Pre-Prep pupils enjoyed a wonderful Henry Moore-inspired art week that also coincided with the Young Art Exhibition, at the Royal College of Art, where a record number of them had their artwork exhibited and awarded.
With the work of Henry Moore as prime inspiration, the children embarked on an art week of creating unique and abstract sculpture.
Judging from the high levels of enthusiasm and excitement, this year’s art week has to have been one of the best. “The children were so open minded and ready to experience everything, they threw themselves into conversation and exploration with amazing enthusiasm,” say Tracy and Dina, two of the visiting artists from Art.bybox who led workshops over the course of the week, above.
The children were so open minded and ready to experience everything, they were ready to throw themselves into conversation and exploration with amazing enthusiasm.
Tracey and Dina, Art.bybox Workshop Leaders
Kirsty Baranowski, PP2 teacher and Art Co-ordinator, who organises the week of art activities for the children is also thrilled with how well it went. “The children were all so engaged and completely absorbed in what they were doing, it didn’t stop them from paying attention though and their listening skills were particularly impressive.”
A great deal of planning goes into this week-long event, as Kirsty explains. "The starting point is finding a skill in the Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 art curriculum that our children haven't had a chance to really develop yet and sculpture really ticked the box. Exploring three-dimensional art creates new opportunities to plan, problem-solve, and create. Sculpture allows the children to use their imagination, advance their fine motor and mathematical skills, develop their eye for detail, and much more!
Sculpture allows the children to use their imagination, advance their fine motor and mathematical skills, develop their eye for detail, and much more!
Kirsty Baranowski, PP2 Teacher and Art Coordinator
After the success of last year’s Andy Warhol themed art week, inviting Tracey and Dina back from Art.bybox was a no-brainer. This year the dynamic duo introduced the children to the life and work of Henry Moore and gave them some fascinating and humorous facts about the artist as well as an insight into his personality, background, and artistic influences.
Some of our Pre-Prep Harrodian families had already done a bit of research in advance of art week by taking part in a special London-based Henry Moore walking trail. They spotted Moore’s sculptures in different locations around the capital city from St Paul’s Cathedral to Kenwood House Gardens in Hampstead, from Charing Cross Hospital in Hammersmith to Cabot Place in Canary Wharf. Feeling inspired, the children couldn’t wait to have a go themselves at creating their own sculptures back at school!
For a gallery of photos taken over Art Week
As part of the educational process, all Pre-Prep children learnt how to use technology to create an image to sculpt; paint and mix colours; draw and sketch designs; sculpt from observation and imagination using different materials; carve details; as well as evaluate and discuss their feelings about Henry Moore’s work and their own.
Reception and PP1 used modelling clay to create their sculptures whilst PP2 and PP3 brought in old plastic milk bottles, bubble wrap and used modroc to create their own 3-D models. All of the children then painted a landscape as a backdrop for their sculpted creations.
The children also loved taking part in a collaborative junk modelling session outside under a gazebo in the Pre-Prep courtyard, using all the empty carboard boxes and recycling trash that had been collected and brought in very kindly by our Pre-Prep parents.
The week culminated in a gallery-style event. All the Pre-Prep classrooms were open from 3pm onwards on Friday afternoon so that parents could come and have a look at the artwork on display (both inside and outside the classrooms) and to have a flick through the children's individual art books.
Adding to Ms Kirsty Baranowski’s pride is the fact that so many Harrodian Pre-Prep pupils have been recognised this year for their art skills in the Young Art Competition.. “It’s been a record year this year with 16 Pre-Prep pupils who have had their artwork exhibited, and many of them awarded, at the Royal College of Music’s Young Art Exhibition, which incidentally took place at the same time as our art week. A particular mention to the Oscars in PP3 and PP1 who were awarded second and third place overall in their age categories – a big achievement given that over 7,600 children enter the competition in total.”
It’s been a record year this year with 16 Pre-Prep pupils who have had their artwork exhibited, and many of them awarded, at the Royal College of Music’s Young Art Exhibition, which incidentally took place at the same time as our art week
Kirsty Baranowski, PP2 Teacher and Art Coordinator
She is also keen to recognise the eight Pre-Prep pupils who were awarded Artists of the Year and given school certificates at the end of last term. “Last but not least, a special mention to our Pre-Prep Artists of the Year who have been so enthusiastic in all their lessons and always make a consistent contribution.”
Last but not least, a special mention to our Pre-Prep Artists of the Year who have been so enthusiastic in all their lessons and always make a consistent contribution
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To view an online gallery of artwork exhibited at the Young Art Exhibition and artwork by our Pre-Prep Artists of the Year, click here:
To view a gallery of Pre-Prep artwork displayed at the Young Art Exhibition and of our Harrodian Pre-Prep Artists of the Year