News from Tynemouth
Blue Reef Hopes "Monster" art will be a big draw
The Blue Reef Aquarium in Tynemouth has added a scary sea monsters theme to a national campaign aimed at encouraging more people to get interested in art.
'The Big Draw' is an annual event organised by the charity Drawing Power. This year Blue Reef is among more than a thousand venues around the country staging activities.
Running throughout October, the aquarium is inviting visitors to create their own weird and wonderful sea monsters inspired by the amazing variety, patterns, colours and shapes of the aquatic world.
There will also be the opportunity for youngster to add their own scale to add to a giant sea monster which is snaking its way around the aquarium and there will be 'drawing stations' throughout the aquarium.
Aquarists will be on hand to provide help and inspiration and all completed works of art by younger visitors will be entered into the aquarium's Young Marine Artist of the Year competition.
Organiser Anna Etchells said: "The Big Draw is proving to be a really popular event that seems to have struck a chord with visitors.
"As part of the event we will be encouraging all of our visitors to become an artist for the day! Sketch a seahorse, paint a puffer fish or create your own fishy work of art inspired by the amazing variety, patterns, colours, shapes and sizes of our marine creatures.
Design your very own sea monster for our giant frieze! Get inspiration from some of the wonderful and amazing sea creatures such as our giant Pacific octopus or big bellied seahorses.
"All art materials will be provided and we're hoping to discover some hidden artistic talent among our own staff as well as among the visitors!" she added.
· The Big Draw - Daily throughout October at the Blue Reef Aquarium in Tynemouth. For details visit please www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk or call 0191 258 1031.
