A NUMBER of Bromsgrove art students have been invited to illustrate a series of children’s books at Artrix.
The competition day which will take place next Wednesday (June 11) has been organised by published author Emma Austin-Jones, the writer of the books.
The winning student will not only have their artwork published but they will also be included in the books’ royalties.
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 which have all been inspired by Emma’s teenage daughter Cat and her struggles with dyspraxia since she was in primary school.
Cat has helped her mum write all the story outlines and develop the characters and the books 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, said: “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.”
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