Nursery World - Out of the wood

Creativity and confidence grew from a unique project when a nursery invited an artist in residence to work with children in its outdoor area. Annette Rawstrone reports Exploring and creating spaces, forms and structures using living willow was the focus of a seven- week artistic residency at Bloomsbury Children's Centre in Birmingham.

Exploring and creating spaces, forms and structures using living willow was the focus of a seven- week artistic residency at Bloomsbury Children's Centre in Birmingham.

Willow artist Laura Bacon worked with children, parents and staff on the Finding Space project, which was co-ordinated by local craft development agency Craftspace and funded through a Birmingham City Council Arts Education Award.

Early years teacher Deborah Pullinger was involved in the artist selection and was won over by Laura's ideas. 'Although Laura had not worked with early years children before, her philosophy and inspiration really matched children's interests,' says Deborah. 'She is inspired by dens and emerging from cocoons and she spoke so poetically about her work. It seemed to chime well with what the children enjoy, such as hiding and going inside things.

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