Up and coming young artists will get to see their work exhibited at an historic church in Billingham currently fighting for its future.
One of the oldest buildings in Teesside, with a Saxon tower dating back to 1000AD, St Cuthbert’s Church in Billingham, will provide an idyllic backdrop for the creative efforts of college and school pupils, while at the same time, encouraging the community through its doors.
“We are delighted to be hosting the exhibition in partnership with Billingham Anglican Parish,” said chair of the Friends of St Cuthbert’s, Ken Wilson. “This is a key year for St Cuthbert’s Church. Over 1000 years old, Grade 1 listed, and one of Teesside’s oldest buildings, its centuries-old life, run by the Church of England is set to end, and the key decisions on closure are likely to be made this year.”
The Friends of St Cuthbert's is a registered charity set up to take over the church on behalf of the town and Teesside, with the vision of a new life for the building - powered by cultural and community events, while still offering baptisms, weddings, funerals and worship.
Ken said: “Central to our vision for the church are our schools and colleges and all those who attend them.”
The art exhibition, now in its second year, offers the chance to do just that bringing together people of all ages.
Titled “The Journey”, artwork will again be featured from students at Bede Sixth Form College and Northfield School and Sports College. This year they will be joined by Billingham South and Prior’s Mill C.E. primary schools, and the Northern School of Art.
Bede’s art teacher, Suzy Wandless said: “This beautiful and historic venue not only provides a stunning backdrop for the students’ artwork, but it is also a treasure worth visiting in its own right. Our students have dedicated a tremendous amount of effort and passion to their work, and we are excited to share their achievements. The exhibition promises to be a vibrant celebration of the creativity and hard work of young artists from our community.”
Looking forward to sharing their students’ work, Northfield’s head of art and design, Sam Beasley, said: “We are proud to continue our collaboration with St Cuthbert’s into a second year, and as a school we cannot think of a more wonderful venue to display our work.
“At Northfield School we have a creative, imaginative and productive art and design curriculum. As a department we aim to give our pupils a set of skills that they can use to create their own work and an appreciation of wider artistic culture.”
Northern School of Arts’ Sarah Christie said: “The work showcased in this exhibition has been created by first year extended diploma students as part of their final project. Throughout the course, students have explored a broad range of photographic techniques, pushing the boundaries of their technical skills and creative expression.
“Opportunities to prepare and exhibit work are essential aspects of becoming a creative practitioner, helping to build both confidence and professionalism. We are proud to be part of this exhibition.”
For many of the young artists this will be a chance to see their work displayed publicly for the first time.
Edwin Squire, head teacher at Billingham South Primary School said: “Billingham South is thrilled to take part in this exhibition of young people’s work. We particularly value the opportunity to exhibit at St.Cuthbert’s - a wonderful, historic building at the heart of the community.”
Chris Richards, assistant head teacher at Prior’s Mill, added: “We love to connect with our local community, and this is a super opportunity to show some of the artwork that has been created by our talented students.
“We have a range of work from nursery to Year 6. Each year group has completed work to match the topics they have been studying. We have work inspired by a diverse range of inspiration from, The Ironman by Ted Hughes, to exploring what pointillism is and using cotton buds to create a park scene.”
The Journey, an art exhibition featuring artwork from schools and colleges, takes place at St Cuthbert’s Church, Billingham, from Monday June 16 to Wednesday June 18, 5pm to 7pm. Open to all, entry is by donation.
Negotiations about the closure of the church are currently taking place between the Friends of St Cuthbert’s Church and the Church of England - the Billingham Parish, the Diocese of Durham and the Church Commissioners.
