Artist Emma Peers is a shining example of how De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) students and graduates reach out to help the surrounding community.
The Leicester born-and-bred painter, who graduated from DMU with a degree in Fine Art in 2020, runs a free children’s art club every Saturday.
Art Club was held at the Central Library
Now, to the delight of the art club members, Emma has arranged for the children to put on a special public show of their creations at the Central Library in Leicester, starting this Saturday.
Emma began working in the art club, which is funded by DMU’s Public Engagement team, as a volunteer while she was studying, then took on the top role when she graduated.
She said: “I really want the kids to leave feeling more confident, inspired, want to keep on creating, keep on exploring and not be afraid to run with their ideas.
“It’s so rewarding seeing kids thinking for themselves.
“When it got to the planning for the exhibition, one of the children came up to me and said ’I want to paint with coffee’. I said ‘that’s awesome, go for it’.”
“I love the job. Each new group comes with different challenges and you get very different feedback from the children about what they have learned.
“The course is kept really flexible as we have children with special educational needs and want to ensure they too have a great experience.”
Emma working on one of her paintings
Children attending the art club learn new skills, look at current artists, including those working in Leicester, and then have visits to see art work.
During the latest course the children were taken to see the DMU Degree Show put together by graduating Fine Art students.
“It was really good,” Emma says. “Because after seeing all the degree show work some of the kids changed their ideas about what their final art piece should be. So, it was a great experience for them to see what you can create as an artist.
“I think the art club gives children something extra outside of the classroom and an important boost to keep pursuing their interests.”
Emma loved her time at DMU, where she completed her Art Foundation as well as her Fine Art Degree
“I have always been creative since I was a kid myself and I kept following that passion, which is something I didn’t think was possible.
“But I completed my art foundation course at DMU and then my Fine Art degree. I loved it so much I am thinking about returning to complete a Master’s degree there.
“I hope the children keep on creating art and enjoy having the freedom to express themselves.”
Children were free to think for themselves
Fi Donovan, Head of Engagement & Partnerships at DMU, said: “DMU Engagement has helped these arts clubs flourish. Our feedback shows they mean a lot to those taking part.
“Expression is a powerful tool, especially for young individuals seeking to find their voice in today's world. In the regular sessions, young people express their thoughts, emotions, and perspectives through art.
“Embracing their creativity can boost their confidence, resilience and sense of self. We are pleased to have provided them with this opportunity and hope to support a larger exhibition next year.”
The exhibition runs from Saturday 8 July to Friday 14 July upstairs at Leicester’s Central Library in Bishop Street, across from Town Hall Square.
Emma says she loves running Art Club
Emma’s main job as a painter happens at Studio nAme, a space in Leicester supporting national and international artists.
Her current series of paintings are focused on joining up typical feminine and masculine objects and creating something new.
They are created to spark debates about gender roles and gender specific items. Her influences are feminist artists like Tracey Emin and Judy Chicago.
The thought process behind the work is from lived experiences covering simple issues like availability in women's workwear, to things like sexual harassment and judgement on being female. This, combined with humour and sarcasm, influences Emma to create the works.
You can find out more on Emma’s website https://www.emmapeers.com or instagram @_emmapeers
Posted on Friday 7 July 2023