Students team up with leading street artist Teakster to unleash their creativity
Local school pupils have teamed up with leading street artist Teakster to create a series of inspiring artworks showcasing their talents.
Pupils at the Ridgeway Academy in Welwyn Garden City and Onslow St Audrey’s School in Hatfield created the canvases and mural in a project commissioned by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and developed in partnership with The University of Hertfordshire School of Creative Arts.
The aim of the initiative was to inspire creativity among young people and enable them to develop their artistic talent, while raising awareness of the exciting and varied opportunities available in the arts.
Around 50 pupils took part, and their works were unveiled on Wednesday 16 July at Ridgeway Academy. Onslow St Audrey’s School created a series of canvases designed to be exhibited around the school, and Ridgeway Academy created a wall mural showcasing the school's values - respect, responsibility, relationships.
Councillor Jane Quinton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Leisure and Community, said:
“These impressive works of art created by our school pupils in partnership with Teakster and the University of Hertfordshire show what a diverse array of talent there is in our borough.
“I’m really proud that the council has been able to collaborate on this project to bring out the amazing artistic talent that the pupils have shown. I hope it inspires everyone that sees them to explore their own creativity and be aware of some of the exciting opportunities that the arts have to offer as well.”
Dr Stephen Partridge, Dean of the School of Creative Arts at the University of Hertfordshire, said:
“This fun, collaborative project was a great way of inspiring young people to get creative and think about the opportunities available to them in the arts.
“Our student ambassadors who worked with them were highly impressed by the pupils’ talent and commitment. Working with the schools and with Teakster to develop this project was hugely enjoyable and produced inspiring works that will stand as a lasting celebration of their talent.”
Sarah Mitcherson, Ridgeway Academy Headteacher, said:
“We are delighted that our Art students were able to work alongside the highly talented Teakster and the University Student Ambassadors in producing our Values mural, which will be a legacy for future generations of students at Ridgeway Academy.”