HUNDREDS of creative county schoolchildren are to have their work displayed in the galleries at Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum.

Pupils from 46 primary schools in the county sent more than 3,400 entries into an art competition with the theme the natural world.

Arts organisation Young Art Oxford then whittled the entries down to those created by 525 children.

They are soon to be judged by children’s illustrator Korky Paul, Radiohead bassist Colin Greenwood, museum director Professor Christopher Brown, and graphic artist Sarah Simblet.

Young Art Oxford chairwoman Belinda Hanson: “It was very difficult for the judges who had to chose.

“We are also very proud of the mix of state school pupils and public school pupils this year, which has been great. The theme has inspired some amazing artwork. We have had birds, flowers and lots of landscapes too.

“There was one picture of a penguin diving into the water, which is stunning. The exhibition is very energetic and we can’t wait for the children to come along and see it with their friends and parents.

“Kids who do well academically or in sports tend to get a lot of recognition in school, but creative ones don’t always get very much.

“So I hope this gives them more confidence to carry on making art.”

A first, second and third prize will be awarded in each of the three categories, which include ages three to four, five to six and seven to nine.

Winners will have their art framed by Covered Market company Covered Arts & Framing Services and will be given art materials, as well as books donated by Oxford University Press.

Each child has paid one pound to enter and paintings will be on sale for a donation.

Money raised will be given to Cancer Research UK and spent on research into childhood cancers.

The event first started seven years ago and has raised £42,000 in total for the cause since then.

  • A private viewing for the winners will take place on Tuesday, May 6, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. The exhibition will take place in the Beaumont Street museum on May 6, 7 and 8.