A GROUP of 11-16 year olds from across Devon have collaborated and mounted an art exhibition at Crediton Library.

The young people all took part in local social enterprise Significant Seams’ Holiday Activity and Food programme at the Boniface Centre.  The work created in three weeks of workshops with international celebrated artists from Devon shows the young people’s individual and collaborative works, and highlights the spirit of the programme, encouraging and empowering young people’s talent and enthusiasm.

One young participant said: “I like the enthusiasm and passion that our teacher showed whilst talking about their artistic careers and their artwork. I’ll use the skills I’ve learnt and apply them to my GCSE coursework.” 

A selection of 2D and 3D works are on display. Keen audience members might see the influence of the artist tutors, including James Lake, Catherine West, Melinda Schwakhofer, Naomi Wright, Sara Downham-Lotto and Matt O’Halloran.

The programme and the work explores the theme of “eco-creativity” from a range of perspectives.

Participants have also had the opportunity to pursue a Bronze Arts award in tandem with the programme.

A series of videos have also been made and released via social media. These can be viewed on Significant Seams YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/SignificantSeamsCIC .

To accompany the exhibition Crediton Library has curated a display of books relating to Art and Ecology, and Craftivism.

Starting after the October half-term, Significant Seams will be offering a new weekly arts programme for 11-16 year olds on Wednesday evenings, called the Craftivism Club.

In it young people will learn from community organisations about a social issue and then be taught the art or craft skills for a project to raise awareness of that issue.

Those taking part can use their participation towards the skill section of the DofE award and towards a Bronze Arts Award.

Both are national qualifications. Volunteering opportunities are also expected to emerge with the delivery partners.

The Craftivism Club is being piloted for 12 weeks, thanks to funding from Crediton Town Council. More information can be found at: bit.ly/craftivismclub .