A crab sculpture, a life size seal pup and a giant jellyfish will feature in an exhibition created by children at Northdown Primary School and Canterbury Academy alongside Thanet Coast Project.
The exhibition at The Margate School is a celebration of Thanet Coast Project’s 20th anniversary. The project works with local people to help safeguard the isle’s coastline and its wildlife.
The exhibition has been co-ordinated by TCP volunteer Samantha Glynn.
She said: “I having volunteered for the Thanet Coast Project since 2006 and worked in schools since 2007 so I started formulating a plan for a school art exhibition and applied for funding from the Arts Council.
“After putting the case forward funding was approved which meant we could book The Margate School, a great local venue, for the art exhibition on the 16th and 17th of November.
“I invited Northdown Primary to produce the artwork for the exhibition space, it was the logical next step for them following some amazing in school ACE art exhibitions. The budget also allowed for a virtual exhibition to be produced as a legacy to be placed on multiple websites and this will be produced by Peter Ryder.
“We also had a workshop for Northdown Primary families to come and frame their artwork before the exhibition in an alternative way using reclaimed materials.
“I am a strong believer that all children should be given life chances. Realising the potential of the window display I have asked children in year 7 and 8 of Canterbury Academy to produce artwork for this and they have been working on sculptures with the help of their teacher Sara El-Ansary. I’m sure they will entice people into the exhibition with their wonderful display.
“Lovelys based in Cliftonville gave us a discount on art supplies for the children’s work. The exhibition really does show our school is a school for every talent.
“The exhibition will be a celebration of the work that Thanet Coast Project and volunteers do. Over the exhibition weekend visits are expected from the Margate Mayor, TeachFirst ambassadors and local artists.
“It will be challenging preparing and running the event in my first leadership role but so worthwhile. Look out for the life-size seal produced by Mikey, Year 6, inspired by the rescue of Dolly the seal washed up on Margate beach.”
The event will also feature short talks at 2pm on both days to explain the project in more detail and the virtual exhibition that will follow.
There will also be a sensory table with objects found on the shoreline and visitors can meet some of the Thanet Coast Wardens.
Entry is free. The Margate School is at 31-33 High Street, Margate and the exhibition will be open on November 16-17 from 11am to 4pm both days.
The exhibition has been funded by the Arts Council and Thanet council and supported by Morrisons Margate.
