SCHOOLS went to town when they were invited to take part in the first open art exhibition at Luton Hoo’s Walled Garden.

Nearly 3,000 students from junior schools in Harpenden and Wheathampstead were involved in the creation of six foot banners which went on display at the exhibition held at the weekend.

A number of secondary schools were also involved and Sir John Lawes and St George’s Schools in Harpenden worked collaboratively on their artwork which included a textiles display.

The exhibition, held in The Conservatory, featured approximately 350 works by over 100 artists from the surrounding region and included a special section for local schools to show their talents.

All the work on display was inspired by gardens and illustrated different aspects of garden life from pure representations of plants to abstract interpretation of wildlife and garden scenes.

It also included an eclectic mix of mediums – sculpture, paintings, photography, textiles and prints.

Sir John Lawes art technician Karole Lange initiated the schools’ involvement with the event and works on a voluntary basis for the Walled Garden, helping to promote the site as an education resources and arts venue.

She said: “This is the first art exhibition and it is hoped that it will be an annual event.”