Going on trips is always something I look forward to, but spending the day painting pots at the Accra Arts District turned out to be even more special than I expected - Cyril Nortey
Cyril Nortey
A few days before February 20th, I heard we were going on a trip. At first, I didn’t even think too much about it. Madam Cindy said we were heading to a place in Accra called the Arts District to do pottery painting. But something about it made me interested and even anxious that morning. Maybe it was just the chance to go somewhere different, or try something new. Either way, I decided I was going and thankfully I did not have a lecture that day.
That morning, I got ready early, finished my chores and got dressed long before the bus would arrive. I knew we would be painting and it could get messy so I wore a comfortable outfit. I didn’t want to go and come back with paint all over my “good clothes” 😅. I was actually very excited, even though I didn’t really show it. All the residents gathered at Norviwo for breakfast and after an hour we got unto the bus and set off. The ride was kind of long, but I won’t even lie, I slept through most of it. One minute we were moving, the next minute I was waking up and Madam Cindy said we had arrived.
As soon as I stepped down, the whole place felt different from what I am used to. It was spacious and calm, but not boring. Just a nice, welcoming kind of space with lots of greenery. And then as I stood there looking around, something also felt familiar. Then it hit me. I was back in my old neighborhood where i grew up.
I just stood there for a moment, taking it in. I started recognizing little things. The corner where kids used to gather and play. The path I had probably walked a hundred times without even thinking about it. I could almost hear the noise from back then, kids shouting, running around, laughing over nothing. I remembered how, as a kid, I didn’t really think about anything. You just wake up, step outside, and join whatever is happening. No pressure, no deep thoughts just living in the moment. Standing there now felt different.
Back then, I was just part of the community. Now, I was seeing it from the outside, like I had gone somewhere and come back changed. The same place, but I wasn’t the same person anymore. And this time, I wasn’t there to just pass time or wander around. I was there with a purpose and that meant a lot to me. After about 15 minutes, the residents and I settled down. Then it was time for painting. They brought out these clay pots that had already been made by local artists. Each one was different, and you could tell time and effort had gone into them. They told us to paint something that speaks to us. No pressure to be perfect, just express yourself.
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This was my first time painting pots and it was more fun than I expected
At first, I didn’t even know what to draw 😅. But once I started, it actually became fun. Everyone was focused on their own piece, but at the same time we were laughing, talking, and just enjoying it. It was one of those moments where you’re relaxed without even realizing it. And the best part? We got to keep whatever we made. Mine might not be the best-looking one there, but it means something to me. It reminds me of that day and how I felt. The artists were also really friendly and the staff were helpful and easy to talk to. I wish I could remember all their names, but there was a lot happening that day and everything was moving fast. Still, I won’t forget how they treated us.
In the afternoon, the residents and FOA staff, as well as two donors who sponsored our trip, sat together eating pizza with drinks and talking and laughing about our pieces. Some people were proud of theirs, others were just joking about how theirs turned out 😄. No one took the activity too seriously and that’s what made it nice. No one was judging, no one was trying to be perfect. It just felt easy.
At some point, it didn’t even feel like a “program ” anymore. It just felt like a group of us hanging out, sharing food, talking freely, and enjoying the moment. By the time we got back to Norviwo, I was tired, but in a good way. I felt relaxed, happy, and honestly grateful for the experience. I’d rate it a solid 9 out of 10. It wasn’t exactly what I expected, but I think that’s what made it even better. Sometimes the best experiences are the ones that surprise you. It was my first time there, but definitely not my last. If you’re ever in Accra and you want something calm and creative, the Arts District is worth it. Trust me, I’d go back in a heartbeat.
Written by Cyril Nortey, 2017 Cohort
24th March 2026
