By Sue Crawford

Last updated at 12:41, Thursday, 14 June 2012

One of Carlisle’s most prominent buildings is getting into the Olympic spirit with a colourful display of artwork.

Sophie Wilson and artist Helen Walsh make a banner

The Civic Centre will host an exhibition celebrating the London Games each day next week

The display of work by students from the University of Cumbria opens on Monday and will coincide with the arrival in the city on Wednesday of the Olympic Torch.

The photos, drawings and paintings were all created during the University of Cumbria Students’ Union community artwork sessions earlier this year.

The Students’ Union was granted £1,000 by the National Union of Students (NUS) ‘Be a Champion’ project to run student-led community art sessions at the Brampton Road campus in February and March.

The aim of the project was to provide an opportunity for local residents and students to come together through a shared interest in the arts.

The Olympic values of friendship, respect and excellence run throughout the scheme, which also supported the development of community relationships, with students sharing their talent with local residents.

Over the seven-week course, 45 local participants and 18 student volunteers took part.

Among the group were members from Heathlands inclusive day centre for adults with learning disabilities. They used the sessions as part of their OCN qualification in art.

Kati Brown, volunteering facilitator at the Students’ Union, said: “It has been rewarding to use our fantastic facilities to give the local residents a unique opportunity to try new things such as drawing, painting and photography.

“For most of our students this was their first taste of volunteering and, although nervous initially, they developed confidence and built their communication skills, putting themselves forward.”

Joe Hendry, leader of Carlisle City Council, said: “This project has taken the spirit of the Olympics and created some excellent relationships and artwork too. We are delighted to be linking up with the university in this way, tying in with the Olympic Torch entering Carlisle on Wednesday.”

Julia Dixon, 58, of Brampton, has found a new hobby thanks to the art sessions. Julia said: “The students were great to talk to and they took a real interest in the group. I have met new people, learned new skills and as a result I have been inspired to buy a drawing set, a painting set and an easel.”

The community participants, Students’ Union staff and student volunteers will view the art on Wednesday. There will also be a photo display to show the stages of the project. The exhibition runs until next Friday

First published at 11:28, Thursday, 14 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk