School’s art for summer exhibition

3:44pm Tuesday 12th August 2008

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Children rarely get the opportunity to exhibit artistic achievements outside school, so Kerry Ann Eustice was keen to learn more about the School Art Show

Perusing Bickley Manor Hotel's latest art exhibition, I spy an edgy, political silhouette of George Bush's face made from newsprint, some experimental black and white portrait photography, a Turner-esque riverscape and couple of cubist masterpieces. But, no, it's not a Turner Prize shortlist, but a sample of the works exhibiting in the School Art Show.

Designed to profile Bromley's future art talent and give young people a public platform for their creative achievements outside school, the initiative was designed by Seran Tahsin, photographer and founder of Serenade Media.

It started life as a very different project. In fact, Seran intended it to be a commercial venture, who as a working mum, saw the demand for an academic timetable, which she invited schools to submit artwork and local businesses to provide investment for.

Despite not being able to secure any investment, Seran wanted to see the project through to completion, and in a (brush) stroke of genius developed the School Art Show.

All 130 Bromley schools were asked to submit work from their most gifted and talented students, and a judging panel which included Seran, Bromley Education art consultant Pamela Smyth, local contemporary artist Mark Paul Perry and Art for All's Tom Stonebridge selected a winner from each year group from the 40 schools which responded.

"I didn't get any entries from the independent schools, so that's something I need to work on for next time. I noticed it was mainly the better performing schools applied," said Seran.

Winning schools included Oak Lodge Primary, Highfield Infants, Langley Park School for Boys and Kelsey Park Schools College, Panel member Pamela Smyth helped to select artists who displayed advanced artistic development, who excelled at ideas, imagination and detail and implement control, for example.

Take Year 2 winner Layla Green. Her charming piece impressed because at seven years old she has only experienced a couple of significant Halloweens but produced a textured and humourous work based on the occasion.

"It's a bit Van Gogh isn't it" said Seran while pointing out the delightful details in Layla's fun and vivid painting.

"Art is for everybody," she said. "Some people may find it hard to see themselves as artist.

"Take the time I submitted a piece of coursework and only received a C grade. I entered the same piece into a competition and went on to win first prize. That gave me enough confidence to say yes, I'm an artist too'. I hope this competition does that for these children."

It's true, Year 13 student Aimee Timms said she now has more self belief in her future, that she can carve a career as a photographer.

Seran added: "The children, may be celebrated artists in their own school, that small entity, but they don't get that outside. This allows them to get a measure of themselves outside of their own school."

As if being voted borough-wide winner for their year was not measure enough, adult art-lovers have been buying prints of their work too, not just parents either.

"Buyers wanted the artist's name, age and school in case they become famous," said Seran. "They see a making of an artist in the future and think eBay!

"Farbod Shakouri, we've sold loads of his work. People are thinking he's the next Turner. He's only 11. People also like Grace Morton's piece because of the reflection marks and the fact she has signed it like an artist."

A recent documentary, called My Kid Could Paint That, explored the popularity of a very young child's paintings with art buyers. Is this the beginnings of the trend in Bromley, perhaps?

"I definitely think there's a market for children's art," said Seran. "It's a real talking point if someone asks, Is that a Turner? No, a 12-year-old, actually'."

This exhibition is such an all-round success, that I, enjoying it so much, soon wonder why you so rarely hear of shows by and for young artists.

"There's nothing geared for them as an audience," agrees Seran.

"It's a lovely idea that the audience of this show is children."

But this could change as there's plenty of room for growth. Already, Croydon Council has shown an interest so Seran hopes it's something she can continue and develop.

Seran said: "I'd love to take this idea on a national level, celebrating 12 excellent kids, every year. It deserves funding. If we get the funding, I'll certainly do it again."

The School Art Show at the Bickley Manor Hotel, Thornet Wood Road, Bickley. Viewings Sun to Thurs until August 28.

To see more from the School Art Show click here