The Ashmolean is exhibiting 500 works of art created by Oxfordshire school children in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.
Schools across the county have submitted almost two thousand of their pupil’s paintings into this annual competition hosted by Young Art Oxford, based on the theme ‘Dreams’.
A judging panel selected 500 entries to be exhibited at the prestigious Ashmolean Museum, with prizes going to first, second, third in each of the four age categories from Reception to Year 9.
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The judges include Korky Paul, illustrator of the Winnie the Witch series, Dr Sarah Simblet, Professor of Drawing at The Ruskin Art School, Annie Sloane, artist and local business woman and Ted Dewan, writer and illustrator of children’s books.
Young Art Oxford was founded in 2008 with the concept of children helping other children. Since the organisation has raised more than £150,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity to date.
The organisation’s annual exhibition offers young, aspiring artists the chance to have their work judged by well-known professionals and artists and to exhibit at the Ashmolean Museum.
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Funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital have been raised via entry fees and this will be further boosted via donations and sales of prints at the exhibition, which is free to enter between May 12 and 14.
Chairman of Young Art Oxford Paula Wallace said: “It is wonderful to be able to encourage children to showcase their creativity while also fundraising for a truly deserving cause.
“After a gap due to the pandemic we are delighted, Young Art Oxford is returning to the Ashmolean Museum. The quality of work submitted has always been fantastic and this year is no exception. We would like to thank all our sponsors and supporters for their incredible generosity, particularly our principal sponsor Sporn Construction.”
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A spokesperson for the Ashmolean said: “We are looking forward to welcoming back Young Art Oxford to the Ashmolean to host their exhibition. It’s always exciting to see the broad range of artistic talent we have amongst young people in Oxfordshire on display, and hope that the museum provides further inspiration to all those who entered.”
All the money raised goes directly to Great Ormond Street Hospital. Donations can be made on the day, or online via the JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/young-art-oxford
Admission to the exhibition is free, however, tickets are required for the launch and prize giving ceremony between 5.30pm and 8.30pm on May 12.
On May 13 and May 14, the exhibit will be open between 10:00am and 5pm.
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