In celebration of the Month of The Military Child (April 2024), a special workshop unfolded recently at Risedale School, North Yorkshire. Led by Angela Campbell and the Service Children's Champion's team, the event aimed to spotlight military children's remarkable strength and resilience while showcasing the work of talented local artist Lucy Pittaway.

100 Service children, 100 canvases from 10 schools across North Yorkshire participated in the unique art project. They recreated small, abstract elements from Lucy's artwork on individual canvases. These canvases have been assembled into a powerful piece featuring flowers and imagery embodying the spirit of military children.

This collaborative masterpiece was displayed at the Service Children's Awards at Tennants, Leyburn, and will be at the Service of Remembrance at Ripon Cathedral in November. Plans are afoot to showcase the finished "masterpiece" in our York gallery during summer.

"It was a wonderful afternoon filled with stories, laughter, and a chance for the children to reflect on their unique strengths," shared Mrs Johnson.

More information about Service Children can be found on their dedicated website page Risedale School.

A huge thank you to all the children and young people who contributed and to the lovely school staff who made this happen.