Paintings by two Prep School pupils have been chosen from 2,500 entries to receive prizes in a charity calendar painting competition.
Elizabeth Lane, (Year 6) and Francesca Mather (Year3) submitted paintings inspired by one of the months of the year, with explanations as to why they found that month so appealing.
Francesca, aged six, created a vibrant forest for May “because it is springtime. New leaves are growing on the trees. The forest is becoming very colourful.” Judges declared her entry the runner-up for that month.
Elizabeth, aged 10, painted a striking giant black cat silhouetted against tree branches in a glowing mist for October, “because Halloween is creepy.” Her picture was chosen as the winner for that month and appears in the calendar, which is now for sale.
Each year all primary school-aged children from the Yorkshire and Humber region are invited to enter the annual Children’s Charity Calendar painting competition, which is run by Leeds-based commercial law firm Walker Morris and is now in its 25th year.
All proceeds from sales of the calendar go to Martin House Hospice Care for Children and Young People. Martin House provides family-led care for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions across West, North and East Yorkshire, as well as supporting their families throughout the life of their child, and in bereavement
David Smedley, Chairman of the Partners at Walker Morris, said: “This year’s presentation ceremony was a fantastic celebration of the wealth of talent and ability from our region’s school children! I would like to say thank you to all of the entrants to the competition for their efforts and for taking the time to enter. Many congratulations to this year’s winners and runners-up whose paintings are extremely impressive. As a firm, we are extremely proud of the calendar, the money it raises and the support it provides for Martin House. I hope that the children’s artwork brings a smile to everyone’s faces for 2020!”
Elizabeth and the other winners were each presented with their picture framed, a certificate, art material hamper and calendars. Francesca and the other runners-up received their framed picture, a certificate, acrylic paint set and calendars. The School received a cheque for £250, which will be spent on craft materials for art.
Sarah Green, Art Teacher at Pocklington Prep School, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Elizabeth and Francesca and we are very proud of them. We celebrate imagination and creativity across the school and the prize money will be used to continue to inspire our pupils to express themselves through art in all its forms.”
Calendars are now on sale for £6.00 with all monies raised going to Martin House. They are available to buy online from Martin House here.
