Amateur artists in Kent created their own Matisse-inspired masterpieces at a special event organised by the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) at Maidstone.
Children and adults of all ages took part an exciting workshop at Maidstone Museum on 27 October where they made three large hanging pieces of art, in the style of Matisse’s famous works, with scissors and recycled carrier bags.
The event was part of the national Big Draw campaign which aims to encourage people to pick up a pencil or paintbrush and express themselves through art.
Annie Ross, lead Artist and Access and Outreach Coordinator at UCA, said: “The Matisse exhibition at Maidstone Museum seemed like a perfect fit for a Big Draw event and our workshop captured the imaginations of toddlers and teens as much as our oldest contributor who was 86.
“Visitors got the unique opportunity to see the wonderful Matisse exhibition and then have a go at creating their own masterpiece using the same technique of drawing with scissors.
“We are proud to be a part of The Big Draw because we want youngsters to try putting their ideas down in pictures rather than words for once: to try new techniques or to simply pick up a pencil again for the first time in a few years and rediscover their love of drawing.”
Launched as a one-day event in 2000, The Big Draw is now an annual month-long festival of events across the UK. Every October, museums, galleries, heritage sites, libraries, schools and parks join in – inviting people of all ages to discover how drawing can connect them with their surroundings and the wider community.
Aided by five students from UCA Maidstone, participants made three large hanging works which will be displayed in Maidstone Museum’s new glass extension for the remainder of the Matisse exhibition, which closes on 17 November.
The recycled plastic bags which were used for the event were all donated by local supermarkets and show how everyday items can become works of art.
Annie added: “We are all concerned with design that generates imaginative ways to recycle otherwise waste material. By encouraging youngsters to think about the use of these materials, we can develop a more ethical and environmentally sensitive approach to art and design.”
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