Monday 22 June 2009
26,000 young people compete for this year's prize
More than 26,000 children have entered this year's Young Pavement Artists Competition, raising thousands of pounds to help people living with muscle disease.
Award-winning writer and broadcaster Miranda Sawyer, Tania Hore who has muscular dystrophy, graphic artist Supermundane and artist Suzi Winstanley were among the prestigious panel of judges who had the hard task of choosing which budding artists were winners in their age groups, plus overall winners.
Miranda Sawyer, said:
All the judges were impressed with the competition because the quality of the work was high, dynamic, inspiring - we all had our different favourites. We feel the winners encapsulated the theme of endangered species and pavement art...
Throughout the academic year 26,000 children and young people age four to 19 entered the competition. Playgrounds, pathways and home patios came to life with a blaze of chalk drawings all of which interpreted this year's chosen theme - endangered species.
The overall winner will see their drawing produced as a giant poster in the National Geographic Kids Magazine and featured in Anorak - the happy magazine for kids.
The Mark Speight Originality Prize winner receives a family expedition to watch the grey whale migration in Canada, courtesy of Earthwatch.
All winners and runners-up in each age category will receive prizes including an exclusive tour of the Natural History Museum by scientists and a canvas of their artwork, courtesy of Tesco.
The awards ceremony will be held on 9 July at the Natural History Museum.