All Hallows School in Cranmore recently launched an invitation to 40 local nurseries, pre-schools and play groups to take part in its inaugural Caterpillar Art Competition. First place was given to Mogghill Nursery at Stratton-on-the-Fosse and second place to Nunney Pre-School.
The Hungry Caterpillar is a book widely loved throughout the world and was the inspiration for the competition. 2019 is also the 50th anniversary since it was published, and also the 90th birthday of its author Eric Carle.
Entries included a fabulous whole caterpillar made from boxes worn by the children themselves at Free Rangers Nursery, colourful hand prints from Nunney Pre-School and a selection of collages and paintings from different nurseries. Mogghill’s winning entry consisted of each child drawing their own caterpillars, which were then combined to make one big beautiful butterfly. The nursery was awarded £200 prize money towards art equipment.
The entries were put on display at a Forest School Open Morning at All Hallows, which included a trail through the woods looking for food to feed the hungry caterpillar, and was enjoyed by many local children, who tucked into hot chocolate around the camp fire.
The competition was judged by All Hallows’ Head of Art Sacha Guppy, who was delighted by the range of entries. “It was wonderful to see such creativity, vibrancy and freedom of expression from all the entries to our Art Competition. Art is something to be valued in each and every child. As Pablo Picasso said ‘Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain once we grow up!’”