UK: Celebrities, Artists’ Paintings Feature in Support of School Art Festival

London- Alsharq Tribune- Gina Issa 

St Barnabas Primary School in Oxford is hosting an exhibition bringing together bird-inspired artworks by children, local artists and well-known public figures.

Dame Joanna Lumley and Bill Bailey are among the celebrity artists whose paintings will feature in support of the school arts festival, according to BBC.

The exhibition will raise funds for the school and community projects. Artworks will be available both to purchase in person and via an online auction. Headteacher Beccy Harris said the theme “reflects our school vision to help children soar on wings like eagles.”

The school's chair of governors Charlie Arbuthnott posted painting sets and miniature canvases to several celebrities, inviting them to share their creations.

“It all went very quiet for the first couple of weeks and then, excitedly, the first canvas arrived and we couldn't quite believe it,” Harris said, adding the first one they opened was from chef and TV star Dame Prue Leith.

Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park has sent a work he titled Red-Legged Partridge Dancing.

Actor and campaigner Lumley is taking part with Dove and comedian Bailey is the artist behind Swallows.

Harris said the pupils were “so excited” by the celebrity contributions.

The exhibition, which runs on May 16-17 and 23-25, is part of Oxford Art Weeks. Funds raised will support projects including improving the school's deteriorating adventure playground and restoring heavily used community green space.