Acton Youngsters Exhibit Artistic Flair

At competition organised in aid of Parkinson's disease

Acton youngsters exhibit their artistic flair.

The work of some young Acton artists is on view in the Walpole Gallery in Mattock Lane, Ealing. Two schoolchildren from Acton received the highest award:

The gold prize-winning entry for age category 11-13 year old, was by Hazuki Yasunga, age 11 who attends the Ellen Wilkinson School.

Thea Koutas, age 12, a student at Twyford CE High School was awarded Highly Commended for his work.

Soula Zavacopoulos, an award-winning local designer and artist, launched the competition in October to youngsters in the borough to raise money for the Parkinson’s Disease Society.

Youngsters aged 8 – 17, have been contributing festive winter-themed works to the charity art show, “Paint for Parkinson’s”, and Hazuki's and Thea's work is amongst the over 30 shortlisted and winning artworks on display at the PM Gallery from 10 December until 5 January.

Says Soula: “My grandmother was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s and was my inspiration for organizing this competition to help people with the disease. I’m delighted with the high standard of entries. Ealing has so many talented children and it’s wonderful to see them help raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s though their creativity. The event has really fired up their imaginations, enthusiasm and their work is simply amazing.”

Soula, who was recently nominated for two ‘Henries Awards’ – the premier awards of the greeting card industry – gave the three “Gold” winning entrants an extra special gift. She created and published their artworks as Christmas cards.

Says Soula: “The children were thrilled to receive packs of cards featuring their own artwork which they’ll eagerly be sending out to their friends and
family this Christmas. It made my day to see how proud and happy both parents and children were on receiving this great prize! The gallery is selling the cards at the exhibition and all money raised will go to helping people with Parkinson’s.”

Over £300 worth of other prizes were donated by other local businesses, arts centres and local branches of larger stores such as Tesco, Watersones and M&S.

Councillor Phil Taylor, Cabinet Member for Customer and Community Services, said: “There are some very talented youngsters in Ealing and it’s encouraging to see so many of them taking part in the exhibition and getting involved in helping a good cause.

“There are a host of exhibitions taking place at Pitzhanger Manor over the festive season and I would encourage everyone to go and experience, and enjoy, what the gallery has to offer.”

The gallery in Walpole Park, Mattock Lane, is open Tuesdays-Fridays from 1pm- 5pm and Saturdays from 11am-5pm.

For more details about the exhibition, upcoming competitions or to buy Christmas cards please visit www.theLondonStudio.com or call 020 8933 0122.