dot-art Schools

dot-art Schools inter-school art competition is already a well-established fixture in the academic calendar for many Liverpool City Region schools as it is now in its seventh year. Due to its success and a partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, a parallel programme was also launched in 2017 for Cheshire West & Chester, Cheshire East and Warrington schools. Since its inception almost 7000 students from 398 schools have taken part.

Following a rigorous selection process dot-art Schools can reveal the winners and runners up in both age groups primary (Year 5) and secondary (Year 9) students.

Primary Overall Winner –Finn Gilding of Acton Academy for ‘Colourful Birds’ watercolour 

Primary Runner Up – Zach Thompson of Barrow CE Primary School for ‘Greek Art 5’ oil pastel drawing 

Primary Runner Up – Neve Horne of Kelsall Primary School for ‘Mackerel 4’ mixed media drawing 

Secondary Overall Winner – Megan Thomason of Beamont Collegiate Academy for ‘Alleyway’ painting 

Secondary Runner Up – Li Zhi Potts of Bridgewater High School for ‘Flower Power’ mixed media zine 

Secondary Runner Up – Mary Smith of Hartford CoE High School for ‘Matilda’ painting on card 

Participating schools initially submitted up to 25 pieces of art created by Year 5 or Year 9 students, which are then featured on the dot-art Schools website. The shortlisting panel is made up of arts professionals including international artist Ryan Gander, Chester based artist Kaety Moon of Woodhouse Studio and Dr Caroline Wilkinson Director of LJMU Liverpool School of Art & Design, who select their top three entries from each school. The public were then encouraged to vote online for their favourite piece of work with the entry from each school with most votes featuring in the final exhibition.

The overall winners and runners-up for both primary and secondary categories were chosen by respected guest judge Una Meehan of University of Chester and announced at special prize-giving ceremony attended by the Lord Mayor of Chester Cllr Mark Williams, teachers, students and their families.