RAPS Gallery Promotes Creative Talent

It occupies a large space inside the main reception area and is a vibrant exhibition of style, colour and thought-provoking artwork that changes through the school year.

The latest display is RAPS’ project for this year’s National Gallery primary schools Take One Picture challenge – in recent years pupils’ work has been shown as part of the acclaimed gallery’s exhibition inside the gallery, on its virtual exhibition platform online, and on giant digital billboards in cities around the UK.

Work from all year groups is currently on show celebrating this year’s chosen theme - A Regatta on the Grand Canal, a 1740 landscape painting by the Italian artist Canaletto depicting carnival in his native Venice.

Art teacher Kelly-Ann Smith explained: “Take One Picture is always a huge event in our school calendar. I strive to give children the opportunity to explore different techniques and themes they might not otherwise encounter during the school year. For 2025, the standout success and focal point of our exhibition is the ginormous tapestry inspired by the artist Grayson Perry.

Each child contributed a section based on the theme of celebration, and these individual pieces were sewn together to form one magnificent masterpiece. Working on such a large scale has shown the children that anything is possible — no idea is too big to be brought to life. I am incredibly proud of the creativity, effort, and collaboration that went into this project.

The final result truly reflects the spirit and imagination of our young artists.”

The variety of styles, techniques and themes explored by each class varies significantly. For example, Reception year group children created canvases hanging as banners in the style of artist Rothko’s abstract block paintings.

Across the age groups innovation is key with imagery drawn from the competition’s theme complemented by an array of materials and techniques. Works include regatta boats and crowds, architecture, a huge gondola linked to this summer’s local Little Ships celebration set upon an artistic impression of a canal, period fashion, and Venetian masks.

Head of School Nick Budge said: “Our in-school gallery is ablaze with creative energy and imagery reflecting the artistic journeys our children embark upon through their year. It is a fabulous testament to our inspirational arts team.

Take One Picture each year strengthens our link with the National Gallery as we discover new ways to interpret its artistic challenge that inspires a range of cross-curricular work.

Our success in the competition is a fabulous vindication of the variety of arts we explore at RAPS.

RAPS’ in-school gallery regularly draws positive comments from visitors and it is beacon of creativity that highlights the skills of our children.”

*The annual nationwide Take One Picture project invites children to create artworks around a striking image and then plan, create, submit and exhibit their works. It aims to ‘inspire a lifelong love of art and learning’.

To find out more, go online to www.nationalgallery.org.uk/learning/take-one-picture

Ramsgate Arts Primary is part of the Viking Academy Trust with its partner schools Chilton Primary in Ramsgate and Upton Juniors in Broadstairs.

**Contact Head of School Nick Budge on 01843 582847