ALTRINCHAM community arts centre Art with a Heart is once again highlighting the artistic skills of the borough’s pupils with its third annual Trafford Schools Open exhibition.

It gives youngsters a chance to have their work showcased in an exhibition.

For the first time, the event has been extended to include final year GCSE, or equivalent, art students.

The call has gone out to the students and schools in the Trafford Area and is open to all students studying Art at A level or AS Level in the schools and colleges in the borough.

Entry is free and A level students can submit up to three pieces of their own work for selection in the exhibition, and one for final year GCSE students.

There are two themes, each attracting an award, one is of the students own choosing and the other is ‘regeneration’.

Bex Wild, exhibition assistant, said: ‘There are so many changes happening in Altrincham at present, with the interchange, hospital and market and we are interested to see how each student will interpret the regeneration theme.

“The call out is also earlier to encourage the students to work on their submissions over the summer break.”.

Art with a Heart is planning to encourage more of the schools and students to participate, especially the schools in north Trafford and with this in mind, they have dedicated one of their volunteers, Wendy Wallwork, ceramicist and resident artist to focus on this area. They have also updated the website to make it easier for students and schools to find out more information about the event to encourage their participation.

Karen Wroe, project director said: ‘After successfully gaining funding from Thrive Trafford last year we expanded the exhibition to include all artforms, including textile, photographic and ceramic and as a result we got more students taking part.

“The public also commented on the amazing talent on show and felt that they were getting a sneak preview of the Creatives of the future’.

The exhibition will run throughout November 2014. There are a number of prizes awarded; including visitors’ choice and the school award.

Art with a Heart is looking for sponsors for the various awards and if you would be interested in supporting the talent of the future then email Karen@artwithaheartorg.uk.

To register and submit work for the exhibition, schools and students in the Trafford area are invited to send an email to Art with a Heart at Bex@artwithaheart.org.uk. The further details can be found on Art with a Heart website www.artwithaheart.org.uk.