Students in Newton Aycliffe are carving out a lasting reminder of their work on an award winning course by creating a sculpture for Durham Cathedral.
The youngsters on the Steps 4 Success training course which is run by North ern charity DISC, are working with local artist David Gross.
The oak panel art piece will be on public display as part of a rolling exhibition programme in the cathedral’s upcoming £10m Open Treasure exhibition – which opens later this year – and will be included in the cathedral’s permanent collection of treasures.
DISC project worker Lewis Musonda – pictured (above, left) with Steps 4 Success trainee Nicole Mckee and sculptor David Gross – said: “We’re delighted we’re able to work with David to give the students this experience and we’re very grateful to Durham Cathedral.
“The students are designing and carving eight oak panels which will form a sculpture they are creating with David. It’s great that the young people know they’re producing a work of art which will be seen by so many.”
DISC partnered with Durham Cathedral’s Recreating the Community project which invited the students firstly to visit the landmark and gain inspiration from designs inside it.
Philippa Coad, the cathedral’s Learning and Outreach officer, said: “The Recreating the Community project is commissioning work to be done around the county, as part of our Open Treasure Project
”We’re really pleased to be working with the Steps 4 Success students at DISC. The sculpture is going to be amazing.”
The woodworking was undertaken at DISC headquarters in Horndale Avenue, Newton Aycliffe after comprehensive health and safety instruction.
Artist David said: “The young people have been really enthusiastic. I think the Students were surprised by how quickly they could see good results, and this encouraged them to do more. And they know they’re creating something that will be around for ever.”