Treefrog Art Brings ‘The Big Draw’ to St Peter’s Church, Petersfield

Vicki Ostersen of Treefrog Art is bringing ‘The Big Draw’ to Petersfield.   Vicki has enthused 1600 children from schools across town aged between 4 and 11 years old to participate in an inclusive project which will culminate in all artwork being on display, adorning the pillars of St Peter’s Church for the October half term week.  The schools involved in The Big Draw project are; Churcher's College Junior School & Nursery, Petersfield Infant School, Herne Junior School, Langrish Primary, Sheet Primary, Steep Primary and Froxfield C of E Primary.

The children’s artwork will be installed in the church from Sunday 27th October until Monday 4th November, and will form an impressive back-drop for three days of art workshops. On Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th October Vicki is collaborating with local artists, Tom Barnett, Charlotte Staniland and Michelle Puddy, running pre-bookable workshops for children 6 years+. Thursday 31st October is ‘Drop-In and Draw’ morning; a free-for all event which will run alongside St Peter’s regular Cafe Refresh.

Vicki explains; “My motivation is this; for some years now I have wanted to bring The Big Draw to Petersfield and to join with other artists to offer something to the town which is bigger and better than anything I could produce by myself. The theme of this year's festival is 'Drawn to Life', which seems increasingly relevant as we are made ever more aware of the well-being and mental health issues individuals from all walks of life face in the 21st century. Drawing is a basic skill, inherent in us all, which is celebrated in small children and woefully overlooked as we grow up, though its benefits are huge and varied. It is accessible and has an immediacy which I find very appealing.  People have drawn ever since someone worked out that you can make a mark by running your finger along the sand. Our event offers something for everyone, and has been made possible by the generous sponsorship and support of local businesses.” 

To book into a workshop, or for more information, please email [email protected] or call 07779 301791

About Treefrog Art

Treefrog Art designs and delivers imaginative, engaging visual art workshops for the whole community. The seed was sown in 2002, when I was commissioned by London Symphony Orchestra to work alongside theatre designer Richard Aylwin, to produce a painted cloth with a class of primary school children. Similar projects for Welsh National Opera followed. We made backdrops for opera, illustrations for programmes and animations for song cycles. Leading these workshops was always a privilege. Whether I was working with 30 or 200 children, they were always full of enthusiasm, and the art they made in response to any brief was thoughtful and sophisticated.

I now run projects, which showcase the brilliant collective creativity of schools and groups, and after-school Art Clubs and holiday courses, which challenge individuals to learn new skills and techniques.

Explore, use your imagination, do things differently, and have fun!

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