Hi, my name is Jane Grainger and I am the District Co-cordinator for the SP8 of the Art Foundation in North Yorkshire.

I work part-time as an art teacher in two primary schools and I have recently been developing an art project for children in my local area. We have already organised gallery visits, holiday workshops and we work with the very young through our local Children’s Centre.

I have always been into art of all different types. I grew up, like many more of my generation, watching Tony Hart on television. The ‘Gallery’ of pictures sent in by viewers always inspired me and I often used to go off and create something of my own. When I had my 3 children I was delighted to see that Mark Speight was continuing the good work on SMart and SMarteenies.

One thing I have learned from teaching art to primary age children is how enthusiastic they all are about making things. Whether they prefer to work in 2 or 3 dimensions, most children love to get their hands on (and in!) paint and some like to build sculptures.

At my Thursday Art Club I have some children who like nothing more than to construct things from cardboard tubes and boxes! Someone else likes to make her own books. One thing all young artists have in common is the love of creating something.

My aim in my area is to create lots opportunities for children from 0 upwards to take part in as many different types of artistic experiences as possible. I am looking forward to working with SP8 of the Art to find more young artists in North Yorkshire.

Jane