Inspiring Creativity in Kids: Highlights from Amy Hutchings Art Workshops at Pensford Primary School

Art has a unique way of opening doors to creativity, especially for children who may not have had many chances to explore it. Recently, Arts Hub artist in residence Amy Hutchings ran art outreach workshops with Pensford Primary School, working with Otter Class students in years 3 and 4 under the guidance of Ms Bailey. These workshops offered the children hands-on experiences with different art techniques, sparking enthusiasm and new skills in a fun, supportive environment.

Exploring Autumn Through Leaf Printing

Amy’s first session focused on leaf printing to celebrate the season of Autumn. After a brief introduction and demonstration, the students selected leaves from a variety of shapes and sizes. They experimented with layering leaves and playing with placement to create unique patterns. Using materials like ink rollers, trays, and relief ink, the children learned how to transfer the textures and shapes of leaves onto paper whilst exploring different colours. Many students expressed how much they enjoyed working with natural materials and seeing the details of leaves come alive on paper.

Using Water and Foam to Create Unique Prints

The second session introduced the theme of water. Amy guided the children in creating watercolour backgrounds, encouraging them to use pipettes to drop water on the background. This technique helped the students see how watercolours behave and how to control or embrace the randomness of the medium.

Next, the students designed foam shapes, which they cut out and decorated with pencil drawings. These foam stamps were then used to print over the watercolour backgrounds, using foam rollers to apply the ink, adding layers and depth to their artwork. This hands-on approach gave the children a chance to combine drawing, painting, and printing in one project.

Student Reactions and the Impact of Professional Art Lessons

The feedback from the students was overwhelmingly positive. Many shared that they had never worked with a professional artist before and found the experience exciting and inspiring. Some students who previously felt unsure about their artistic abilities gained confidence through the workshops.

Here are some of the students’ reflections:

• "It was so fun and we didn't get rushed. Yes I liked the leaf one more because I love nature and trees."

• "Amy is really kind and (I learnt) that you can use foam for art."

• "I have learnt that you can do art in lots of different ways."

• "I was bad at art but now I'm very good at it!"

• "You've helped me do art better a lot."

• "I love art and it reminds me of when I was young."

• "I love it. No I didn't enjoy anything in particular, I love it all."

• "We did lots of fun creative things."

  
  

These comments highlight how important it is to bring professional art lessons into the classroom and give children dedicated time for self expression through art. The workshops not only taught new skills but also encouraged the children to enjoy the creative process without pressure or judgment.

Why Bringing Art Workshops to Schools Matters

Art workshops like those led by Amy Hutchings provide more than just a break from the usual school routine. They offer students:

• Hands-on learning with diverse materials and techniques

• Creative freedom to experiment and express themselves

• Confidence building through guided practice and positive feedback

• Exposure to professional artists who can inspire and mentor

• A chance to connect with nature and themes like Autumn and water in meaningful ways

  
  

These benefits contribute to a richer educational experience and help children develop skills that go beyond art, such as problem-solving, observation, and patience.