‘Young Art in the Park’ celebrating artistic talent from local schools, amid historic woodland gardens.

17 schools from across Hampshire and Wiltshire, with support from Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, are working together to create and art trail in the grounds of Embley Park, once the home of Florence Nightingale. The trail will be open to the public on Sunday 24 April from 11am – 2.30pm. The event is also an 'Open Gardens' event, an opportunity to see the spectacular, historic and Grade II listed woodland gardens in full bloom. Entry to the event is free.

There will be a number of activities and information stands from local conservation, nature and art organisations including: Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Southampton Bee Keeping, Rums Eg Art, Amews Falconry, Hampshire Ornithological Society, New Forest National Park Authority and the Woodland Trust. The event is being supported by Sir Harold Hillier Gardens who will be selecting some of the work to be displayed in their gardens after the event. In addition to the trail, Head Groundsman Mr Bob Hearn will be giving two guided tours of the woodland gardens at 12.00 noon and 1.15pm.

Organiser of the event Mr James Bridgman, Director of Marketing at Hampshire Collegiate School said: “We are delighted to be hosting this for the second year running and pleased that 13 more schools are taking part this year. It will really show off the inspiring creative work by over 700 pupils from across Hampshire and Wiltshire, and promises to be a wonderful family day out for everyone."

The following schools will be displaying a collective work of art in the school grounds as part of a woodland arts trail: Awbridge Primary School, Banister Primary School, Copythorne Infant School, Foxhills Junior School, HCS Prep and HCS Senior, Hanford School, Harrow Way School, Hounsdown School, The Mountbatten School, Netley Marsh School, St Michael & All Angels School, Priestlands, Sherborne House School, Stroud School, The New Forest School and Westgate School.

After the event, a selection of artwork from different schools will be selected to be part of the 'Art in the Garden' Exhibition at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens over the summer months, giving everyone a second chance to see the work by the children.

YOUNG ART IN THE PARK ITINERARY: Sunday 24 April from 11am – 2.30pm.
FREE ENTRY & AMPLE CAR PARKING

• From 11am onwards

• Art trail through the woods via 'the glade' and 'long walk' to look at the art installations.

12 noon & 1.15pm 'Bob's History Tour of the Gardens'. Two fascinating walking tours by HCS Head Groundsman Bob Hearn (aimed at parents and grandparents).

2.15pm Prizegiving and announcement of which artworks have been chosen to be exhibited at Sir Harold Hillier's Gardens.

• Exhibition area with stands from:

• Woodland Trust

• Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

• Rum's Eg Art

• Southampton Beekeeping

• Hampshire Ornithological Society

• New Forest National Park Authority
  
  

Other attractions:

• Amews Falconry - a chance to meet some birds of prey, from owls to falcons.

• Wood Fired Pizza for sale (in 'Myrtle the Turtle' pizza oven)

• Refreshments (teas, coffees, soft drinks, cakes) will be served throughout the event

• Facepainting
  
• Photography Exhibition by pupils from participating schools