Hundreds of origami swans will be seen in Lichfield later in the year, following a mammoth effort by artist Celia Houghton.

Celia is one of the cities most enduring artists, who is at the forefront of delivering access to the arts through her role as Lichfield District Councils Arts Officer. She is however also an artist in her own right, and as part of a major community arts project funded by Tesco, developed a fantastic project to young budding artists to inspire them to embrace creative thinking.

Tony Fletcher (Tesco Corporate Affairs Manager) said “We are delighted with the outcome of Celia’s latest workshop event. The response of the Children, schools and local community together with the commitment of the artists’ has been overwhelming. We look forward to seeing the results of all of the projects in due course”

During June and July Celia visited 6 local primary schools, including St James Primary. Longdon, St Josephs, Chadsmead Primary, Charnwood Primary, Lichfield Willows Primary, and Greysbrooke Primary, Shenstone and offered an insight into one of Lichfield’s most significant figures – Anna Seward – ‘The Swan Of Lichfield’.

As part of the workshops children were invited to follow Stewards footpath and write their own poetic verse, and then convert their poem into a beautiful tribute in the shape of an Origami Swan. In total 545 children participated in the project, which also saw Celia introduce the children to Dr Johnson, asking them to create their own word and definition for a children’s dictionary for the city, which will be on show soon.

The project and exhibition are one of a number of art based workshops projects and exhibitions in the city over the next 4 months of art which have been funded by Tesco. The Origami Swans will form the centre of a much larger collection, which will be displayed in Lichfield soon. The project will also see further art activities about Seward carried out, and other tributes to the ‘Swan of Lichfield’ produced as a result of community involvement.

Peter Walker Project Coordinator “At the centre of the art projects we are running, is the objective to get people involved in the arts. Art is far more than just drawing a picture of something you see, and by involving children in creating art we are introducing them to a plethora of imaginative ways to look at the world. In Celia we have a perfect artists, skilled in opening the eyes of children to the possibilities of art, and I am delighted that her commitment has resulting in such beautiful results”.

Residents of David Garrick Gardens in Lichfield spent time with a collaborative group of artists last week, recalling their memories and their thoughts of the city over the past 60 years. Their stories are to be part of a new work, one of two created by the collaboration in the city, which will be touring local schools later in the year.

Mary recalls memories of her life in Lichfield

A new sculptural artwork has been loaned to Netherstowe High School, and it to be resident there until early spring next year. The sculpture entitled: Bull In Dynamic Form will be seen by students, teachers and visitors as they enter the school, and is already proving to be a talking point. 52 Weeks of Art is about showing people the variety of the visual arts, from the realistic to abstract and sound art to performance. Its about talking about art and about seeing new things.

Have you ever thought you’d like to design a piece of public art, get involved in research and learn how designs evolve? If so, then now’s your chance. As part of the development of a monumental sculpture to Erasmus Darwin, one of Lichfield’s most famous figures, an opportunity has arisen for members of the general public to be involved in designing the artwork right from the very start. Erasmus Darwin House will be holding free workshops between October 26th-30th where you can work with sculptor Peter Walker a.r.b.s, on the development of the monument design.

How can you get involved?

Simply write why you would like to be involved and you could find yourself working alongside the artist this summer, researching, drawing, collecting images and thoughts and even designing your own model of what you think the sculpture might look like which will be exhibited to the public to view later this year. No previous skills are necessary, just an interest and a commitment to attend the workshop project, you don’t even have to have drawn a picture before. Did you go to art college when you were younger and never got the opportunity to become an artist, are you are a young artist about to go to university and want to gain experience, do you have an interest in art and want to get involved; or are you just interested in how the local area develops.

The statue is to be sited on Beacon Park, in the plans for the newly renovated park scheme. Subject to funding, this monumental bronze artwork will last forever as a testament to Erasmus Darwin. And what’s more, those involved in the workshop project will have their names cast in bronze upon the sculpture forever.

Anyone over 16 may apply, there are no upper age limits – however those under 18 would require a note of permission from the guardian.

The workshops have been funded by a grant from Staffordshire County Council Development Fund. The workshops are free but there are limited places.

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