VIDEO: Gallery puts work by home-educated Alton and Bordon youngsters in the frame

Home-educated youngsters aren’t lacking class judging by an art exhibition in an East Hampshire gallery.

More than 40 home-schooled youngsters have enjoyed a brush with the public as their artwork has gone on display in the Allen Gallery.

The exhibition which opened last week features 52 pieces of artwork produced by youngsters aged four to 18 from the Alton and Bordon areas.

Bosses at the town centre attraction have decided to let the exhibition run in the gallery’s café until the end of December because of the great feedback.

And the artists definitely have admirers in high places – as a stunning ‘Carriage of Inspiration’ piece by Evie May featuring influential women through the ages has been snapped up by Alton’s mayor, Cllr Annette Eyre.

“I haven’t stopped smiling and I’m super excited she’s bought it,” said the promising artist, who spent a week working on the piece.

The ‘World Through Our Eyes’ exhibition was the result of a summer chat involving parent Kimberley Vessey and Nancy Peskett, community programme co-ordinator at the Allen Gallery.

Home-schooling doesn’t necessarily mean isolation as the community is strong and well-connected, with the exhibition invited being enthusiastically embraced by the young and budding artists.

Kimberley said: “We were inspired after chatting with Nancy because the gallery does side exhibitions and we started talking about doing something involving home education.

“Some of the children who have taken part have additional needs while others have never been in the school system or have been de-registered. But we have a very strong home education community and it’s becoming an increasingly popular choice.”

She added: “All the parents here are incredibly proud of what’s been achieved – we just really want to celebrate what’s on show here.”

Check out www.altonherald.com for more and a video with some of the young participants.