Pupils at a school in Leicester got creative last week as a local willow artist paid them a visit.
Tom Hare, a Leicestershire artist who has recently displayed his willow sculptures at The Royal Botanic Garden at Kew and delivered commissions around the world, spoke about his career to Red Hill Field Primary School in Narborough. He also hosted workshops with 20 children at the school to help them create their own willow leaves.
The visit was organised by Creative Leicestershire which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, benefiting thousands of individuals such as Tom who has been supported by the partnership since 2005.
Pearl Varnam, aged five was one of the children who took part in the workshop. She said: “I loved making my willow leaf and I had lots of fun learning about how to do it from Tom. It was really fun to do something different at school.”
Catherine Rogers, Creative Leicestershire manager, said: “As part of our anniversary celebrations we invited Tom to go along to Red Hill Field Primary School and show the children something completely different that they are unlikely to have experienced before.
“For us, it is essential to continue to look towards the future and engaging with schools, colleges and universities is an important part of us investing in the future of creative businesses and individuals in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.”
