Gallery at Danby, near Whitby, hosts 'mini masterpieces' by Castleton and Glaisdale youngsters

The ‘mini masterpieces’ are part of a competition organised by Ady Wright, owner of Ady Wright Fine Art in Whitby.

Seventy eight pupils were set the challenge of creating a tiny piece of art on a canvas, using any materials they wanted.

The finished canvases can now be seen in the gallery which frequently exhibits some of the most sought-after artists and photographers in the region.

Visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite artwork, with awards presented to students in each age category at each school (4-7 years and 8-11).

Ady, from Glaisdale, said: "We've recently moved our Whitby gallery to bigger premises in Flowergate and are looking forward to working more closely with the community.

“With Christmas just around the corner, we thought it might be a nice idea to try this competition with a couple of local schools and are thrilled that our friends at the North York Moors National Park have offered their gallery space at short notice to display the work.

“It's where my career as an artist was launched, so it's wonderful to have them onboard with this."

Sally Ann Smith, curator of the Inspired by… gallery, said: “It has been such a privilege to see the development of Ady’s career over the last few years and we are delighted to be working with him to host this fantastic Christmas competition.

“Visitors to the gallery can’t help but smile when they see the thought and effort that has gone into these designs. Christmas should be about bringing joy, and these children, along with Ady, have certainly brought joy to Danby Lodge.”

The mini masterpieces are on display until Sunday January 15.

Danby Lodge National Park Centre is open daily from 10.30am to 4pm until Tuesday 3 January (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).

After January 3, it is open weekends only until February 12.

Also on display at the gallery this Christmas is Ukrainian artist Tetiana Mokrik, a self-taught painter who has had to leave her home and studio in Mariupol due to the ongoing conflict.