Mosaic challenge for students is instant success
A schools competition launched by a visitor centre in Shropshire has expanded anything that the man behind the idea could have expected.
When the British Ironwork Centre near Oswestry launched its mosaic competition asking schools to design and create a piece of art that had an environmental message it expected maybe a few dozen to enter.
Within 10 days more than 400 schools, not only from Shrewsbury but across the UK and on the other side of the world, decided to take part.
Clive Knowles, chairman of the centre, said he was absolutely thrilled. He is now hoping that every school in the county will sign up and put Shropshire on the mosaic map.
"We love arts and creative talents here at the Ironwork Centre and wanted to hold a competition that every school could get involved in.
The mosaic can be any size or shape and involve a small or large number of students.
"It should be created from stones, pebbles, slates or even chippings, so that the children can learn about geology alongside the artwork. The idea is that is should have an environmental message and also that it has a community benefit as a piece of art installed in the school or its village or town," Mr Knowles said.
"It started as an idea to inspire schools locally to enjoy art and creativity but it has gone national and even international. We have schools from the middle east, the Czech Republic and even Australia taking part and is growing every day.
"We would love to have every school in Shropshire on board."
More details are available from the British Ironwork Centre, .britishironworkcentre.co.uk.
