Year 3 pupil at Ecchinswell and Sydmonton Primary school Jayden Gill received an unexpected surprise by winning the prestigious Open Studios West Berks and North Hants Education Award 2024 for a painting he produced after visiting the artists exhibition in May.
A surprise presentation took place during the school’s celebration assembly on Friday.
Open Studios artists Tracey Larkin and Jill Hobbs delighted the assembly by announcing the award and presenting Jayden with his prize of high-quality postcards of his artwork produced and donated by Kingsclere Design and Print.
The event, organised by assistant headteacher Emma Hartley, was kept a secret until the very last moment, adding to the excitement of the occasion.
Jayden’s winning depiction of the portrait Jack the Lad by artist Jill Hobbs was carefully produced after his class visited the flagship INSIGHT exhibition at The Base in Greenham.
mpu1
His attention to detail and joyful enthusiasm has earned him this esteemed recognition.
The competition was supported by Newbury Spring Festival, which funded and produced the workbooks used by students from all across Berkshire and North Hants and driven by the education committee for Open Studios.
Jill Hobbs said that the late Pat Eastop, the founder of Open Studios in the late 1980s and its chair for 26 years, would have been especially proud of this achievement as she had lived and worked in Ecchinswell and served as the chair of governors for the school, leaving a legacy of passion and enthusiasm for art that continues to inspire the pupils today.
Jayden, beaming with pride, expressed his desire to become an artist when he grows up. Jill and Tracey, affirming his talent, assured him that he already was an artist and to follow his dreams.