Schoolchildren Get Creative to Support Neath Art & Literature Festival

Children from Alderman Davies CinW Primary School have been working with St David’s Church in Neath to produce some brilliant artwork as part of the Neath Arts and Literature Festival.

The children took inspiration from the artwork 14 Stations of the Cross', by Will Roberts, which can be found in the church.

The art work depicts Jesus’ journey; through the medium of charcoal. The children experimented with mark making techniques such as hatching; cross-hatching, smudging and stippling.

Will Roberts’ daughter, Sian, came along to the church and was thrilled with the high standard of the children’s artwork.

One of the pupils said, “The best part was getting messy and exploring the charcoal!'

I shocked myself, I thought it would be one big black blob. I’m so happy with the outcome."

The Reverend Canon Lynda Newman, Afon Nedd Ministry Area Leader said, “Will Roberts produced the stations of the Cross for St David's church, and the Neath Art and Literature Festival was a great opportunity for the community to enjoy his work.

The incredible work produced by the children greatly impressed his daughter Sian and she enjoyed talking to the children. Working in charcoal is exceptionally difficult, but the children managed to capture the raw emotion involved in each of the Stations.”

Beccie Morteo, Head of Education for Llandaff and Monmouth Diocese said, “This is such a great example of how schools are embracing new curriculum approaches. The combination of local history, Religion, Values and Ethics (RVE) and creative activities makes this such an engaging project which helps the children of Alderman Davies to develop an understanding of what Cynefin, or habitat, means to them.

The way the artist, school and church have worked together is a great example of what we can offer our children when we support each other.”