Aspiring artists from Thomas Gainsborough School have added creativity to the window displays of Sudbury thanks to a unique project that was unveiled this week.

East Anglian Daily Times: Chloe Walker (Year 12 student), Ed Clark (head of art at Thomas Gainsborough School), Judith Blatch (owner of Winch and Blatch), Jessica Arkesden and Masey Hinton (year 12 students) Picture: THOMAS GAINSBOROUGH SCHOOLChloe Walker (Year 12 student), Ed Clark (head of art at Thomas Gainsborough School), Judith Blatch (owner of Winch and Blatch), Jessica Arkesden and Masey Hinton (year 12 students) Picture: THOMAS GAINSBOROUGH SCHOOL (Image: THOMAS GAINSBOROUGH SCHOOL)

The birthplace of the famous artist has kept with its rich creative tradition after more than 160 students from all year groups exhibited more than 200 pieces in 46 shopfronts, cafes and vacant retail units.

Sudbury As Our Canvas features everything from paintings and drawings to textiles and photographs with the project designed to bring the creativity and talent of the young people into the community in a visible and engaging way.

Students from the school's sixth form have taken leading roles in the development of the project as part of their work for the prestigious gold level Art Award.

Jessica Arkesden, one of the gold award students, said: "This exhibition has allowed us to showcase our school's vast skills and abilities. We are all so proud to be part of this project."

East Anglian Daily Times: Chloe Walker (Year 12 student), Ed Clark (head of art at Thomas Gainsborough School), Judith Blatch (owner of Winch and Blatch), Jessica Arkesden and Masey Hinton (year 12 students) Picture: THOMAS GAINSBOROUGH SCHOOLChloe Walker (Year 12 student), Ed Clark (head of art at Thomas Gainsborough School), Judith Blatch (owner of Winch and Blatch), Jessica Arkesden and Masey Hinton (year 12 students) Picture: THOMAS GAINSBOROUGH SCHOOL (Image: THOMAS GAINSBOROUGH SCHOOL)

Key to the exhibition's success has been the enthusiastic support from the local businesses which have agreed to exhibit the work in their windows.

Judith Blatch, owner of Winch and Blatch department store, said: "Winch and Blatch is delighted to be working with such inspirational young artists.

"Their work is of an extremely high calibre and I would urge visitors to the town centre to take a few minutes to admire the talent of these young people."

Thomas Gainsborough School head of art, Ed Clark, added: "We are exceptionally proud of our students, both for the quality of the work they have produced and the effort and ability they have shown in organising and hanging this exhibition. It is testament to the quality of the students at our school."

East Anglian Daily Times: Sudbury As Our Canvas sees more than 200 pieces in 46 shopfronts, cafes and vacant retail units Picture: ED CLARKSudbury As Our Canvas sees more than 200 pieces in 46 shopfronts, cafes and vacant retail units Picture: ED CLARK (Image: ED CLARK)

Sudbury As Our Canvas runs until July 12.