We have been spreading our love of creativity recently, by donating over 2000 art packs and activities to every pupil at six primary schools in the local area.
Pupils at Avenue End Primary, Sunnyside Primary, Oakwood Primary, St Rose of Lima Primary, St Benedict’s Primary and Aultmore Park Primary all received the packs, which are full of hand-picked quality art materials and an activity booklet specially created by artist Alice Dansey-Wright. The packs can be taken home or used at school.
The materials and booklet are stored in a large art folio and these include a set of colour pencils, glue stick, pencil sharpener, drawing pen, watercolour paints, paintbrushes, oil pastels, drawing pencils and an A4 sketch book. The accompanying booklet has step-by-step activities to complete using the materials.
Platform’s Arts Manager Matt Addicott and Visual Arts Programmer Margaret McCormick visited St Benedict’s Primary in Easterhouse with the packs to meet with head teacher Mrs Parkinson and pupils, Ellie, Tia, Ryan and Joey.
Platform Arts Manager Matt said: “We’re really happy to be in the position to gift such a large number of art packs to local school children. We secured funding earlier in the year and felt that with creativity and visual art being a huge part of Platform, this was a wonderful way to share what we do with our local community.
“The materials are top quality and, if taken good care of, will last a long time. Everyone has the same set and due to being accompanied by matching activities, they are completely self-contained – no internet needed and it’s a case of just getting started!”
Mrs Parkinson, Head Teacher at St Benedict’s said: “It’s fantastic that every one of our pupils has been gifted a kit of their own to keep at home or use at school. They will help provide resources for our pupils to express themselves and get creative, which is an important part of their learning journey. A big thank you to Platform from everyone at St Benedict’s Primary”.
The packs were well received by pupils and we chatted to pupils at St Benedict’s Primary School during a presentation of the packs at the school. P7 pupil and School Captain Tia said: “It’s a good opportunity to get into art more”. Tia’s fellow pupil Ryan, P4, said :“I like my pack and will use it a lot”.
Visual Arts Programmer Margaret added: “There’s so many benefits to art – helping improve wellbeing, providing an enjoyable, creative hobby and encouraging pupils to get interested and learn about art from an early age. We can’t wait to see what the pupils create with their packs!”
[St Benedicts presentation images: Coulson & Tennant]
ARTIST ALICE DANSEY-WRIGHT TALKS THROUGH THE ART PACK:
