Course it’s art for charity sake

The course, called Art in Action, is being organised by four kind-hearted Larne women in aid of CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people.

Classes will focus on a particular artist each week, using mediums such as paint, oil pastels and collage. Participants will then practise the techniques to make their own artwork, and at the end of the course there will be an exhibition night to showcase all the work produced. Those taking part in the event, which has a maximum of 18 places on offer, will also ‘graduate’ upon completion of the course.

The unique fundraiser is being spearheaded by Emma Bodles, with help from her mum Elizabeth and pals Emma Brown and Emma Gault. The 30-year-old former art history student told the Times that the course would provide “something different” for young people in the borough.

“There is a lot of fundraising sports courses held in Larne, but there are not many opportunities for young people to learn, develop and practise new art skills,” Emma added.

“All the art supplies will be provided and participants will be instructed by fully qualified experts who are insured and Access NI approved. There will be a graduation ceremony and exhibition at the end of the course, allowing youngsters to invite their friends and family along to see their finished work.”

The course will run at Millbrook Community Centre from February 16 to March 23 (10.15am to 11.45am) and is open to children between the ages of six and 12. It is priced at £60 per child for the full six weeks and all of the proceeds will go directly to CLIC Sargent.

Emma has set herself a fundraising target of £1000, but the art course is just one aspect of her charity mission – she also plans to take part in a gruelling series of events dubbed Emma’s Belfast to Berlin Challenge.

The Larne woman aims to run six half marathons in Northern Ireland from March to September, followed by the full Berlin Marathon at the end of September.

“I did the Lisburn half marathon last year and really enjoyed it, so I am really looking forward to challenging myself,” she concluded.

Donations to Emma’s cause can be made online at www.justgiving.com/Emma-Bodles2 and further information is available by emailing [email protected] or calling 079 5041 8131.