Create art from recycled materials
A warehouse of wonders has thrown open its doors to introduce a new world of artistic possibilities to Warwickshire schools.
A wide range of materials from huge cardboard tubes to small shiny plastic shapes donated by business and industry can now be used to fire young minds and create fascinating sculptures in lessons.
They are being made available as part of a new scheme called CREATES (Creative Recycling Enviro-Arts Training and Education Service).
The aim of the scheme is to encourage children to find new ways of re-using waste materials, rather than just seeing them as something to be discarded.
The CREATES base at Trees are Green Ltd premises in Warwick will be open for teachers from across the county to take materials for use in class. They will also be able to receive training from artists on making the most of recycled goods.
CREATES has been launched by Warwickshire County Council following a successful trial around the county, which saw children and adults creating characters and story ideas, huge ‘art attack’ style pictures and eco creatures for 21st century jobs being made.
It is supported by recycling and waste directive company Trees Are Green, which collects discarded materials and unsold stock from a number of businesses and is hosting Warwickshire’s first dedicated creative recycling centre for schools and community groups at its premises in Warwick.
Vikki Holroyd, of Warwickshire County Council’s Artists in Education programme, said: “There is a national need for the promotion of a positive public attitude towards recycled goods. CREATES will help present them in an interesting, and at times unusual, way, emphasising our message that they can be exciting, new, challenging, useful and beautiful. This partnership with a local business is unique for such a scheme and it should lead to some exciting projects in Warwickshire schools.”
Mark Saunders, Director of Trees are Green Ltd, said: “CREATES not only enables young people to explore the creative opportunities with recycled materials but it also encourages them to think about the positive use of waste materials and the value of recycling. It is important we engage our youngsters at an early age to think about the environmental impact of waste and to encourage them to become environmental champions in the future.”
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