Youth creativity to be showcased

Aiming to celebrate the art of young people is Sylvie Wardell, 11, of St Leonards. PHOTO: SAM HENDERSON

A young artist is encouraging creative children to contribute to an exhibition.

"Art at Heart: Kids’ Exhibition", taking place during the Dunedin Fringe Festival, will be a showcase of artwork created by local children.

The idea originated with Sylvie Wardell, who aimed to highlight that although children were small in stature, they did not think or feel small.

She is inviting children aged 13 years old and younger to participate.

She discussed her idea for an exhibition with her mother, Susan Wardell, who is helping organise the exhibition, including finding a location in Hanover St for the exhibition.

Sylvie is encouraging families to help children sign up to participate.

"I have always been really interested in art, I have always drawn.

"I like graphic novels, pictures, drawings, just a bunch of creative stuff."

Children’s art was often not as appreciated as art created by older people.

"But I feel like it is just as important to be able to appreciate young artists just as much as skilled older ones."

Children, even when still learning and growing, could create meaningful artwork.

The theme of the exhibition was "big feelings", Sylvie said.

It could be any emotion, good or bad.

"Kids always have lots of big emotions and they are often very intense emotions.

"So there is often always good inspiration to come from those."

Ideas could come from a range of sources, from images to enjoyable experiences.

"Something that makes them feel a specific way.

"It could be a picture, or a place that makes them feel really excited, like going to the pool."

Children were free to contribute a variety of art, whether it was a drawing, a painting or even a sculpture.

Artwork did not need to be mounted.

During the exhibition an interactive exercise will invite people to contribute to a collaborative artwork.

A large blank canvas and art supplies such as pens will be provided for visitors to add their creative touches.

Those interested in registering artwork are asked to email su.wardell@gmail.com by Monday, March 10. Artwork can then be dropped off at 63 Hanover St on Sunday, March 16 between 10am and 2pm.