School Engagement

As part of our charity work we encourage art in local schools.  We do this by funding the materials to create a sculptural installation for the show.  Sometimes we also fund an artist to workshop with the schools.  We also fund, when required, transport to encourage the school to visit the exhibition giving the children a hugely rewarding sense of achievement seeing their work alongside that of professionals and an experience of art outside the formal setting of a gallery.  We know from the hundreds of children that visit each year how much they appreciate this experience, many returning with their parents at the weekends.

Over the years we have had some very successful collaborations.

2018

In 2018 we worked with Jon Williams from Eastnor Pottery who work shopped with many of our primary school entrants to produce a range of beasties that hung out in the vegetable patch.

https://www.facebook.com/scuptureatkinghamlodge/videos/1946071592369978/

Jon also found time to submit his own installation of terracotta bees which, needless to say, all flew away to happy homes.

Jon Williams from Eastnor Pottery in a workshop with Great Rollright Primary School

Ducklington children sent thank you letters after their 2018 visit:

‘the sculptures were very unique and beautiful…..I and my family would love to go again. It was a fantastic experience.’

‘My favourite sculptures were the heart sculptures. I liked that there was a snail that the year 6s made…we saw a ying yang which is like a fairtrade sign.’

‘they looked mesmerising.’

‘I really liked that the sculptures were all different.’

2014

In 2014 Artist Lucy Unwin workshopped with Chadlington Primary School and both parties thoroughly enjoyed the experience.  Lucy said:

“The butterfly project allowed every child to create their own individual piece that became part of a complete installation that represented the entire school. Every class seemed to really enjoy the process and it was so exciting to see the children come up with their own creative ideas and have some fun.”

Lucy’s installation in 2014 was a hugely popular larger than lifesize 3 dancers in wire which took pride of place at the bottom of the main lawn.

Inspiration

Over the years, inspiration has come from different areas:

“As we are doing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for our end of term production we decided to make something related to that. The children loved the experience of working with an artist for the day and using unusual materials. They are looking forward to seeing their work when we visit.”  Kirsty Jackson, Ducklington Primary School, 2014

“Children of all abilities were able to unleash their creative talents, and make wire flowers to commemorate Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II’s, 90th birthday. We are now full of pride and great excitement as we prepare to bring our school, and our family members to the sculpture trail at Kingham. Thank you for the opportunity to enrich our curriculum.” Wendy Smart, Holy Trinity, 2014

“We were delighted to be given the opportunity to take part and the year 7 and 8 students involved had great fun making their own fun and quirky rats. They worked with sculptor Ali Grant who enthused them with the excitement of working in 3-dimensions. They also have a wonderful sense of pride in having their work displayed at a real exhibition and we look forward to bringing them to the show” Nicky Hannam, The Cotswold School, 2012