Peter’s vision inspires young York artists

Posted on 20 June 2014

Pupils from a York primary school have contributed to the Tour de France cultural celebrations in the city by producing art inspired by the work of local artist Peter Myers who has Aspergers Syndrome.

A study of York Minster by Peter Myers. Credit: Peter Myers.

The artistic creations by the 7-11 year-old pupils from Westfield Primary School in Acomb will go on show tomorrow (Saturday 21 June) at an exhibition of Peter Myers’s work at 10am-3pm at Acomb Explore Library in Acomb.

The project was the idea of the company, Artistic Autistic, set up by students at the University of York to help Peter Myers promote and sell his art work. The company received funding from City of York Council to stage a series of workshops at the school and a public exhibition of the children’s work alongside the artist’s.

Dr Katie Slocombe, of the University’s Department of Psychology, who helped to set up the company, said: “The workshops were a great success: the students were able to explain some of the fundamentals of autism to the children and how it can change how you see the world. The attention to detail in Peter’s art work is a really vivid demonstration of that and the children were inspired by his designs and produced some outstanding artwork. We hope the exhibition, which will feature some of Peter’s original paintings, collages and sculptures will showcase Peter’s remarkable talent and inspire all who visit the exhibition.”

Peter Myers said: “I am flattered that the children liked my artwork and completed the project – I was really impressed with what they produced. I’m intrigued to see how people react to the artwork at the exhibition.”

Peter Myers will judge the children’s artworks and present prizes to the winners at 2pm tomorrow.