Hastings and St. Leonards have a long tradition for creative energy and exuberance. Historically, the town has drawn artists, writers and musicians, who have created work that is recognised nationally as well as internationally. But little recognition has been given to the very young, emerging talent of the town. Until now, as an exhibition at the Hastings Arts Forum, Primary Art, Hastings and St. Leonards Young Artists, so creatively demonstrates.

The Arts Forum originally planned to hold The Big Draw festival at this time. but decided to postpone it to ensure the well being of participants as well as staff. However, in the spirit of The Big Draw, the Arts Forum invited students from four Hastings/St. Leonards primary and junior schools to submit their young students’ artwork.

Dudley Infant Academy, All Saints Academy, West St. Leonards Primary and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary have all submitted a exuberantly diverse variety of work from their students, some as young as 6 years old.

At Sacred Heart, every student in every class contributed artwork to create a giant, colourful Dreamcatcher to focus on their dreams for the future after such a disruptive year. One young student from KS2 wrote, “My dream for the future is to become an aromatherapist and to stop racism.”

Year 3 students from West St. Leonards Primary Academy have created artwork that reflects their learning about the rainforest, Black Lives Matter and the work of the artist Georgie O’Keefe.

Dudley School’s Year One students created artwork that reflected the coronavirus guidelines on keeping one’s hands clean. “We are always learning how to keep our hands clean,” said their teacher, “So we wanted to get ours messy!” The result is thirty vividly colourful handprints.

Six students from All Saints Junior Academy have been experimenting with different watercolour techniques, using pastels, pencils and pen in order to bring their images to life.
This exhibition is a relatively short run, ending Sunday 1st November, so if you’re looking for something to do during half term, get down to the Arts Forum to see the stunning artwork of our town’s very youngest artists!

Primary Art – Hastings/St. Leonards Young Artists runs from Saturday, 24 October until Sunday 1 November. Hastings Arts Forum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm.
Please note that the Arts Forum strictly adheres to all Covid-19 government guidelines for your health and safety. A limited number of people will be allowed in the Gallery at one time and we ask all adults wear facemasks. Hand sanitizer is provided at the Forum.