Merseyside Schools exhibit work at Walker Art Gallery

The creative talents of young artists from across Merseyside were celebrated at a special awards ceremony organized by dot-art, which took place in the opulent Concert Room at St George’s Hall.

The award ceremony recognized the outstanding achievements of the winners in the dot-art Schools art competition, a program supported by their key partner, Edge Hill University. The competition attracted a wide range of participants, encompassing year 5 students from primary schools and year 9 pupils from secondary schools, representing more than 90 schools across the Liverpool City Region and its surrounding areas.

Following the awards ceremony, the winning artworks from these gifted young artists have been curated into an exhibition at Liverpool’s prestigious Walker Art Gallery. This showcase serves as a testament to the participants’ artistic prowess, creativity, and dedication, providing a platform for their work to be appreciated by a broader audience.

The exhibition at Walker Art Gallery runs from 6 June to 7 July 2024, and entry is free.

The winners are:

Primary

1. Overall Primary Winner is “I’m not afraid of the dark” by Darcey Haigh of Monksdown Primary School
2. First runner-up is “Nellie” by Betsy C of Dovedale Primary School
3. Second runner-up is “The Northern Forest” by S. McGinley of Co-op Academy Hillside

Secondary

1. Overall Secondary Winner is “Roses are red, violets are blue” by Mia McKeever of Weatherhead High School
2. First runner-up is “Azure Leaves” by Ciel Faulkner of St Julie’s Catholic High School
3. Second runner-up is “Calderstones Park” by Natalie Caldwell of Bellerive FCJ Catholic College

The awards were shortlisted by an expert panel which included James Murphy, who won the inaugural dot-art Schools competition in 2013 and currently serves as the Director of Event Horizon video production. He was joined by celebrated sculptor Faith Bebbington, Alice Demba, Young People and Adults Lead at National Museums Liverpool, Louise Hesketh, Programmes Manager for Networks & Partnerships at Curious Minds, and Professor Matthew Pateman, who leads the Department of English & Creative Arts at Edge Hill University. The shortlisted entries from all the schools then went to an online public vote.

Carolyn Murray, dot-art Schools project manager, said:

“Over the years, we’ve witnessed the incredible growth and impact of this competition, and the joy it brings to everyone involved – from the young artists themselves to their proud parents, guardians, and educators. The enthusiasm and dedication displayed by these talented individuals serve as a testament to the importance of nurturing creativity and self-expression from a young age. We are honoured to play a role in fostering their artistic journeys and providing a platform for their voices to be heard and celebrated.”

Lucy Johnson, Head of Art Gallery Exhibitions at National Museums Liverpool, said:

“We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible talent, creativity, and dedication of these young artists at Walker Art Gallery. The diverse range of artworks on display showcases their boundless imagination and their ability to convey deep emotions through their artworks.

By providing a platform for these emerging artists to share their unique perspectives with the world, we hope to inspire them to continue pursuing their artistic passions and to believe in the power of their creative voice. Supporting and nurturing these young talents is not only an investment in their future but also in the future of the art world as a whole.”

Dr Helen O’Keeffe, Associate Dean in the Faculty of Education, said:

“Through our amazing partnership with dot-art, we’ve been able to champion the importance of arts education, creativity, and children’s mental well-being in schools across the region. These are all fundamental aspects of our curriculum at the University. I urge everyone to visit the exhibition and witness firsthand the young artists’ incredible talent and creativity.”

Established back in 2012, dot-art Schools’ impact has grown each year, with over 700 schools participating to date, and almost 12,000 young artists having entered their artwork.

Find more information on the Walker Art Gallery website.

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