Shropshire Star

Schoolchildren's artwork features on flags in Shrewsbury High Street

Flags in Shrewsbury high street feature creative entries from three Shropshire college students.

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Some of the flags on Shrewsbury High Street

One of the entries from Concord College form three students features a mesmerising giraffe piece which reminds the artist of her South African homeland.

Marike Viljoen, 14, who is Dutch-South African, said: “The giraffe has a significant soft place in my heart and I love them because they were among the first animals I ever saw at a zoo.

“I feel terrific and happy that my piece was chosen out of lots of entries and I’m glad I’ve had this opportunity.”

One of the entries from Concord College features a giraffe

The Concord art students were delighted to take part in the project on the theme of animals and to have their work featured in Shrewsbury high street across flags from building to building.

Concord art teacher Lucy Dentith said: “The form three students have continued to amaze me as they take on every challenge with a sense of enthusiasm and purpose.

“This project has been no exception and they have produced a variety of outcomes embracing the animal theme on A4-sized artwork.

“It’s wonderful to see that even with limited time and materials they managed to create outstanding art.

Some of the flags on Shrewsbury High Street

“I hope that by contributing so positively to the wider community, and in seeing their art out and about, they will feel inspired and more confident in their abilities.

“They should be very proud of themselves – I certainly am. The colourful flags have made the high street come alive again.”

The Great Big Exhibition, a nationwide project, was launched by iconic sculptor Sir Anthony Gormley, creator of the Angel of the North.

Sir Anthony said: “What a great idea to display the results on flags.

"I am sure Charles Darwin would have been in favour of anything that champions original thinking and the natural world.”

There were a total of over 850 entries and the 70 double sided flags feature 140 creative entries.

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