Primary School Winner has a ‘splashing’ time at the MAC

Danny’s artwork, My Cool Pool, was inspired by world-renowned artist David Hockney’s splash pool series, which was featured in MAC exhibition I draw, I do in 2016.

The lucky P6 pupil had the chance to see his winning artwork exhibited in the MAC last week. Danny also won an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the MAC and a special creative workshop for his whole class to enjoy. The winning artwork was chosen from over 1200 entries by primary school children across Northern Ireland. The response from primary school children has been overwhelming with 12 winning masterpieces selected in the sixth year of the Northern Ireland-wide competition.

Danny, a P6 pupil from Holywood Primary School was inspired to create the winning piece after his class visited the David Hockney exhibition I draw, I do at the MAC in September 2016. When speaking about his work, Danny said “When I grow up, I would like my house to be like this.” All 12 winning masterpieces are currently framed and displayed in the MAC – the Masterpiece for the MAC exhibition is now open to the public.

Clare Lawlor, Learning and Participation Officer at the MAC, said: “The MAC is committed to the pursuit of excellence in all forms of art and encouraging young talent is a vital part of our work and we are delighted with the response which saw a great number of entries from all over Northern Ireland.”

“The quality of the entries in this year’s competition has hugely impressed us and we would like to congratulate all the winners on their success in a very competitive year. It is inspiring to see so many young children get more involved and more creative with their school art activities.”

The Masterpiece for the MAC exhibition will run until 30 April.