Great Reading Adventure 2008: Education

Gloria Ojulari Sule is creating banners with groups of young people that will be displayed in Liverpool later this year as part of Portrait of a Nation. Some are already being displayed in Bristol’s city centre as the promotional material for the Great Reading Adventure.

Students from City of Bristol College, Soundwell with their collage depicting Bristol zoo (Martin Chainey).

Students from City of Bristol College, Soundwell with their collage depicting Bristol zoo (Martin Chainey).

Gloria is a British-born, Bristol-based visual artist of Nigerian/English background. Her projects have included working in partnership with schools, community groups, colleges, galleries and museums, throughout the region.

The Portrait of a Nation banners give pupils the opportunity to work collaboratively on a large-scale piece. Working in teams pupils plan and design the banners before getting stuck in to the physical process of making them.

The work is put together in stages by the method of collage. Gloria uses brightly-coloured, small pieces of tissue paper, which she tears up before starting the work. Using pva from palettes and chubby brushes, the tissue is glued flat onto a white card base. Each pupil has the use of a brush and all have the opportunity to work on the banner. This method is accessible for all abilities.

The large pieces of card need enough room to lay out flat on tables or on the floor. The banner needs time to dry flat once completed before it can be hung up for display.

Kingsweston School pupils with their collage (Martin Chainey).

Materials for banner making
Chubby brushes size 18 or household 2” and 3” for painting on glue
Palettes/water pots for glue – flat trays better to access
PVA 5lrs
Tissue paper – range of bright colours
Black sugar paper
Gumstrip/masking tape
Coloured papers – shiny papers with white on the back usually come in rolls
Recycled materials
Scissors
Drawing materials chunky pencils, markers, chalks, graphite sticks
Glitter and sequins
Large sheets of card

Preparation
Space for materials
Space for drawing and designing
Palettes with glue
Covered tables or floor to work on – usually use bin bags cut open to protect the surface
Aprons for children

Gloria conducted two workshops during the 2007 Great Reading Adventure. Comments received from participants included:

“Gloria was more than happy to take what pupils were bringing to the workshop and make two fantastic banners…. The way things worked out Gloria got them working really intensively and under pressure which was really good for them!”

“I liked making things and the book. I liked to see how the banner could be transferred from the book. I didn't realise how quickly it could be done.”

“'I thought it would be boring but it was really good. Gloria had a good imagination. She took her ideas from the illustrations and helped us make a banner.”

“I really enjoyed the art work. I thought some of the issues were quite emotional, because similar things had happened to Gloria in school and now she used it in her art. She helped to keep everyone working.”

“We did everything ourselves. We did it together”.

Pupils from Little Mead Primary with their collage (Martin Chainey).

Portrait of a Nation collages by Colston's Girls' School and Hannah More Primary (Martin Chainey).

Portrait of a Nation collages by St George's Primary and Hillfields Primary (Martin Chainey).

Visit Gloria’s official website here.

"Excellent workshops – very inclusive and creative. Work fitted in really well with our geography for term 2 – our local area. Project really made the children look closely at their local area and what is special about it. We have a wonderful, lasting record of our work with Gloria. Thanks."

"The planning session really caused pupils to focus on living in Bristol as their own city and then seeing what was special/ unique to them as deaf citizens and then wanting to show other people/ share with them what makes them special in a visual way."

"Gloria was superb; she inspired and enthused the children and instilled in them a genuine pride in their work. She also taught them new skills and techniques."

"The students liked working together as a team where cooperation was required to get things done. It was also very relaxing."

"Resourced well. Children orientated and led. They really had to think about their local area and city."

"Every single child – EBO to SEN – was able to benefit from the team building skills and were delighted with their final banner. The children also had a positive dual heritage role model! So important for many! The parents were thrilled to bits."

"They enjoyed the opportunity to work off timetable and complete a large creative piece."

"To have produced a published piece of art work that is to be displayed in their own city is marvellous. It allowed those children who have more creative talents to extend themselves further. The children had a wonderful experience especially because they could explore their own ideas and see them put into action."

"The children had the opportunity to work with an artist which always heightens the interest in the work. Being able to make use of her expert advice helped the children to develop their knowledge and understanding of how to use colour and perspective."

"Banners look fantastic and the children are proud that they participated. Boost to confidence that they had a part in creating something that looked so good. A good opportunity for those with creative interests to shine and boost their self worth. It stimulated an interest in their work."

"The workshops were even better than anticipated – Gloria's enthusiasm and ability to motivate students with MLD (including Aspergers) ensured a very happy and industrious atmosphere. It was a real pleasure to work with her."

Teyfant Community School pupils with their collage inspired by literacy projects at the school (Martin Chainey).

Weston Park pupils with their collage (Martin Chainey).

Portrait of a Nation collage by Avon Primary School (Martin Chainey).

Portrait of a Nation collage by Elmfield School for Deaf Children (Martin Chainey).

Portrait of a Nation collage by Clifton High Lower School (Martin Chainey).