Schooldays inspire young artists

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/6764099.stm

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Artwork by children and young people inspired by school has gone on show in the Welsh assembly building.

Youngsters from across Wales, including some with autism, produced work on the theme of "why I go to school" in a National Autistic Society competition.

Cardiff artist Mark Annis, who has Asperger syndrome, will help choose a winner from the 35 items shortlisted.

The exhibition is in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday and Wednesday and Colwyn Bay Library from 30 June to 13 July.

It feels like I'm going for tea with the Queen! Daniel Tilley

The National Autistic Society in Wales (NAS Cymru) said it wanted to give pupils a chance to express their own feelings on their future.

Daniel Tilley, 11, who attends Ysgol Gyfun Garth Olwg, in Church Village, near Pontypridd, was among those whose work was chosen to go on display.

He has Asperger syndrome, a form of autism which affects people's ability to deal with social situations and understand others' comments, gestures and intentions.

Daniel was thrilled that his art had been selected.

He said: "It's amazing. I enjoyed doing the drawing.

"I was shocked when the letter arrived telling me that my picture would be included in the exhibition.

Daniel Tilley's work shows a science teacher in the classroom

"I am really happy that it will be displayed at the Senedd (Welsh assembly building), it feels like I'm going for tea with the Queen!"

Declan Boland, 11, from Rhyl, who has autistic spectrum disorder, has also made it onto the shortlist.

The exhibition is open to the public from 8am to 5pm on Tuesday and from 8am to 8pm on Wednesday and is free.

The art will then be shown at Colwyn Bay Library from 30 June until 13 July.