The Secret Art Exhibition at Westbourne House School, featuring postcard-sized works of art by pupils, talented amateur and professional artists, raised over £2,500 for the charities the school has chosen to support this year.
The key to the success of the event was the mystery element of the process: all art was sold anonymously and buyers didn’t know who had created their artwork until after they bought it.
In total, over 350 postcards were donated and sold. The majority of postcards were on sale for £5 but 21 mini works of art by professional and amateur artists were entered into a silent auction. Wildlife Artist Mandy Shepherd’s postcard raised the most amount of money for an individual piece, selling for £155, whilst Year 8 pupil Zubin Chinwala’s artwork raised £80.
At the close of the exhibition, Helen Barker, Head of the Westbourne House School Charity Committee, commented: “We have been overwhelmed by the support we have had for this event from local artists, gallery owners and local art groups, parents and all the children. It is incredible that 350 people supported this fantastic project with their personal take on the theme colour. It has been an amazing event, which has brought the whole community together. Funds will be donated to our local, national and international charities including Chichester Downs Syndrome Group, Team Unlimbited, Sausage Tree Charity and the Westbourne House Bursary Fund.”