Artist's boost for school (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Artist's boost for school

THE CREATIVE talents of a Northleach artist have been put to the test to raise funds for the local primary school.

Chris Fothergill, of Fothergill's Gallery, painted a mystery subject on an 8ft by 8ft canvas for The Big Paint - part of an annual art event in the town centre.

He said: "It was a real community event. Castle Butchers put on a barbecue and I also held an exhibition.

"The Big Paint is a bit of fun to attract the crowds. It was inspired by Rolf Harris on the television and is a bit of performance art. It's my revenge on the art world.

"I use emulsion and am given half an hour to paint the whole thing on canvas. This year I painted a scene of Vienna and afterwards I read a limerick about it."

Visitors also enjoyed a bouncy castle and children were able to try out their creative talents at an art activity table.

Wendy Crouch, chairman of Northleach Primary School Association, said: "It was a fantastic day. There was a really great atmosphere and it was well attended.

"It was a record year raising £510 for the school. "So far this year the association has raised £7,000 which is good for a small school with just 140 children."

On Tuesday evening pupils also demonstrated their own talents at a school art exhibition.