Grayshott CoE Primary School has won the Peaceful Project Award from Peaceful Schools, a UK based educational charity, for its Community Arts Day, inspired by the Humanae Project by Brazilian artist, Angelica Dass.
Every child was invited to paint a self-portrait, mixing paint to make their own individual skin tone. The event was also attended by staff, governors and over 75 parents, who gave up time in the middle of the day to come in and assist their children. Headteacher, Richard Austin, wanted to use the art project as a teaching opportunity to demonstrate to the children that our community is made up of many different skin tones which make us all unique.
The day was made all the more special as it gave the children with the opportunity to learn alongside their parents, which is not something they often get the chance to do. Over 300 people took part in this project over the course of one day and in one room, but it never felt anything less than serene peaceful and family focussed. Both adults and children alike concentrated on their creations and the end result is quite beautiful.
The portraits have been combined to create a large scale mosaic of images that demonstrate the diversity of skin colours that make up our community and will be put on public display at the school.
