I was amazed at the energy and creativity that our 13 young people shared with the Leeds Beckett University graphic design/ illustrator students on Thursday. They totally embraced the workshop prepared by the students and engaged wholeheartedly in the day. Smiles and laughter filled their art studio as our ACE pupils painted, chatted, posed for the camera and created.

The students introduced the colourful work of the artists Jean-Michel Basquiet, Jackson Pollock, Frida Khalo and Keith Haring for inspiration. Each group with their student worked together to design and then paint a door- exciting! Below are the designs that when combined made ‘Night and Day Cat Door’.

It was exciting to see the doors transform from a blank canvas to a cacophony of colour, pattern, shapes and images. There was freedom in their brushstrokes, splats, paintings and lettering. Handprints, rainbows, planets and stars, cats, oceans and hearts appeared from their imaginations.

In addition to working in their art studio, our young people had the opportunity to meet Ricky for a photo shoot! The blank door- with a brushstroke of pink- will be photoshopped with their door painted on the day. Ricky just knew how to alleviate nerves and shyness by sharing his camera with each team and letting them have a go at taking a picture of their friends.

Lunchtime was an opportunity to recharge batteries and play.

The afternoon session was an opportunity for our young people to listen to the students talk about their inspirations (pattern at a market, bacteria, parts of a shoe, planets, sun….) and appreciate their artwork.

The final part of our exciting day was to draw onto the doors in order to highlight, add features and emphasise certain parts. Barnaby definitely worked in the style of Jean- Michel Basquiat and embraced Jackson Pollock, whereas Keith Harding’s black outline inspired ‘Night and Day Cat door’ and ‘The Rainbow Creative Colourful door’.

Thank you to Abi, Charlotte, Husna, Natalie, Josh, Maisie, Hollie and Ricky for your planning and preparation of the workshops, for providing aprons with the ‘Room 17’ logo that protected clothes and the gift of the ‘Room 17’ tote bag. Your presentations inspired, your conversations encouraged and your presence motivated our13 pupils. Their excitement and enjoyment of the day was shared with Mrs Stott on their return to school.