Local students support Ukraine through their art

By Michelle Monaghan

YEAR 9 STUDENTS from Bridgemary School in Gosport have achieved their Bronze Arts Award while raising over £300 for Ukraine.

Students could complete a STEAM Maritime Arts Award due to funding from the Gosport Cultural Cultural Consortium’s ‘Creative Grant’. Through the award scheme, they developed their knowledge of local artists, crafts, and how to create various products to sell at the May Makers Market and the ‘one of a kind’ shop. They used driftwood, shells and sea glass to make hanging mobiles, jewellery and keyrings. Using natural resources meant the students were also sustainable and creating something unique. 

One year 9 pupil commented, “Completing the Arts Award was a really good experience because you get to take part in different activities that you don’t normally get to in school. You get to be creative and have fun with your friends. I enjoyed it when the man came in from Gosport Gallery with the different artefacts and art memorabilia, presenting different maritime references through history and in relation to the Queen’s reign. My two favourite parts of the project were the clay workshop with year 2s from Holbrook and Bedenham Federation and seeing our stall with our products at the May Makers Market at Fort Brockhurst.”

The students hope that the money raised from the sale of their crafts will be donated to Ukraine and will make a real difference in some way. 

February 24th 2023, marked one year since Russia attacked Ukraine. At this time, it is lovely to have some light shine through on the goodness of others, like the Bridgemary students who want to do a good deed for the Ukrainian people who have suffered so much. 

PICTURED: Students from Bridgemary School in Gosport with their Bronze Arts Awards and the arts and crafts they made on display.