In early June, Whittlesey artist James Green produced an original painting in front of the whole of the Farcet school. A couple of weeks later, James went back to the school and was the resident artist for a whole week in which he and all of the KS2 children worked together to reproduce the painting on an impressive scale.
"Our work with James Green has been a great success, what started as a low key possibility has turned into one of the most positive and powerful events of the school year. Once we shared thoughts about what we wanted to achieve (a lasting testimony to the unique view from our school field) James was full of ideas about how to translate the scene into a large and imposing permanent reminder of our surroundings. We were just launching a new, whole school topic studying our local area and the picture became the focus point for understanding the unusual and powerful images of the Victorian brick pit chimneys and the modern face of the wind turbines.
James painted the original work in school, in the hall, working with us throughout one whole day. The children were fascinated, watching and questioning James about his work. James welcomed many visitors through lunch time and lesson times. This was valuable in itself as it gave a really positive message about using one’s talents and future employment possibilities for the children. The next stage was the creation, under James’ careful guidance, of an enlargement of the original, this took a week and James became a familiar, friendly face. Each KS2 child added their own touch to the enlarged piece which is now on display in the school hall. The children experienced working with an airbrush for the first time and also used collage and printmaking to complete the work. They are fantastically proud of it, as we all are. It has generated great interest amongst parents and also with community members following attendance at the end of the project during our special ‘exhibition’.
This has been a remarkable experience and one that I would recommend to all; the benefits and learning opportunities for the children have been huge, but the process has also served as a really special centre-piece to a new and exciting topic. It has been great to work with a talented and dedicated artist, but one who is able to relate well to children and to translate his ideas into an accessible activity for all."
Julie Branch - Head Teacher
