International Artist Visits Newcastle City Library
International artist Alexander Millar has praised the creativity of Newcastle's young artists after visiting Newcastle City Library as part of a city-wide arts initiative inspired by Vincent Van Gogh.
The project has been organised ahead of Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, which arrives at Utilita Arena Newcastle this summer.
The week-long campaign, held at all thirteen libraries in the city, encouraged creativity through free arts activity, and invited youngsters to create their own artwork, with the additional bonus of entering a competition to win tickets to see the hugely anticipated Beyond Van Gogh immersive experience showing at Utilita Arena in July.
International Artist and adopted Geordie Alexander Millar caught up with some of the aspiring artists at the main City Library, and he was extremely impressed by their work! Alexander said:
"I was excited to be part of this fun and educational project encouraging children to immerse themselves in art, and to learn about one of my favourite artists - Vincent Van Gogh. I was invited to come along to inspire the children and perhaps give them some artistic guidance, but to be honest - it's they who have been giving me tips! They have a very clear and concise idea of how they would like their work to look. It's very refreshing to see art through the eyes of children and today has been an uplifting experience. I'm very much looking forward to seeing the immersive exhibition when it comes to the city in the summer."
Sisters Lucy, Sophie & Harriet all took part in the hour-long activity and were fully focussed on the job in hand!
Lucy (10), said:
"We have been learning about Vincent Van Gogh at school, so it was fun to be part of an arts activity like this. We are actually on the way to the dentist today so this has been a good distraction!"
Sister Sophie (8) added:
"It's been fun to learn this new style of painting. I've also heard about the new exhibition and will definitely be going to see that with my family this summer."
Harriet (7) commented:
"Today was really fun. It was also exciting to meet a real life artist. Alexander Millar was really nice and said nice things about our artwork."
Artwork from children attending arts & crafts sessions across all libraries will be displayed on a dedicated gallery wall, with all participants entered into a prize draw to win family tickets to the event.
Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience runs at Utilita Arena Newcastle from 12 July to 9 August 2026, with tickets available now at: https://www.beyondvangogh.co.uk/city/newcastle
