Steele and Sightsavers team up to make pupils smile

RENOWNED artist Helen Steele has teamed up with Sightsavers Ireland to remind Clare primary schools to get painting for the second annual Junior Painter of the Year Awards.

The Junior Painter of The Year Awards was devised as a fun and engaging way to help children understand the importance of their own sight and this year’s theme is Seeing This Makes Me Smile.
The awards are open to all primary school children and prizes for pupils and teachers include Eason’s gift cards, the unique opportunity to enjoy an art class with Helen Steele and the chance for their artwork to appear at an exhibition in Airfield, Dundrum early next year and in the Irish Times Art in the Classroom supplement.
Helen Steele is providing top painting tips. “Pick a topic or theme that you really love, this shows in what you create, and it’s much more fun drawing something that you’re passionate about. Don’t be afraid to add to your painting with new mediums such as crayons, markers, or even smudging coal on paper – sounds a bit gross but it can work out quite well. I never try to tell anyone how they should paint or draw, the ideas and inspiration that you create in your own head are the very best, so believe in your own natural talent that lies within every one of you, and just relax and enjoy the process of creating your very own masterpiece,” she advised.
“We want every primary school in Clare to get behind the initiative. This year’s theme should provide lots of inspiration as children can paint anything that puts a smile on their face, be it a giant ice cream cone, their favourite superhero, grandma and grandpa or even Jedward,” she said.
Information on the competition has been sent to every primary school but more packs are available from Sightsavers by calling 01 6637666 or emailing schools@sightsavers.ie. People can also find more information by logging onto www.sightsavers.ie or www.facebook.com/SightsaversIreland.
The deadline for entries is November 10. Each region (Leinster, Munster, Connacht/Ulster) will have a winner. The four national category winners will be announced at the launch of the exhibition in Airfield, from which the overall winner will be selected.