More than 1,000 local children take part in successful community art project with artist, Mackenzie Thorpe

A community art project spearheaded by Yarm School and internationally acclaimed Teesside artist Mackenzie Thorpe has successfully inspired and involved more than 1,000 children from across Stockton-on-Tees.

The ‘You and I’ clay project, delivered in collaboration with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Jacksons, united pupils from 22 schools across the borough in a collaborative initiative that encouraged creativity and community engagement through a series of hands-on workshops.

Inspired by Mackenzie Thorpe and working alongside Rachel Shepherd, art lead at Yarm Prep School, and Jessica Jenyns, local artist, the children each created an individual clay figure representing themselves. The finished sculptures were brought together at a public installation at the new Stockton Waterfront Urban Park.

The successful delivery of the project marks the culmination of two years of collaboration between schools, teachers and community partners, giving young people the opportunity to contribute to a shared piece of public art while developing their creative skills and confidence.

Dr Huw Williams, headmaster at Yarm School, said: “We are immensely proud to have led a project that has supported the artistic expression of so many children from across Stockton, engaging them with the redevelopment of their town centre. The enthusiasm shown by the pupils has been incredible, and the finished installation is a wonderful reflection of their creativity and the power of working together as a community.”

Mackenzie Thorpe said: “I asked the children to express themselves and make their sculptures original and unique. They embraced that challenge brilliantly and created pieces full of imagination and personality.”

Rachel Shepherd, art lead at Yarm Prep School, said: “It has been incredible to see this huge project come together in the children’s own community. Each sculpture tells a child’s beautiful story and shows us just how vital creativity is in their education and life. Mackenzie Thorpe loved them so much, he’s hosting them in his gallery in September!”