Legal eagles help talented artists fly thanks to creation of charity project
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A group of talented artists have all risen to a challenge that has been created local law firm, Ellisons Solicitors.
The budding Banksy’s are all studying at One Sixth Form Challenge and 18 are involved in a new initiative called ‘Painting for Change’.
They will now be working with corporate sponsors to create works of art based around the theme of ‘connections’.
The pieces that are created will then be exhibited at two gala exhibitions later this year.
One will be at the town hall in Ipswich and the other at the 2024 Tendring Show.
All the money raised through the project will be used to create a brand new outdoor space for students on supported learning courses at the sixth form based on Scrivener Drive.
Ellisons have been leading on the project by helping to bring artists and corporate sponsors together and by funding materials such as canvasses and paint.
Representatives from OSFC and Ellisons at the launch of the new 'painting for change' art project
Guy Longhurst, managing partner of Ellisons, during the launch that took place this week said: “It’s a pleasure for us to be supporting this charity campaign during our 260th year. Thank you to the team at One Sixth Form College, our corporate sponsors and the talented artists.”
He also thanked Gina Long – a local philanthropist and global charity campaigner who came up with the original concept for the project.
Marika Toukan Kopoko at the 'painting for change' launch
Kate Evers is the event manager at Ellisons. Kate said: “We feel it is really important to work with our community as part of our corporate social responsibility. We want to give these young artists the chance to see their art on display. These are young people that are going to be in our workplaces of the future so we want to inspire them.”
Principal of One Sixth Form, Jake Robson said: “This is an initiative that is all about collaboration, creativity and community engagement that is helping to foster artistic talent and raise funds to support our supported learning students.
“We hope it will be a platform that will inspire more positive change in our community.”
Jacob Van De Vyver at the OSFC and Ellisons art launch
Lloyd Evans is the head of the visual arts department at One Sixth Form College. Lloyd said: “It’s a wonderful project and it’s great for students to get experience of working to a brief and talking to clients.
“In addition to the 18 students, supported learners will also be creating a separate piece of art.”
Marika Toucam Kopoko, 16, from Ipswich is one of the artists involved. Marika said: “My connection will be about culture as everyone is connected by this in some way. It’s great to get my work out there.”
Amelie Day at the OSFC Ellisons art project launch
Jacob Van De Vyver, 16, from East Bergholt is also involved. Jacob said; “I have focussed on horses and I’m looking at connections to the Suffolk Punch horse and the artist AJ Munnings. I’ve really enjoyed this (so far). It’s been a good experience.”
Amelie Day, 17, from Sproughton is also involved as an artist. Amelie said: “I feel lucky to be involved. I will be creating hands and limbs (as part of the connections theme). This is an amazing thing to have in my portfolio.”
