premiere with a successful cooperation between the Kinderschutzbund, The Hochschule Niederrhein and the Haus des Wissens und der Wirtschaft e.V. association. In the beautifully designed exhibition catalogue, Prof. Dr Donja Amirpur, Vice President for University Culture and Diversity, explains The Hochschule Niederrhein's commitment: "The Future Work Lab is an open, supportive and diverse place. Also for the youngest members of our society."
And they are looking forward to many visitors. Mario Bernards from Haus des Wissens und der Wirtschaft e.V.: "Every work here is an expression of a very personal emotional world and passion. My tip: take a look and be amazed."
You can do this until 17 September from Monday to Friday between 9 am and 6 pm. Admission is free.
