A SCHOOL in Christchurch has celebrated a donation to its art department with a day of creative performances.

The Grange School in Redvers Road, received a £500 donation from the New Milton branch of the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Society (NADFAS) to be spent on digital cameras and art books on Tuesday.

The society’s chairman Anne Clegg presented the cheque to the school on the same day it was hosting a day of performances and art inspired by the work of Russian artist Wassily Kandinsky.

The project brief was to produce a performance that was inspired by the abstract painter’s creations, including an original music composition, dance choreography and set design. Art teacher Sally Blood explained that a small group of students who had been excelling in the subjects were chosen to take part.

“We were really impressed with what they produced and pleased that they rose to the challenge so well,” said Sally.

“We want to push for more opportunities for gifted and talented children so we took 10 students who we felt were excelling in each of the areas.

“We are very pleased with the donation.

“Some of the students can struggle with the drawing side of things, but having a digital camera will give them another way of being creative.”

Philip Benstead and Joyce Dossett from NADFAS also watched the performances and creations, which saw students from Years Eight, Nine and 10 use a range of simple emotions as their starting point.

Sally said the children enjoyed the opportunity to express themselves creatively in such a different way and hopes the day becomes an annual event for the school.