Gifted and talented Primary School children from schools across East Devon took part in an outdoor craft day organised by Axe Valley Community College. East Devon District Council’s Countryside Ranger, Penny Evans taught the pupils a range of natural crafts at the Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) in Honiton.

The morning was spent stripping willow and making charcoal on the campfire. Taking inspiration from the artwork displayed in the gallery’s current THG OPEN exhibition, they made their own paints and artwork using natural pigments from locally collected clays, soils and sands.

In the afternoon the pupils used charcoal they had made earlier in the day to create their own art. They also sawed elder wood to make beads which they used to make wooden sculptures.

Penny Evans said, ‘’The children were really engaged throughout the day and enjoyed using natural materials to create artwork. The Thelma Hulbert Gallery offers a fantastic community garden in the centre of Honiton which the pupils all enjoyed exploring. The Countryside team and the Thelma Hulbert Gallery are developing more events to encourage people to explore their creative side and the natural environment around them.’’

The day was a partnership project delivered by Thelma Hulbert Gallery and the Countryside team, both run by the East Devon District Council. Information on exhibitions, workshops and activities at THG can be found at: www.thelmahulbert.com. More information on the work of the EDDC Countryside team and events can be found at: eastdevoncountryside.co.uk.