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Youth charity takes over High Street art gallery

Jon Wright
BBC News, Suffolk
Reporting fromFelixstowe
Jon Wright/BBC A young person in a blue hoody holds a circular canvas with a painting of mountains, blue sky and trees,Jon Wright/BBC
Caitlin goes to Level Two every week, creating some nature-inspired pieces for the exhibition

Young artists are taking over a High Street gallery for a week.

Level Two Youth Project in Felixstowe offers a wide range of support and activities for 7 to 11 year olds in the town and surrounding villages.

Caitlin, 13, said: "I use the music studio and also do painting in the art room. I've been able to focus more at school, and it breaks up my week better."

Their artwork is being displayed in 142 Gallery, with money from any sales supporting the charity.

Jon Wright/BBC Two young people stand in front of a shop window. The sign at the top reads "142 gallery.art". They are both holding up pictures, one is a white chalk design on black paper and the other is brightly coloured squares in pink and orangeJon Wright/BBC
Libby and Monica are both Level Two regulars and have been working on pieces for the exhibition since February

Libby, 12, said she enjoyed going to sessions run by the project.

"The drama sessions have helped a lot with my confidence and I've met quite a few new people through Level Two as well, and I've got a few more friends," she said.

Monica, 8, has been using bubble wrap to create textured patterns on her colour paintings.

"I like to make things with all the stuff in the art room and to make my own music," she said.

Jon Wright/BBC Megan Pilcher is hanging a painting on a white wallJon Wright/BBC
Youth Worker Megan Pilcher said the young people had an open theme for this year's exhibition but many of the pieces were inspired by nature

Youth worker Megan Pilcher said: "We are passionate about creating opportunities for young people that remove luck and allow anyone to participate.

"Following the success from last year we are thrilled to be able to host 142 Gallery again and showcase the talent of young people in Felixstowe.

"This artwork is a collection of young people's creations across all different ages."

A variety of different mediums have been used such as paint, ink, clay, pencil and photography.

Level Two has also worked with other local arts groups, such as Hamilton MAS and Paint 2 the People to host artist-led workshops.

Jon Wright/BBC Framed pictures on a floor.Jon Wright/BBC
Artwork ready to go on the walls of 142 Gallery, an artist-led pop up space in the centre of Felixstowe

The exhibition runs until 28 May at 142 Gallery, Hamilton Road, Felixstowe.

The gallery opening times are 10:00 to 16:00 BST Thursday to Tuesday and 10:00 to 13:00 on Wednesday.

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