The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor John Ward has presented a cheque for £1,000 to artist Jo Aylwin to support Blooming Art 2016, a community art competition run as part of Farnham in Bloom.

Blooming Art 2016 began earlier this year and included free workshops to help local residents create artworks for the competition. The competition was open to all Farnham residents aged five years and over. They were invited to create collages based on the theme of ‘A rose by any other name’ to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the death of Shakespeare. A free exhibition is taking place at Farnham Maltings from 19 to 21 July.

Councillor John Ward says: “The competition attracted 80 marvellous entries. Some were colourful, some were creative and all showed real talent and an affection for the town. The project’s theme of ‘A rose by any other name’ has complemented Farnham in Bloom very well so I am particularly pleased that we have been able to support it with this grant.”

Speaking about the grant, Jo Aylwin said: “The grant helped pay for the six free workshops we held in April and June and the final exhibition. I’m delighted to have been involved in Farnham in Bloom. The project has offered local residents an opportunity to support the town through art in a fun way. I have not made an accurate count but our 80 entries have involved over 300 people in the making – this is a fantastic community event.”

Judging of the entries will take place on 19 July with prizes awarded across five categories: Junior, Teenage, Young Adult, Adult and Groups. Some of the pieces can be viewed on the Blooming Art 2016 Facebook page.

The grant was awarded by South Street Trust, a grant giving organisation, which supports Farnham organisations providing art-based educational activities.

The project was also supported by the Best of Farnham, Waterfords Estate Agents and Jo Aylwin.

Further information about the project is available from the Jo Aylwin Studio and Gallery.

 The Mayor of Farnham, Cllr John Ward presents a cheque to Jo Aylwin.