Trannack School Children Brush with Acclaimed Artists

Children from Trannack Primary School near Helston have been sharing their paint palettes with several of Cornwall’s renowned artists in advance of a secret charity event to be held at the Trevarno Estate and Gardens later in the year. Based on the annual secret art sale held by the Royal College of Art in London (which attracts the likes of Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin), the Trannack School Secret Art Exhibition and Auction will feature, in anonymity, the creative work of pupils, parents, teachers and dinner ladies alongside that of over thirty local professionals including Janet Judge, David Hosking, Andrew Giddens, Lucie Bray and Steve Slimm.

To ensure a level playing field, each exhibitor has been given an identical 8-inch-square canvas to work on - in any medium they desire. The final one hundred artworks will then be featured in a catalogue issued at the start of September and will also be exhibited at Trevarno on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October, prior to the auction on Wednesday 7th October. The artist behind each work will remain anonymous until the hammer falls, and all proceeds will go to the Parents and Friends of Trannack Community School (PFTC) to enable them to purchase educational resources for their small rural school.

In the meantime, the children at Trannack are hard at work honing their talents and several of the professional artists have visited the school to offer some creative insight and possibly eye up the competition! In addition to a workshop led by Newlyn Art Gallery, the youngsters have been given tips and advice on watercolour and oil painting techniques from Janet Judge and Lucy Brown, and have also been exploring the realm of 3-D design with assistance from Will and Sam Boex from Porthleven-based Boex/3D Creative Solutions.

“We wanted to find an unusual and inspirational way to both raise money for the school and give the children some first-hand insight into the art world, what art actually is and what being an artist is all about” says PFTC member Vicky Wiltshire, who has helped to organise the event. “We are delighted with the support we have received and we have some wonderful artists taking part. There is already a lot of interest from well-known art collectors although obviously we hope as many people as possible will place a bid. It is a real opportunity for the children to shine and everyone is very excited.”

Aside from Trevarno, which is hosting the event free of charge, several local businesses have also pledged their support including Arts and Graphics in Redruth (which donated art materials) and David Lays Fine Art Valuers & Auctioneers of Penzance. The Trannack School Secret Art Exhibition and Auction is also being supported by Cornish actress and art-lover Jenny Agutter.

“Trannack is a small school but this event is going to pack a big punch,” adds Richard Cox, Trevarno’s general manager. “We can’t wait to see the art on display here at Trevarno and I think it will be a lot of fun trying to guess which works are by the professionals and which are by the youngsters. I’m sure the children are keen to give them a run for the money and there should be plenty of surprises on the night. It’s a fantastic event to be a part of”.