Visitors to the summer art exhibition at St Cuthbert’s Church in Billingham couldn’t fail to be struck by the contrast of the youngsters’ art in one of the oldest buildings in Teesside.
For the second year in a row, Friends of St Cuthbert’s opened the church up to showcase the artwork of our A level Art and Design students.
Bigger and better than the year before, the event saw Bede’s exhibits joined by work from Northfield School and Sports College, Prior’s Mill C.E. and Billingham South primary schools, and the Northern School of Art.
Bede’s art teacher, Suzy Wandless, said: “It was truly inspiring to see people from across the community come together to celebrate the creativity and talent of our young artists, from primary school through to higher education.
“St. Cuthbert’s Church provided a beautiful and atmospheric setting, adding a sense of magic to the occasion.”
With parts over 1000 years old and run by the Church of England, St Cuthbert’s Church faces potential closure, with key decisions on its future due to be made this year.
The Friends of St Cuthbert’s is a registered charity set up to take over the church on behalf of the town and Teesside, with the vision of a new life for the building - powered by cultural and community events, while still offering baptisms, weddings, funerals and worship.
The aim of the art exhibition was to show young artists’ work, and also encourage more people back through the church doors, increasing its reach into the community and engaging people of all ages.
Friends of St Cuthbert’s chair, Ken Wilson, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the exhibition. My lasting impressions taken from the event are the quality of the art on display, the enthusiasm of the parents and children attending, and the great relationships in evidence between the colleges, schools and pupils.
“A massive credit should go to all the participating schools and colleges, and it was a real honour for the Friends to have been able to host them.”
Negotiations about the closure of the church are currently taking place between the Friends of St Cuthbert’s and the Church of England - the Billingham Parish, the Diocese of Durham and the Church Commissioners.
