When contemplating our first meetings with the groups our attention was drawn to the girls’ initial stiffness in art making. This is of course normal and universal. However, we´ve considered a few reasons that might have caused some extra tension within these particular groups and context:

· new type of activity: non-directed and based on self expression and exploration

· characteristics of the age of the girls including search for identity

· location, boarding school with strict rules and routines

· different views on art

· little or no previous art making

· unusually small groups

· sharing individual experiences verbally and visually

· equal relationship with the group leaders

· encouragement to engage and mutually communicate in the group