The Mendip School, Shepton Mallet, s delighted to be taking part in this year's Wells Art Contemporary exhibition, open to the public from 3rd to 31st August in Wells Cathedral.

This major international art exhibition comprises a gallery of 121 artworks within the Cloisters, as well as 19 site-specific art installations in and around the Cathedral building. 

Sitting alongside these works of art will be three pieces from local community groups. Paddy O'Hagan, WAC Chair, explains. 'We believe in the significant contribution that art makes to our society and over the years have collaborated with charities and groups that use art and creativity as a means to support wellbeing.'

June MacFarlane, WAC Community Projects Co-ordinator, continues: 'This year we are delighted to introduce newcomers The Mendip School and Orchard Vale Trust, whilst welcoming back Imagine, Learn & Create (ILC), who exhibited with us in 2022.'

June has attended sessions with the groups. 'Each one is creating their own communal piece of work,' she says. 'They have all responded brilliantly to the challenges of acquiring new skills, from sewing to clay modelling, and it has been exciting to see the benefits to both the individuals and the group.'

The Mendip School is for pupils aged four to 19 with a primary diagnosis of autism (ASD) and speech language and communication needs. The art GCSE group, led by Oren Harper, Art Therapist and Subject Leader of Art, is creating an installation for the exhibition called The Mendip Bird Project. Each student is creating a bird sculpture which will be displayed in a large bird cage. The process has included charcoal sketching through to working with Modroc plaster - a challenge in itself for many of the students with sensory issues.

Meanwhile, ILC is creating an interactive multimedia artwork entitled 'Terrain Journeys' and the group at the Hive at Orchard Vale Trust are creating a pom pom extravaganza called The Pom Pom Chime.

June felt it was really important that the groups artworks were showcased within the main Installation Show. 'We are positioning each one to ensure it fits seamlessly with the exhibition,' she says. 'Visitors are in for a real treat.'

Entry to WAC is included with admission to the Cathedral. For opening times, visit www.wellsartcontemporary.co.uk