Monday, 20 June 2011

Pupils from Wellingborough Prep School Really Putting the 'Art' in 'smart'

smart of Northampton art competition proves to be a big draw for youngsters

Pupils from Wellingborough Prep School have been putting the art into smart in an exciting design competition devised in partnership with smart of Northampton.

Youngsters from years 4, 5 and 6 have shown their true colours by creating an eye-catching livery for a smart car inspired by their favourite artists.

The 30 best entries are now on display in Mercedes-Benz and smart of Northampton’s Riverside Business Park showroom, where visitors are being invited to choose their favourite. The design receiving the most votes by the end of June will be turned into a vinyl and put on one of the retailer’s demonstrator vehicles, which will travel all around the county.

Around 150 children from the ages of 8 to 11 have taken part in the competition, which had generated a tremendous response according to Paula Warford, Wellingborough Prep School’s Director of Art. The idea of working with such an eco-friendly car had also fitted in very well with the Eco-School Project being undertaken by all age ranges at the school (3 to 18 years) for which Gold Accreditation is presently being sought.

“The project has been fantastic as it has allowed the children to look at art from a historical context, to research an artist and their work and then apply their style to the shape of a car,” said Paula. “All of the children have been really excited about taking part and a number have even asked if their parents can buy the car if they win.”

The smart car art initiative is one of a number of projects established between Mercedes-Benz and smart of Northampton and Wellingborough School. A presentation has been given to sixth form pupils on product development and business management, whilst the retailer has also agreed to help the school’s budding engineers with both design support and mechanical assistance for their present and future studies.

“It is a beneficial association for both parties and particularly for the pupils in terms of providing them with some ‘real life experience’,” explained Richard Mitchell, Headmaster of the Prep School. “The opportunity for the children to see their design on a car out on the road has been a huge incentive and this has been reflected in their work and I’m sure Mercedes-Benz of Northampton’s customers and parents will be pleasantly surprised by what they have achieved.”

Mike Sands, Mercedes-Benz and smart of Northampton’s General Manager, added: “Supporting our local community wherever possible is important to us as a business and we’re delighted to link up with Wellingborough School in several areas that will benefit pupils with their learning.

“The standard of entries for the smart art competition is exceptional as we invite people to discover by calling in at our showroom to view and place their vote.”