YOUNG artists from across Mid Devon are being celebrated following the success of the latest Kick Start Art project, which received an incredible 478 entries from local children.

The overall winner was Thea (Year 5) from Newton St Cyres Primary School, whose imaginative artwork stood out among an exceptionally high standard of entries.

Linda Williamson, who leads Kick Start Art, with a young winner and Venom Eyes by Y6 Landscore pupil Amelia.
Linda Williamson, who leads Kick Start Art, with a young winner and Venom Eyes by Y6 Landscore pupil Amelia. (Kick Start Art)
Mateo, the Kick Start Art Monster entry by Y8 pupil Evie.
Mateo, the Kick Start Art Monster entry by Y8 pupil Evie. (Kick Start Art)

Thea was presented with her prize by Crediton Mayor, Steve Huxtable, marking a special moment in recognising the creativity and talent of young people in the community.

In addition to the overall winner, 21 further winners from Crediton and its surrounding villages have been selected, highlighting the breadth of creativity across the area.

Nigel the Monster by Y5 Newton St Cyres pupil Daisy.
Nigel the Monster by Y5 Newton St Cyres pupil Daisy. (Kick Start Art)
A family of monsters by Newton St Cyres Primary School Reception.
A family of monsters by Newton St Cyres Primary School Reception. (Kick Start Art)

Linda Williamson, who leads Kick Start Art, said: “It’s been incredible to see the imagination and creativity from children across Crediton and the surrounding villages. What makes this project so special is that it brings together schools, families and the wider community to celebrate creativity in a really positive and inclusive way.

“We are so grateful to all the schools who have supported the project and encouraged their pupils to take part - it really has been a whole community effort. The new Padlet platform is helping us share that even more widely, and we’re really excited to see it continue to grow.”

Alongside the celebrations, Kick Start Art has launched a brand new online platform using Padlet, bringing the whole project together in one place.

Bean Bro by Y2 Cheriton Bishop pupil Lincoln.
Bean Bro by Y2 Cheriton Bishop pupil Lincoln. (Kick Start Art)

Families can explore a full exhibition gallery of all entries, organised by school, as well as access resources and updates about upcoming projects.

The platform can be viewed online or via the Padlet app, making it easy for families to engage with the project at home.

Octle, the Y6 Kick Start Art entry by Yeoford pupil Theo.
Octle, the Y6 Kick Start Art entry by Yeoford pupil Theo. (Kick Start Art)

Also newly launched are “Just for Fun” challenges, designed to keep children creating outside of school and continue that sense of creativity within the community.

Recently “Arty Eggs”, invited children to get creative over the Easter holidays.

Mountain-Toothed Sea Dragon by Y3 Sandford pupil Wilf.
Mountain-Toothed Sea Dragon by Y3 Sandford pupil Wilf. (Kick Start Art)
Gincko by Y3 Bow pupil Harvey.
Gincko by Y3 Bow pupil Harvey. (Kick Start Art)

Looking ahead, the next main Kick Start Art project for the summer term, “Cosmic Creations”, will encourage children to explore imaginative, space-inspired ideas.

The project continues to grow as a celebration of creativity, wellbeing and community. A selection of the winning artwork will be featured in a professionally produced book, and a roaming exhibition is planned to begin from May half term, allowing the wider community to enjoy the children’s work.

An image created by Y8 QE pupil Wren.
An image created by Y8 QE pupil Wren. (Kick Start Art)
The Colour Monster by Y6 Cheriton Fitzpaine pupil Erin and Babs the Creative Monster by Y4 Copplestone pupil Orla.
The Colour Monster by Y6 Cheriton Fitzpaine pupil Erin and Babs the Creative Monster by Y4 Copplestone pupil Orla. (Kick Start Art)

Kick Start Art is part of the wider work of the Crediton Heart Project supporting creativity and connection across the local area.

Sharpy by Y1 Sandford pupil Olivia and Orla by Y4 Spreyton pupil Olivia.
Sharpy by Y1 Sandford pupil Olivia and Orla by Y4 Spreyton pupil Olivia. (Kick Start Art)

Link for Padlet: padlet.com/nrm9fgt5hq/kick-start-art-home-page-sclrlbpqvje67rhg