CHILDREN’S ART FOR THE HERRIOT HOSPICE

We at The Arts Society Hambleton and five local primary schools have handed over thirty pictures produced by the year six pupils, to the refurbished Herriot Hospice at the Lambert.

This inspiring initiative was led by our secretary, Liz Foster, bringing together her love of the arts, her career in primary education and her work over the past 12 years with those facing terminal illness. The schoolwork was launched in June this year and involved local primary schools, Alanbrooke, Carlton Minniot, Knayton, Sowerby and Topcliffe. The objective was that the children would be inspired by art sessions, sufficient to produce uplifting pictures for the walls of the public spaces of the Hospice.

The chosen theme was local scenes and animals in honour of our own James Herriot, globally selling author and local vet. This was organised by the Society in collaboration with the teachers and the Hospice. The children focussed on art in several lessons in their classrooms.  Nine volunteers from the Art Society, with art expertise and experience, went into each school for several sessions to support the local teachers. The work of Yorkshire Artists, David Hockney and Lucy Pittaway inspired the children as they began their sketches and developed their skills.  Using quality art paper and pastels supplied by the Arts Society, the children produced their pictures. Each school then selected the ‘best’ work to go forward for the final selection.

The 136 pupils involved took to the challenge and loved working with the materials provided by the Society. This was reflected by teachers’ comments:

• “What a fantastic opportunity for the children to give something back to the community, they thoroughly enjoyed doing the art. It was fabulous to get the extra resources which can now be used in school for other projects” Teacher
• “The children really engaged, even those who don’t like school, they wanted to really do their best and are excited about their work being on public display” Teacher

From the 30 pictures submitted, twelve in total were selected for enlargement. These were then carefully recreated by the children into larger format A2 size pictures.

Funded by our Society, all thirty finished pictures were framed by Lucy Pittaway’s framer and now adorn the walls of the Hospice public spaces. The remaining children’s images  can be seen on a rotating digital display in the Hospice’s community hub and reception area.

When the 30 pictures were framed and hung, the Hospice opened its doors so that these art works could be seen in place  by the public. The results have exceeded all expectations which is reflected by the visitors’ book comments; -

• “Wonderful artwork from outstanding children.  This is an outstanding facility to have in Thirsk”
• “A beautiful display of well-crafted art. Amazing for Year 6. Creates a lovely ambience”
• “Such amazing artwork. Such a vibrant experience  A real joy to see”
• “Beautiful artwork, so well displayed.   Very uplifting”
• “Stunning artwork.  Really does have the same vibe as a roomful of Hockneys”

There was a formal handover of the art works to the Hospice from the Arts Society and the schools. Representatives of all organisations involved were represented along with invited guests and of course the selected schoolchildren and their parents   Peter Wright the current channel 5 “Yorkshire Vet” and Ambassador for the Hospice who was also present said “The whole event was excellent and the quality of exhibits outstanding. It is a wonderful project bringing the community together- young and old.”

Liz Foster, Arts Society and project leader thanked everyone involved and said “This has been a fitting example of the Arts Society’s purpose to promote art in the local community.  Hopefully this is not the end, but the beginning of a continuing relationship between schools, their pupils and families supporting a much needed and worthy local charity.”

• Steve Crocker, Headteacher of Carlton Miniott Primary Academy throughout the project, said “Given the offer of support for a school’s art project, I jumped at the chance and asked other Heads to join in.” He said that he was impressed with how the methods used engaged all the pupils adding: “Sometimes we underestimate the skills of our children, but the quality of the results was so high.  A colleague told me, it was a delight that pupils came to her office to proudly show their creations instead of being in trouble!”
• Gemma Umpleby, Director Strategy & Development, Hospice, received the pictures and thanked everyone so much especially the children “… who from Year 6 have produced such a positive and uplifting impact on our space.  A comfort to families facing a most testing time in their lives ”

Having obtained a £1500 grant from HQ we more than matched that sum to pay for the quality paper and pastels of the pupils and the framing of the chosen works   As Chair, Michelle Wallace said  “Part of our society’s ethos is to promote and support worthy community projects.  This one is a truly outstanding and uplifting example, which has involved nearly 200 people and touched many more - now and into the future.”

Below Gemma (Hospice), Steve (Headmaster) Peter, ("Yorkshire Vet"} Liz (Arts Society) and Lily with her fablous fox - then some of the other winning  works with their proud artists