My recent call out for children's and young people’s art has given me new hope for the future of our next generation of talented and enthusiastic artists.

Working in education for many years I despaired at the lack of interest schools and other establishments showed the importance of creativity amongst children.

I know from experience growing up in the 50s and 60s those of us who wanted to pursue a future in art were almost scoffed at and told we would never make anything of ourselves. Of course, it wasn`t everyone who had this outlook but certainly in my all-girls grammar school where we were all expected to go on to study a key subject at university. Art school / college was a forbidden taboo.

When, as an art teacher, I had the luxury of an art room for a year, I used a wall to display how the world was an open book of opportunities for artists. It wasn't just a painting on a wall. I hoped it would inspire those children to follow their dreams and not be beaten down by the system of tests and exams, the curriculum and other obstacles put in their way. This was in a primary school and why I continue to promote, showcase and encourage children as young as four and five to look to their future as artists.

I Love Aeroplanes by Nathan 5yrs

Let us consider the openings in art by way of a typical day in a person's life
Getting dressed: fashion/ textile designer,
Breakfast: ceramic designer/potter, advertising (labels on products)
Preparing to leave the house: make-up artist, outerwear designer, milliner, shoe and handbag / leather bag designer
Buildings: architect, murals, stonemason
Transport: car/ bike design
Magazines: covers/adverts
Books: Illustrators/graphic designers

These are a small portion of opportunities out there to explore. Everywhere we look art plays a part in all our lives.

The students I come across and teach all have their favourite medium. Some prefer real hands-on tactile materials such as clay and collage work. Others the finer intricate use of a pen or thin brush.

Two of my students are already excellent graphic artists with their interest in Japanese manga drawings. Although only nine years old I have high hopes of them enjoying a career as possible magazine or film set designers.

Some of the children love making pots and sculptures out of clay. Perhaps they are the Clarice Cliffs or Barbara Hepworths of the future. Who knows?

I appreciate teachers are stretched to cover many subjects, and as it has always been since my time in the 50s and 60s, the emphasis has been to secure a good background in maths, English and other 'key' subjects. However, I think we must all agree when Covid hit the world art came to the fore as an important saviour of our mental health seeing both children and adults through those difficult times. Many schools and families have kept the vibe going and supported each other, encouraging their children to maintain their interests and talents. I have been delighted to see adults and families coming together to 'do art' finding it a therapeutic relief from the stress and fast pace of everyday life.

Please continue to forward children`s art (4yrs to 18yrs) to me via Curatorspace (Children`s Art Call Out) or via my email purplegrandma48@gmail.com.