Picture a new toy shop in Wallsend

07-APR-10

Issued by: Duncan Bennett

A former store in Wallsend will be transformed into a virtual toy shop next week - as part of an innovative arts initiative.

People are invited to have fun painting, colouring and drawing pictures of toys inside an empty unit within InShops at the Forum Shopping Centre in Wallsend.

Afterwards, the artwork will be used to create a colourful shop window depicting The Children's Toy Shop, which will brighten the unit's appearance.

People of all ages are invited to drop in between Monday 12 April and Friday 16 April, from 10.30am and 3.30pm. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The project follows a similar initiative in North Shields, which led to the former Grant's Jewellers in the Beacon Centre taking on the appearance of a colourful bead shop.

Both projects are led by Cullercoats-based artist Kathryn Wakeman and supported by North Tyneside Council as part of its commitment to town centre businesses.

Kathryn said: "Hundreds of people had a great time helping to create the bead shop in North Shields and we hope this will be just as popular.

"People can let their imagination loose or draw their favourite toy from memory. They might even want to bring a toy in and copy it. Above all, we just want just people to come in and have some fun."

ENDS