AS part of their year nine coursework, students at Teesdale School were asked to design a poster depicting an animal on the endangered species list, in the style of German expressionist painter Franz Marc.
The project, the brainchild of art and photography teacher Kelly Hewitson, asked students to imagine London Zoo had commissioned them to create the artwork.
However, behind the scenes Miss Hewitson decided to give them a little surprise.
“I decided to get in touch with London Zoo to see if they would be interested in running a competition for real,” said Miss Hewitson.
And they were. In fact the judging panel at London Zoo were so impressed with the level of entries they have decided to reproduce the artwork of ten winning finalists.
The artwork will be made into postcards and sold in gift shops at both London and Whipsnape Zoos to help raise funds for the conservation of animals.
The ten winning finalists, who can’t wait to see their artwork on sale are Abigail Tatchley, a wolf; Amelia Dupuy, an eagle; Amy Clayton, an Elephant; Beth Garrett, a sea turtle; Harriet Morris, a panda; Jess Hodgeson, a rhino; Johnny Hosey, a sloth; Kirsty McLachlan, spix’s macaw; Lucy Davis, tiger and Megan Dowson, a giraffe.
“They are producing a limited number of postcards to begin with,” said Miss Hewitson. “They may produce more, but will see how they sell. All the students have worked incredibly hard and we’re all thrilled.”
