Where Did All the Animals Go? Exhibition Preview

Where Did All the Animals Go? An Exhibition of North East School Children's Drawings Working with Artist, Jane Lee McCracken 

20 June - 22 July, Thought Foundation, Birtley, DH3 2TB

The culmination of 6 months work, visiting 5 schools, working with over 400 children and Thursday's preview at Thought Foundation​ was amazing! Meet some of the brilliant young artist's and their inspirational teachers as well as a selection of images of their awesome drawings:

Isabel, Yr 6 Bexhill Primary School with her great white shark

Kate Tooley Yr 6, St Oswald's RC Primary School with her Foss

Drawings of species from Oceania and Asia by Mortimer Primary School and RGS, Newcastle

Drawings of African Species by children from Jarrow Cross Primary School

Two of the most special moments of the evening were seeing these talented youngsters faces light up when they saw their animal drawing displayed in the gallery or appear on the massive screen projection for their families to see - also watching everyone take time to read the vulnerable species information labels accompanying each drawing. Priceless!

Ava from St Mary Magdalen RCVA Primary who drew a common hedgehog, with her family at the Preview

Thought Foundation gallery space with large screening of catalogue of exhibition drawings

A heartfelt thank you to all who came last night, all who participated in this project, to Christine Egan-Fowler and Linda Peacock inspirational teachers who came up with the idea of the exhibition, Thought Foundation for providing such an amazing venue, Born Free Foundation​ for your tireless support throughout the project, fabulous teachers from all five schools, our amazing sponsors Royal Grammar School, Newcastle upon Tyne​, Big Local Central Jarrow​ and Mortimer Primary School, adults and children who created drawings for the Community Wall, friends and family who helped, particularly my husband Robert Lee​ for his support over the last six months, Lily for enduring not spending as much time with me and of course the biggest thank you goes to the children and the wildlife. I couldn't have done it without your enthusiasm, talent and dedication to this project, you're the best! It has been a pleasure and a privilege working with you all.

Sara Punshon Arts Co-ordinator St Mary Magdalen RCVA Primary

Thank you also for the kind gifts and cards for which I am most grateful for xx