The Art of Story

About

Local school children have been working alongside different artists to create their own work in response to the wonderful stories by Allan and Janet Ahlberg. World famous author Allan Ahlberg grew up and later worked as a school teacher in Oldbury. Together, with his illustrator wife Janet, he has created many popular children's books which have become part of many people's childhoods — selling millions of copies across the globe. Stories from the Playground will be a celebration of Allan and Janet's work incorporating the new work created by local children today. Local artists who have been working to develop the exhibition and the children's creations are Emma Purshouse, Johnny O'Hanlon, Claude Chambers, Sakab Bashir, John Flitcroft, Heather Wastie and Jonathan Lee.This project is the result of an exciting new partnership between Multistory, Black Country Touring and The Public. Come and see the work produced by the school children at The Public from 6 July to 18 September 2011. Much of Ahlberg's early work centered around his childhood upbringing in 1950's Oldbury. Using this theme, renowned Birmingham theatre company Stan's Café will be inviting people to follow vinyl footprints around the building to explore the imagination of a 1950's Sandwell boy as his young mind conjures up stories and creations to amuse and delight visitors. The unique piece of interactive artwork, Sandwell Steps, will be in The Public from 6 July to 18 September. Gallery Opening Times:Wednesday to Saturday - 10am - 5pm Sunday - 11am - 3pm Open daily throughout the summer holidays (23 July to 4 Sept)