Young people from Sandwell have been busy during the summer creating contemporary artwork to go on display in Birmingham's Ikon Gallery.
Children from BLAST Youth Club in Wednesbury took part in a series of workshops working in partnership with Ikon Gallery and the Sidney Nolan Trust.
The workshops involved young people working with artists to learn new skills and produce their own works of art, with some being displayed at the Ikon Gallery in Brindley Place.
The exhibition is part of a summer long programme, at Ikon Gallery, dedicated to Sir Sidney Nolan to celebrate the work and legacy of the artist and to mark the centenary of his birth.
Workshops took place at various locations including the Ikon Gallery's Slow Boat which has been on loan to them from Sandwell Council for the past three years.
Councillor Danny Millard, youth champion at Sandwell Council went along to view the artwork and meet the group from BLAST Youth Club. He said: "As a youth worker I know how important it is to offer young people a variety of activities to take part in.
“I was so proud of the young people and they really were a credit to themselves and to Sandwell. It really goes to show what our young people can do and what they are capable of.”
Artwork from the group was on display over the first weekend in September.
Ikon Gallery plan to work with young people in Sandwell in the future as part of their ongoing youth programme with local budding artists.
Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children’s services said: "It's great that a group of young people had the opportunity to work with Ikon Gallery and the Sidney Nolan Trust over the summer. I’m sure they've all gained a lot from the experience.
“We hope more young people from Sandwell will benefit from working with Ikon Gallery in the future.”
BLAST Youth Club, based on Wood Green Road runs sessions for young people 6pm to 8pm every Wednesday. For further details email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
