Youngsters from across Denbighshire and parts of Conwy have been getting all creative as part of an art project to complement work going on at Glan Clwyd Hospital.
With funding from the Arts Council of Wales, Denbighshire and Conwy Councils, the pupils from Bodelwyddan, Rhyl and Abergele have created images to cover hoardings at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd whilst essential work is taking place as part of a major refurbishment.
The theme for the project is ‘Microworlds’ and artist Mai Thomas has encouraged the participants to think about how medical researchers work.
She spent a morning at the Pathology Lab at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd to research how they work, using this information to inform the project and make links with other areas of the curriculum, such as Biology.
Pupils have been collecting samples from the environment and exploring them in detail with the aid of microscopes and cameras. Pupils have had the opportunity to use different techniques, including working in 2D using painting, drawing and print-making techniques, and in 3D using clay and Plaster of Paris, taking casts of their samples. They have also developed their computer skills, using the microscope and creating collages and using an i-pad to manipulate images.
Artist Mai Thomas said: “Now that the children’s work has all been completed, the images will be digitalised and put onto hoardings at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, where they will be seen by a great many people.”
Sian Fitzgerald, Community Arts Development Officer for Denbighshire County Council, said: “This has been a unique collaboration between Denbighshire and Conwy counties and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
“Children and young people have had the opportunity to explore and develop their creativity, while at the same time strengthening their ties with Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. I look forward to seeing the work on the hoardings very soon.”
“When completed, the digitalised version of the work created will be on display on building hoardings at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, where they will help make hospital visits a little more pleasant!”
