SCHOOL WORKSHOPS

Our Lady and St Patrick

In a workshop organised by the Devon-based arts charity Daisi and funded by The Helen Foundation, artist Helen Plant led an inspiring workshop with the Year 5 pupils at Our Lady and St Patrick (OLSP) Roman Catholic primary school to create a huge felt artwork linked to their learning about coral reefs. The children just loved the hands-on tactile nature of actually creating the felt from the multi-coloured loose wool.

As a really enjoyable extra, each pupil also made an individual felt pot to take home. The children said: 

“I learned that making felt is hard because you have to roll it round for many minutes and it makes your arms hurt, but my favourite part was soaping it down and it was fun!” 

“I loved making a class piece we can all see every day and loved getting very messy from the soap!”

 Chudleigh Knighton Primary School

Charlotte Perkins, Art and Design Coordinator at the school commented:

"Pupils at Chudleigh Knighton Primary School enjoyed a vibrant and inspiring day of creativity during an all-day visual arts workshop led by local artist and printmaker, Simon Ripley. The workshop was a Helen Foundation supported workshop, project-managed by Daisi.

The workshop began with an exciting hands-on session where students learned the intricate art of collagraph printmaking. Inspired by the iconic designs of William Morris, the children glued various textured materials onto cardboard to create their own unique printing plates. With the help of specialist inks and a small-scale printing press, each student proudly printed their designs to take home.

In the afternoon, the creative energy continued as students designed their own stamp motifs using foam. These individual creations came together to form a stunning collaborative wallpaper design, again drawing influence from the patterns and principles of William Morris.

The day was made even more special with a visit from Annie and Roger from the Helen Foundation, who observed the children deeply engaged in their artistic process.

"Having local artists come into our school has been incredibly enriching for our pupils. For many of our children, these experiences have been their first working with a professional artist. Opportunities such as these, supported by the Helen Foundation, provide creative possibilities that go far beyond the traditional classroom curriculum. Artists, like Simon, bring not only specialist skills, but also real-world insight into the creative process which is truly inspiring. We’re so proud of the brilliant artwork the children produced and are grateful to Simon for leading such an inspiring workshop."

Children's feedback:

“I had an amazing day with Simon making beautiful prints and a collaborative wallpaper.”

“I'm very excited to show my parents my prints.” 

“Thank you Helen Foundation. I had a great time and learned so much.”

“I found it hard using the printer. You had to twist it the right way.”

“I learned a lot more about art with Simon's help and words.”