Young artists had a unique and inspiring opportunity this Easter holiday at Risedale School, as they collaborated with renowned artist Mackenzie Thorpe for the "Seeds of Love" Family Art Day. Held on Tuesday 8th April, the event saw Service Children and young people create individual hearts that will collectively form the "Seeds of Love: Hearts of Strength" sculpture, planned for the heart of the new Catterick Garrison town centre redevelopment.

The highly anticipated workshop provided a platform for young talent to contribute to a significant piece of public art. Each participating child had the chance to paint and decorate a large resin heart under the guidance of Mackenzie Thorpe himself. This hands-on experience allowed them to not only express their creativity but also to become an integral part of a lasting community landmark.

The day was filled with artistic energy and excitement. Attendees were thrilled to meet Mackenzie Thorpe, gaining invaluable insights and inspiration from the celebrated artist. In addition to the heart-making activity, the young participants engaged in a range of creative workshops led by Thunkit Theatre, the Service Children's Community Choir, and NY Voice. These sessions offered a diverse exploration of artistic mediums, fostering collaboration and self-expression.

A huge shout-out goes to our fantastic local Service Children's Champion, Angela Campbell, and the wonderful team at PT Childcare for their brilliant organisation of this inspiring event! A massive thank you also to the Site Team at Risedale School for their invaluable support and for hosting this memorable day. Finally, a special thank you to our dedicated Service Children's Advocate, Mrs Johnson, for her support during the event and for capturing all the wonderful memories through her photographs!

A message from the artist, Mackenzie Thorpe.

“Hi Everyone,

What can a child teach you? 

Yesterday, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, I had the privilege of working with 100 service children on a truly inspiring project. We were painting cast resin hearts (part of a sculpture to be unveiled in 2026), each child expressing themselves not through portraits, but through feelings and the universal message of 'sharing love with the world.' It was a day filled with colour and imagination.

As I watched these young artists approach their work with open minds, their confidence in making marks and expressing themselves creatively was nothing short of inspiring. The children were amazing—chatty, enthusiastic, and completely unhindered by any self-doubt about their artistic abilities. It reminded me of the raw, authentic expression that art can bring out in all of us.

I can't help but feel a deep admiration for the fearless creativity the children showed. It’s a reminder of the power of art to connect us and to express what words sometimes cannot.”

Seeds of Love: Family Art Day