A picture is worth a 1,000 words.

The popular adage has proved true for students asked to illustrate their vision of life in Bovington for an art exhibition which is now on display at the local Tank Museum.

After months in lockdown, teacher Samantha Armstrong came up with the idea as an opportunity for pupils at Bovington Academy to reflect upon their lives.

The Bovington Academy Art Exhibition will run until Friday July 16th and reveals an eclectic mix of work from a range of students ranging from drawings to sculptures, printing and photography.

Ms Armstrong, Art & Design Lead at Bovington Academy, said she is very proud of the effort that the students went to. She told the Dorset Echo: ‘’The aim of the collaboration was for pupils to reflect on their lives in the area and what appealed to them the most about the area they live in. After a long period of lockdown, we discussed whether or not they had discovered new areas or things to do.  Lots of children were inspired by their hobbies, for example, walking dogs, riding horses, playing in the park, going to the skatepark – and eating!  Many of our children are from service backgrounds and their inspiration was the army or the Tank Museum itself.’’

Ms Armstrong said the project has also allowed the students to learn important life skills.
She said: ‘’As a trained art and design teacher, it has always been my passion to see children getting involved in making art to be viewed by the public and their peers. 
‘’Giving and receiving feedback on performance and end results is a fundamental part of everyday working life, and something all employees/employers will face in their own day to day working lives. 
Building confidence and skills with this as early as possible helps to build resilience.’’  


The artworks are for sale to anyone who would like to purchase them. 
A4 artworks at £2.50 and A3 at £5.00.  Sculptures will be priced individually.  All proceeds of these sales will go back into the school as resources for pupils within Bovington Academy.  
If you would like to purchase an artwork – please contact sarmstrong@bovington-aspirations.org