Young artists from around the county will be letting their imaginations run wild whilst creating works of art inspired by the bestselling children's book ‘The Gruffalo' by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Published to acclaim in 1999, this tale of a resourceful mouse's ‘stroll through the deep dark wood', the animals he meets and his encounter with the cowardly Gruffalo - he of the ‘terrible tusks, terrible claws, and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws' - has proved an enduring classic.
Designed to inspire and celebrate young artists' imaginations, The York & Area Pre-School Art Competition is being hosted by Terrington Hall School.
All entries will be on display at the school on Saturday 19 May 2012 when acclaimed Yorkshire-born artist and sculptor, and former Head of the York School of Art and Design Robert Brumby will present prizes for the most imaginative entries. The fun-filled morning will include face-painting, craft activities and refreshments.
Robert Brumby said: 'I look forward with great interest to judging the entries for this competition. Young children have an extraordinary capacity for artistic endeavour and it is educationally enriching for them to be given every opportunity for free creative expression of their imagination.'
Entries are welcomed from pre-school children aged two to four. Each child's work will be considered and prizes totalling £120 awarded to the leading young artists at ages two, three and four and to the nurseries or playgroups they attend.
For the best overall entry from across all age-groups, a prize totalling £225 will be awarded to the child and their nursery or playgroup. There will also be ten £10 prizes for highly commended artists.
The prizes have been donated by local businesses Jackson-Stops and Staff, R Yates & Sons, Ray Chapman Motors, Rodgers of York and Terrington Hall School.
Terrington Hall headmaster Jon Glen said: ‘I am looking forward to viewing the entries for what I hope will be an annual event. We are thrilled that Robert Brumby has agreed to judge the competition and look forward to welcoming the competitors and their families to a fun-filled family morning on Saturday 19 May to view all the entries on display.'
Nurseries, playgroups and individuals wishing to take part should contact Terrington Hall School on 01653 648227 for an application form. Closing date for entry is Friday 16 March 2012. Closing date for receipt of artwork is Friday 30 March 2012.
