Helaina Sharpley

Crossley Fields Primary, Mirfield

 

This afternoon I visited a Year 6 group at Crossley Fields. Pupils were undertaking a project looking at the architecture of Huddersfield. Through continuous line they explored the shape and style of the buildings and today were in the process of adding finishing touches to their work. Pupils reported back on having thoroughly enjoyed the previous gallery visits where they got to take a sneak peek into Helaina's studio... this was a much enjoyed experience (you should see it - a feast for the eyes!) 

   

Samantha Bryan

Last Day Littletown Primary School

Littletown were my first school visit this morning, undertaking my Arts 4 All Evaluations, not a negative word said by anyone. So that was a great start! All the children spoke passionately about their experiences and were sometimes quite emotional in their responses, it was obviously an uplifting experience this project for quite a few pupils. Raising self esteem was at the centre of their comments and they all valued the experience of working alongside a professional practitioner immensely. 

Today the pupils were designing and making a Hang glider on which their character is going to swoop down the stairs and over the heads of guests once these awesome structures are completed. Unfortunately I didn't get to see the afternoon session when these were complete, but I could already see how marvellous they were going to look. A fabulous project.

Well done everyone! 

Here are a few Year 5 characters and Year 6 Hang gliders in the making...

 



The Cat's, Dog's and Rabbit's of Moldgreen!  'Our Community'

The artist Samantha Bryan has done it again!!! Inspiring children all over the district of Kirklees - a few pupil's from Moldgreen Primary School opted to take a creative view of the chosen theme of 'Our Community' and here are their Cat's, Dog's and Rabbit's for your enjoyment.

Normally accompanied by the usual buzz (which was very evident when visiting today) there is a loud hum of children's voices, but all was quiet at Moldgreen today whilst pupils focused with determination and embellished and added the final touches to their personal sculptures. Serious pride was on show... Well done children and all the staff involved, a fabulous project...and your animal characters... they have a special place in my heart! 

 

Oh yes... and The Bat of Moldgreen Too!!





Mike  Barrett - Emelbi
Mike has been working with 24 pupils from Battyeford CE as part of the 'Adopt an Artist' programme in Kirklees. Mike has certainly been 'adopted' particularly by our boys to whom he is a great role model. The project has developed in huge leaps with very little time, and within the classroom you could hear a pin drop there is that much concentration and passion from the pupils. It has been fantastic to see how their imaginations have run away with them regards to the character development linked generally to the loose theme of 'Artemis Fowl' their own characters have great story and intention which they so ably describe. Awesome stuff and a lovely cross age project. Can't wait to see the next stage this coming week.

SAMANTHA BRYAN

LITTLETOWN J & I SCHOOL

Visiting Littletown school today I was amazed at the independence and enthusiasm from the Year 5/6 class for their project creating characters under a theme of 'transition' . The concept of legacy and memory is linked in to their character and each one will be leaving on an individual form of transport... still to be created! Watch this space.

All the children were so busy today even without the artists input... catching up ready for their next visit from Samantha. Much enthusiasm from staff too!! Have a look at the staff training event photo's...

Golcar Junior & Infant Helaina Sharpley Wirework Project

HELAINA SHARPLEY - 'KIRKLEES WIRED' PROJECT

Today I visited Golcar Junior and Infant School to witness their exciting project taking place in association with the Kirklees based artist Helaina Sharpley. Helaina who is based at West Yorkshire Print Workshop in Mirfield has been busy working with a Year 5 cohort to create images of local architecture drawn in wire. First the pupils create a continuous line drawing on A3 and then use this scale drawing to form and shape the resultant wire piece. Pupils work will be showcased in school and within an exhibition planned for next year showing the outcomes alongside that of the Helaina's own practice. The children were having great fun!

Pupil comments:

“Helaina the artist is amazing at wirework! She brought some examples in wire in and taught us... showed us how to use it, she showed us a cake she had made with a cherry on top. At some points it is annoying doing it, but I like it really!”

 “I have enjoyed all of it, I have learnt how to twist and bend the wire. It is hard to start with but then you get used to it, using the tools. My mum has helped the other day, she really liked it. She said it was fun and she would like to do it again”