Spring has arrived with milder days and a few days of wonderful sunshine, making us all feel more positive and uplifting our moods.

It is sometimes difficult to stay in this bubble of happiness and positiveness when every time we switch on the radio or TV, we are hearing devastating news from around the world. However, for the sake of the children and young people, we must strive to maintain a brave face and a smile. Surely, they deserve to have happy childhood memories to reflect on and recall later on in their lives.

This discussion brings me back to why art has all the advantages and provisions for creating a peaceful, fun environment. A place to escape to with imaginative worlds and freedom to explore. Adults are constantly discovering new hobbies or ways to escape the work environment or the constant rat race in their lives. There are wellbeing classes and numerous opportunities offered in the wake of the traumas and mental health issues brought to light during and post covid. Children were affected too, and probably more so; therefore, we must look back and discover ways now, and in the future, to help them move forward.

As an artist, obviously my happy childhood memories are mainly art-related. I was very lucky, as my dad was an artist, so I was always surrounded by the love of painting, drawing, etc. I realise not everyone has that luxury, but that is why I now promote the importance of giving every child the chance to explore their talents or the pure adventure of the very wide topic that art unveils.

For the past few years, I have curated a summer art exhibition in my hometown of Bradford at the wonderful Trapezium Art Gallery in the centre of the city. Last year it was Bradford's time to shine as the city of culture. David Hockney being one of Bradford's most well-known artists, the children's and young people's exhibition was titled BEING HOCKNEY.

Schools and individuals from around the world, but with Bradford connections, submitted a range of Hockney-styled artwork, culminating in a marvellous vibrant exhibition launched by the deputy Lord Mayor. Over two hundred visitors passed through the doors in just three days. The pride and pleasure that glowed in the young artists' faces were worth all the work and organising. This will surely be an important memory that will be told and retold to their families in the future.

This year the exhibition in July is called `A NOD TO…`. Children and young people, aged 4 yrs to 18 yrs, have been invited to send artwork connected to an artist they have been inspired by. In schools and within the national curriculum, artists such as Van Gogh and Monet are studied every year.

However, I'm hoping staff and individuals will be more adventurous and stray from the norm. I have suggested artists such as Salvador Dali, James Rizzi, Henri Matisse and Frida Kahlo, to name a few.

Also, I'd like them to be imaginative as to how they approach their submission. It is easy for schools to plump for an easy option. I know from experience the heavy workload of teachers and how art as a subject is often put on the back burner, especially when exams or the dreaded Ofsted inspectors are due. It would be refreshing to see some alternative ways of interpreting a famous painting. What about a model of a Lowry street, a textile collage of Frida or a sculpture of a Dali? How exciting.

I have already received submissions from children eager to be involved but would love to hear from any students within the age range. All the exhibition details and information can be emailed to interested schools, community groups or individuals. Please get in touch via my email, and I look forward to seeing some wonderful entries.

Good luck.

Lynne Dobson, Yorkshire Artist. purplegrandma48@gmail.com