Pupils’ art takes pride of place in final of global art contest

Pupils from Wolverhampton are among the finalists in a global art competition designed to raise awareness about climate change.

The annual Global Canvas competition, organised by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, encourages children to creatively showcase their concern for the environment.

Work by the shortlisted finalists will go on display at the Natural History Museum in London on Thursday (12 March) – including art by pupils from St Bartholomew's Church of England Primary School in Penn.

They created a powerful three-dimensional canvas made from recycled materials in response to this year's theme, Endangered.

It looks at the impact that climate change is having on the habitat of orangutans in Indonesia, showing both how humans can help the animals thrive by preventing habitat destruction – and what could happen if we do not take action.

Headteacher Rachael Kilmister said: "We ran a whole school competition, asking for the children's interpretations of this year's theme. We combined several of the entries but were particularly inspired by one entry which looked at the threat that climate change was posing to orangutans.

"Members of our art club then created the three-dimensional canvas and produced a presentation about the design which clearly captured the attention of the judging panel.

"We're delighted that it has been shortlisted and we're really looking forward to seeing it go on display at the Natural History Museum on Thursday."

Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: "Here is yet more evidence of just how talented children and young people in our city really are.

“This is a wonderful – and very thought-provoking – piece of art which really gets its message over to the viewer and it is great to see the work of young artists from Wolverhampton taking pride of place in this prestigious competition."

To find out more about education in Wolverhampton, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/education.