Buxton Lions appeal for images of lockdown as part of new art competition

The contest is open to children up to the age of 16 and the winners will have their work displayed in the Green Man Gallery.

David Brindley, Lions secretary, who is one of the orgnaisers of the competition said: “I am a great believer in the value of art and the past year has been a difficult and strange one for everyone and especially the children who haven’t been to school or seen their friends.

“The work will act as a record of the time we have lived through and this competition is a chance for them to show their insight into all the lockdowns. This could be anything from a picture of seeing granny through a window or homeschooling or even masks and not hugging friends.”

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There has already been a great take up from primary schools and secondary schools in the area which David says is fantastic.

The club hopes that the topic will prove particularly effective and helpful in stimulating youngsters to explore and express their reactions to a unique period in their lives.

Entries can be in any medium on A4 size paper.

Nearly all Buxton schools are participating, promoting the competition among their pupils and students and collecting in entries by the deadline of May 14.

David said: “Entries will be judged in Key Stages 1-4. There are cash prizes for the winning entries in each Key Stage and these paintings will also be professionally framed.”

There is a winner’s prize of a £25 voucher and two runner-up prizes of £15 for entries at each Key Stage.

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The Lions are being supported with help in promoting the competition by Morrisons, Tarmac plc and the Green Man Gallery who are also providing professional artists to judge the entries. In due course, the aim is to put on a public display of the work submitted, which could provide a fascinating archive of these times. The Lions are also hoping to enter a selection of the entries in the Buxton Fringe.

For more information or to download an entry form visit the Buxton Lions website: www.buxtonlions.com.

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