Axminster youngsters invited to express feelings about pandemic in art exhibition

Organisers of a children's community art exhibition in Axminster have just extended the deadline for entries, meaning you still have plenty of time to get your submissions in.

Entries for the exhibition, called 'That's Not a Weed, That's a Wish!' will now be open until the end of Tuesday, November 30.

This project offers children and young people from ages of 5 to to 18, living in and around Axminster, the opportunity to express through a piece of artwork how they felt during the coronavirus pandemic and resultant lockdowns.

Using a medium of their choice, entrants are asked to answer the following question about this challenging time: "If weeds were wishes, what would you have wished for?"

All entries will be exhibited at the Community Waffle House for one week from Saturday, December 18.

Prizes are also available for winning entries, including a £150 art bunds for ages 5-11 and a £250 Faber-Castell professional art set in premium wooden box for ages 12-18.

Speaking about how the idea for how the competition was conceived, its creator, Kate Ridout, spoke about her young son, Harry.

"I found a piece of writing in amongst my son's schoolbooks at the end of the summer term," she explained.

"It said, '2020. I feel scared and confused, also frustrated and sad, all because I miss my family and my friends. Wear a face mask. Stay at home. Protect the NHS. Stay 2m apart'.

"I was really struck by how emotional my child felt, the succinct and bleak way he had described what his world had become. I wanted his little voice, and those of other children in our community to be heard. They deserve a voice, don't they?

"A chance to turn this awful time around and make something beautiful grow from it".

District councillor Sarah Jackson, who has donated the competition prizes, commented: "Creating art has always been a love of mine, but more importantly, it has been a vital part of my own wellbeing.

"If we, as adults, have struggled with the pandemic, then we can be sure our young people must have too.

"I commend Kate for her hard work in drawing some positivity for our younger members of society from the turmoil of the last 18 months.

"I wish all of those entering their artwork the very best of luck and I look forward to seeing your creations at December's exhibition."

The event is also being supported by the Mayor of Axminster and the town council.

Free workshop for inspiration

If you're looking for inspiration, why not book a place at a free art workshop this October half term to help you develop your ideas.

Come and join in on Saturday, October 23 from 10am to 11am at The Community Waffle House.

Places are limited and they will be offered on a first come, first served basis. Contact Kate Ridout by emailing [email protected] adding the title 'Art Workshop' in the subject field, to book your place.

Exhibition and competition entry forms can also be found at The Community Waffle House or at Axminster Library. Alternatively, one can be emailed to you to print at home.

The art exhibition will be officially opened at The Community Waffle House in Axminster on Saturday, December 18 at 12noon by the Mayor of Axminster, Councillor Jill Farrow.