Pupil art backs Bloom and Grow 2010 project

YOUNGSTERS will be putting their creative skills to the test to help promote Bloom and Grow 2010.

All primary and secondary schools across the borough have been invited to take part in the project which is launching this week in conjunction with FoD (previously known as the Festival of Diversity).

Schools have been sent a template for a poster and budding artists must now use their flair and skills to sketch, paint or craft a dazzling design that visually encapsulates the themes of Bloom and Grow.

Three pupils will be shortlisted later this month and the winner will then get to see their design become a high-profile symbol of the campaign — adorning lamp posts at various locations along this year’s judging route.

The winning student will also get the opportunity for professional artist Brian Raymond of Leaf Arts to come into their school and run workshops for their classmates.

Two runners-up will receive certificates and have their artwork printed, framed and presented at their schools by members of the Bloom and Grow and FoD teams.

Councillor Jackie Stanton, deputy council leader, said: “Involving more schools and youngsters is going to be a key part of this year’s Bloom and Grow entry.

“This is just one of several initiatives that we have teamed up with the FoD to deliver. The great thing is that not only does it encourage children to develop their art skills but it also gets them thinking more about the positive themes that underpin Bloom and Grow — about having a cleaner and greener borough, for example, and about respect for your environment.”