Creativity and Connection Celebrated at Shared Education Pre-school Art Exhibition
Lurgan Model Integrated Nursery Unit and Downshire Integrated Nursery School PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Art Exhibition
Lurgan Model Integrated Nursery Unit and Downshire Integrated Nursery School held an inspiring two-day art exhibition at Lurgan Model Integrated Primary School on 22-23rd April. The exhibition showcased artwork the children created throughout the year as part of PEACEPLUS ASPIRE.
Over the course of the project, children from both settings participated in shared creative arts sessions, exploring activities such as painting, pottery, sewing, and flower printing.
Reflecting on the experience, Kathryn Campbell, Principal of Downshire Integrated Nursery School, said,
“The children eagerly anticipated each shared session and spoke with enthusiasm and joy about their new friends from Lurgan.”
This has enabled children of all abilities to express their creativity while building friendships with peers they may not have otherwise had the opportunity to meet.
In addition, Judith Divers the Quality Mentor for this partnership states,
“It has been wonderful to observe the partnership between Lurgan Model Integrated Nursery Unit and Downshire Integrated Nursery School, underpinned by shared pedagogy, thoughtful planning and a clear vision for shared education. Warm, nurturing and child-led adult interactions, alongside reflective planning, have helped ensure children’s voices and experiences remain central to the success of this partnership.”
This exhibition focused on process art, celebrating the creative journey rather than the finished product. Each child contributed artwork and shared their ideas through short descriptions, allowing families and visitors to gain an insight into their creative thinking and development.
The exhibition concluded with a family celebration where children and parents explored a range of hands-on activities, including dough play, light and shadow exploration, and contributing to a live art display. To mark the occasion, every child received a copy of The Dot by Peter Reynolds, a story that encourages creativity, confidence and self-expression.
Sarah McKinney, Head of Nursery at Lurgan Model Integrated Nursery Unit said:
“A focus on process art was central to the project, supporting creativity, exploration, communication and social skills during this early and vital stage of development. Shared sessions provided opportunities for children to play, learn, and build friendships together, while parents have valued seeing increased confidence and creativity, alongside a stronger connection to Nursery.”