Mythical beasts guarding Christow Primary School!
Christow Primary School, part of Education South West, have held their Christow 2024 Arts Week this week.
On Tuesday the 11th of June the school was visited by artist Peter Margerum who helped children create unique sculptures using recycled materials. The theme of the workshop was ‘Mythical Beasts’ and pupils worked closely with Peter to create some unique sculptures based on their chosen class creature.
Peter is a visual artist and sculptor who mainly works using recycled plastic, wood and metal materials and household waste. He has experience running workshops in schools, galleries, museums, and nature reserves.
The children worked in teams to choose materials and used different tools to join their structures together. The school now has a stunning collection of mythical creatures guarding their playground fence!
The workshop was supported by The Helen Foundation and facilitated by Daisi with funding from the school PTFA also. The Helen Foundation is a local charity which aims to enrich the experience of young people in all branches of the arts in Teignbridge and South Devon; they subsidise arts-based workshops in schools led by professional artists.
Daisi is a leading arts education charity working throughout Devon, Torbay, and beyond. Their mission is to create and promote inspiring creative and cultural experiences that enable more children and young people, especially those from vulnerable or disadvantaged backgrounds, to access and enjoy the arts.
At Christow Primary School, the work of local, national and international artists is explored to enhance the children’s learning and to make links with Art History. Their Art curriculum provides children with opportunities to develop their skills using a range of media and materials. This is done through drawing, painting, printing, collage, textiles, 3D work and digital art.
Ms Amy Yeo, Headteacher at Christow Primary School said:
“At Christow Primary School we value Art and Design as an important part of the children’s entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum. We believe that high-quality Art lessons will inspire children to think innovatively and I am so pleased that local sculptor Peter was able to run this workshop with our children.”
Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:
“I want to say a massive thank you to The Helen Foundation, Daisi and Christow PTFA for ensuring this wonderful sculpture session went ahead. It’s brilliant that the children at Christow got to exercise their imaginations in such a hands-on manner and I can’t wait to see the finished sculptures.”
