On Friday 2 and Saturday 3 February, St James church in Norton Worcester hosted an exhibition of local children’s artwork, produced mainly by Key Stage 1 pupils from Norton Juxta Kempsey C of E Primary School.
The mix of individual and group artwork featured was produced at creative workshops organised and led by Licensed Lay Minister Kay Mason.
Parents, children, and the local community were all invited to view the art exhibition entitled ‘What a Wonderful World’ and ‘The River Deep’ featuring both key stage 1 pupils individual and group artwork and creative group work produced with Stepping Stones toddler group. A separate exhibition to showcase key stage 2 pupils work is planned for the summer.
Pillars featuring the liturgical colours
At the exhibition several pillars at St James church were wrapped in artwork featuring the liturgical colours. Led by Kay, the Reception class at Norton Juxta Kempsey Primary School produced a large mainly purple canvas, entitled ‘Peace for my world’ representing Advent and Lent. The effect was created by pouring purple, lilac, white and some pink acrylic paint across canvas, then on cotton fabric the children drew an image of themselves using felt pens. The fabric pieces where then cut out and fused onto the painted canvas.
Year 1 produced another large canvas entitled ‘Love for my world’ which was wrapped around a second column, by pouring acrylic paint using the colours red, pink and some white. These colours represent the Pentecost and Saints Days. Then on a variety of fabrics the children cut out heart shapes.
Severnside parishes Stepping Stones Toddler Group also got involved, producing the third large canvas entitled ‘Hope for my world’ by using predominantly green acrylic paint as well as some blue and yellow to represent Ordinary & Festival Days. Then on a variety of fabrics a template of the toddlers’ hands and feet were cut out and fused onto the painted canvas.
One Year 1 student said:
"I liked making the artwork in the church"
My World collages
Kay’s work with Year 2 followed a different format, encouraging them to produce colourful collages. By tearing up newspapers and a variety of other different coloured papers these were used to represent the lyrics of the song ‘What a Wonderful World’.
Year 2 students commented:
"I loved creating the collages and thinking about the beautiful world God created”.
"I love art and I'll feel like a real artist when we have our exhibition!"
Sarah Marshal, Assistant Head at Norton Juxta Kempsey Primary School said:
“Kay has successfully incorporated spirituality into our art lessons bringing a unique and enriching dimension to the creative experience. Blending artistic expression with spirituality, Kay not only guides students in the technical aspects of art but also encourages deeper exploration of the world and self.
We thank Kay for her contribution to supporting the children of NJK.”
Kay Mason said:
“It has been an absolute pleasure working with the wonderful children at Norton Juxta Kempsey Primary School for this Exhibition of Art!”
“…Practicing and making art at times, is the only way to express most deeply what is in our souls, our emotions, hopes, conflicts and everything we feel inside us.”
“My role in this art project, was to guide the creative journey, to encourage and support, helping us know ourselves and the Wonderful World in which we live.”
Another exhibition entitled ‘What a Wonderful World’ is due to take place at St James church on Friday 5 July 3-5pm and Saturday 6 July 1-4pm, showcasing work done with Key Stage 2 NJK pupils including watercolours, an instillation art project and altered books.
