Art Academy East will organize an event in favor of PAPYRUS

Published:
2:41 PM December 5, 2021

An ‘art marathon’ will be held in memory of an ‘incredible and talented’ student from Norwich who died aged 19.

Art Academy East (AAE) in Norwich will hold the event in memory of former student Emily Owen, from Shouldham, who took her own life in March last year.

Her father, Tim Owen, previously shared his family’s “absolute devastation” after her death and paid tribute to his “kind, very caring and bubbly daughter”.

He described how she had worried about the pandemic, felt anxiety and distress, and feared it would take away her freedom.

Mr Owen formed ‘3 Dads Walking’ with Mike Palmer, from Manchester, and Andy Airey, from Cumbria, whose daughters Beth and Sophie also took their own lives.

Fathers United in Grief have captured the nation’s attention with their 300-mile charity walk in memory of their daughters and to raise awareness for the suicide prevention charity PAPYRUS.

Arts Academy East (AAE) said they have since been inspired to support them in their campaign and to celebrate the artistry of Miss Owen.

He will host a “creative marathon fundraiser” on January 25 in support of PAPYRUS, which will include painting and “clay throwing” sessions, where people can make their own pottery with step-by-step demonstrations.

Claire Frances Smith, Director of AAE, said: “We decided to call our event ‘Art for Life’ because it has a double meaning for us, a creative and fun event that promotes a charity that saves lives , and also highlights the importance of art in lifelong learning, well-being and society.”

The Art Academy East in Sprowston is hosting an ‘Art for Life’ event in memory of Emily Owen.
– Credit: Art Academy East

Mr Owen said: ‘Emily’s suicide has been totally devastating to her family, friends and colleagues.

“She simply had no idea how many lives she touched and now continues to make an impact through events like this.

“Em was such an amazing and talented artist, but she never believed her art would be featured and used to raise vital funds for PAPYRUS.”

Emily Owen’s portrait of Sir Ian McKellen, which she created while a student at Art Academy East.
– Credit: Art Academy East

Ged Flynn, chief executive of PAPYRUS, said the event is an “incredible example” of raising awareness of the vital support available and helping to engage young people.

Sessions will run throughout the day from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at AAE Studio in Sprowston. Tickets can be purchased from the AAE website at £35 per session.

For more information and to book a ticket, visit www.artacademyeast.co.uk/art-for-life

For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice contact PAPYRUS HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967 or email [email protected]