Students create Christmas designs for sharing in community

Elsa and Connie, Christmas card design winners.

Students at Richmond School and Sixth Form College have pooled their artistic talents to create a collection of Christmas designs which will be shared with the local community during the festive period.

Their artwork is adorning Richmond Library, Tesco at Catterick Garrison, as well as a dedicated display area at The Station.

In addition, ten of the designs have been made into Christmas cards and have been sent to staff and residents at care homes in Richmond.

The students created their artwork in response to a competition to design the school’s Christmas card, as well as the official card for Cllr Clive World, chairman of Richmondshire District Council.

With over 100 entries, from Year 7, 8 and 9 students, the judges were spoilt for choice to select the two winning designs.

Connie Lord’s reindeer in the snow displayed such close attention to detail and was chosen for the school’s card, with Cllr Lord selecting Elsa Wright’s beautiful robin for his design.

Both designs were commended for their individuality and tremendous visual appeal.

Ten designs were chosen to create Christmas cards for all the residents and staff at The Terrace, Nightingale Hall, Greyfriars and Queens Court.

These were produced and printed at school and delivered to the care homes and sheltered accommodation, with The Terrace and Nightingale Hall also receiving further artwork to display in communal areas.

Headteacher Jenna Potter said: “The standard of our students’ designs was exceptionally high and it is lovely for their artwork to be recognised by sharing their designs in the community for members of the public to see.

“We are acutely aware that for people in care homes it is a very challenging time and we hope the residents and staff will enjoy receiving cards from our students.”

Julie Sutherland, community champion at Tesco, said: “I was blown away when I saw the students’ Christmas pictures, they are outstanding and we are delighted to be able to display them. They really brighten up the store and bring a smile to our customers’ faces when they visit us.”

Jenny Rasbeary, gallery co-ordinator at The Station, added: “‘The Station prides itself on supporting local artists and so it is with great pleasure that we have been able to give this opportunity to so many local students.

“The partnership between Richmond School and ourselves has meant we are able to display designs of Christmas cards from emerging artists from Richmond itself.

“Many have a local theme that I am sure our visitors will appreciate and bring them some Christmas cheer. In such difficult times, we are so pleased that we have still been able to go ahead with this exhibition.”