THE LUCKY winner of an illustrating competition, who will have their work published in a series of children’s books, will be announced at Artrix on Wednesday (June 11).
A number of Bromsgrove students have taken part in the competition which has been organised by author Emma Austin-Jones and has been running for the last few months.
As well as having their artwork included in Emma’s books, the winner will also benefit from the pubishing royalties. They will be split between the partners – Bromsgrove’s NEW College, the Dyspraxia Foundation, the author and the winner.
Judging the event will be Sharon Vass from Bromsgrove School of Music, Cat – Emma’s youngest daughter and Peter Collins from Ormerod Rutter Chartered Accountants.
Stephen Mountford, Denise Bonham, Charmaine Russell and Sharon Matters from Bromsgrove’s Monday Writing Club will also be helping to judge the illustrations.
Emma is planning to make the event an annual occasion at Bromsgrove’s NEW College because she said it was important to recognise, encourage and reward artists.
The books have all been inspired by Emma’s teenage daughter Cat and her struggles with dyspraxia since she was at primary school.
Cat has helped her mum write all the story outlines and develop the characters in the books which tell the tale of friendship and overcoming differences.
The project has also been launched to help raise awareness of dyspraxia and raise money for the Dyspraxia Foundation – a national charity which helps children and adults affected by the condition.
Kerry Sherlock, an art teacher at NEW College, said: “The chance for students to apply their talents to a real life vocational context is always exciting, and knowing the work being developed could benefit both students in the future and a charity makes it all the more meaningful.”
Sharon Vass, from Bromsgrove School of Music, added: “When Emma told me about the project I thought it was such a wonderful way to give back to the community.
“It’s not often that the young people of Bromsgrove get such a great opportunity.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the student’s artwork and the creative new ideas that they come up with.”
Visit www.hebentref.wordpress.com for more information.
