There is still time for children to create a piece of art as part of a project which has been backed by Angel of the North creator, Sir Antony Gormley.
Children are being invited to create an animal-themed picture - with the chance of having their artwork printed on a flag which will fly Shrewsbury town centre.
Shrewsbury is taking part in The Great Big Art Exhibition, a national project encouraging people to create works of art to display in their windows, balconies or front gardens.
Shrewsbury BID (Business Improvement District) is inviting children to submit pictures with a selection being chosen for flags which will be hung across the High Street.
Sir Antony Gormley chose the theme of animals to launch The Great Big Art Exhibition, and has given his backing to the Shrewsbury project.
Sir Antony said: "I am delighted to hear that Shrewsbury is on board with The Great Big Art Exhibition and am looking forward to seeing the results.
“What a great idea to display the results on flags! I am sure Charles Darwin would have been in favour of anything that champions original thinking and the natural world.”
Emma Molyneux, of Shrewsbury BID, said: “We had to give this project a fairly short deadline as it takes some time to get the images printed onto flags ready for when we hope the town centre will start coming back to life in April and May.
“The closing date is March 19, so we wanted to remind everyone to please get their artwork to us by then to be in with a chance of having their picture flying over the High Street this summer.
“We are asking children to draw a picture using the theme ‘animals’ - as colourful and striking as possible - on A4 paper, in portrait, filling the page.
“You can enter your artwork by either placing it into a special box which has been installed on the upper level of the Darwin Shopping Centre between Claire’s Accessories and Card Factory, or by posting your entry to Shrewsbury BID, Windsor House, Windsor Place, Shrewsbury, SY1 2BY.”
Jonathan Soden, owner of The Soden Collection in Wyle Cop and director of Shrewsbury BID, added: “Encouraging creativity in children is so important, especially during these difficult times, and we hope the opportunity of having their work blown up onto flags flying proudly over High Street will give youngsters that extra creative spark.
“The theme of animals gives an excellent starting point and we are really excited to see what kinds of creations are sent in.”
The project is led by Colchester art gallery Firstsite and supported by Arts Council England and the Plus Tate Network of leading museums and galleries across the UK.
