Art project helps children take inspiration from South Tyneside
Young people in South Tyneside have been involved in a creative project inspired by the River Tyne.
The Treasure Group at The Customs House in South Shields worked with artist David Wilkinson on an eight- week project called Painting the River.
The group, which works with Looked After Children in South Tyneside, received £800 funding for the project from The Children’s Foundation.
The children attended weekly sessions, where they drew the river outside on the quayside and then from photographs.
Working in their own series of small folded sketchbooks, they progressed to making larger watercolour paintings surrounded by David’s exhibition, Sea, Sky and River, which is currently on show in the Upper Fusion Gallery at The Customs House.
The project aimed to help the young people gain confidence, develop a sense of belonging here at The Customs House, improve their art skills and overall sense of wellbeing.
Elizabeth Kane, learning officer at The Customs House, said: “I am incredibly proud of the members of the group. Each week we saw an improvement in their concentration. I think if you spend time looking at their work, you will recognise lots of familiar landmarks.”
She added:“All the children left with a set of watercolour paints and a brush. We hope this is just the start and they continue to draw and paint the world around them.”
The children’s work will remain on display alongside The Takeover Open Exhibition in the Port of Tyne Gallery at The Customs House until August 31.