Doodles sail across the sea to Thailand

Times readers will recall that the children enjoyed a colourful event which involved local artist Liz leading a unique art project taking place simultaneously in Portrush and Thailand.

Now thanks to the wonders of modern technology, all the individual doodles have been cleverly combined to create stunning images of little sailing boats which will be proudly `swapped’ and displayed both here and inthe orphanage,, as a symbol of the wonderful creativity shared by all the children.

For the Orphan Fund’s Willie Gregg, the symbolism of the finished work was extremely poignant, as the negative image of the sea, which so afflicted the lives of the orphans he supports, is now being replaced by new, more positive associations, as depicted in the colour and compassion which the little boats effectively portray.

Willie told the Times: “The Thai kids have got so much out of this project; when I received the pictures of their participation in this artwork via email in the early hours of the morning recently I was weeping with joy. “It is so lovely for them to share their creativity with the fantastic kids here in Portrush and just to know they are cared about so deeply here on the worth boast. It’s been a brilliant collaboration, and what’s more, it has raised money for their new playground which I know they are greatly looking forward to as well”

Artist Liz got a terrific round of applause for her timeless commitment to the project and principal Carwyn Guy thanked her warmly for her sharing her skill and passionn for art with both children and staff.

He also thanked Professor Harry McMahon for all his encouragement behind the scenes and Coleraine Borough Arts Committee for their grant assistance, which has yet again enabled another terrific arts opportunity for the pupils.