Crookshanks Is Back!

One of the most popular pieces in the 2008 Open Small Pictures Exhibition is back at the Arts Centre this month as it returns for the Small Pictures at an Exhibition show. The next exhibition, which will be on display from Wednesday 24 June until Saturday 18 July sees children in Salisbury and the surrounding region enjoying a taste of life as professional artists, as their work is displayed for sale at Salisbury Arts Centre.

Children from eight local primary schools have produced over 240 pictures as part of a project run by Salisbury Arts Centre in association with Hoodwink Theatre and funded by the Prince’s Foundation for Children and the Arts.  The exhibition, entitled Small Pictures at an Exhibition, is part of a three year project funded by the Prince’s Foundation which sees Salisbury Arts Centre offer children and their families the chance to take part in creative activities at the Arts Centre.

In 2008 the Arts Centre worked with Sarum Orchestra on the subject of Folk Tales and Legends.  This year the theme has been based around Pictures at an Exhibition, and has seen the children visit the Arts Centre’s annual Small Pictures exhibition and then make their own ‘Living Picture’ with Hoodwink Theatre Director Stephanie Jalland. The children and their families have also been given the chance to see live professional performances by Salisbury Arts Centre’s resident companies Sarum Orchestra and Hoodwink.    The project has also seen teachers take part in free training sessions.

The pictures on display at the Arts Centre this month are the children’s interpretations of pictures they viewed as part of the annual Open Small Pictures Exhibition. The original exhibition held in autumn 08 featured a picture entitled 'Crookshanks' by Charlie Martin. This image was very popular with the children in the project and many of their pieces have been inspired by the famous cat. At the new Small Pictures at an Exhibition visitors will be able to see ths original Crookshanks picture alongside the many children's interpretations.

All the pictures in the new Small Pictures at an Exhibition are for sale, giving the children the chance to experience life as a real artist.  All proceeds from the sales will be donated to a children’s charity.

The Small Pictures at an Exhibition will be at Salisbury Arts Centre from Wednesday 24 June - Saturday 18 July.  Entry is free.

Schools involved in the project are: Sarum St Pauls, Netheravon, Durrington, Highbury, Woodford Valley, Amesbury Archer, Whiteparish and Exeter House.