Schoolgirl Ada, 9, launches Open Studios art show

An exhibition featuring more than 200 works of art created by primary school children has had its official opening.

The showcase in York was the idea of nine-year-old Ada, who said she thought it was unfair "adults were the only ones who got the fun of an art exhibition".

The event at Spark on Piccadilly saw entries from 45 different schools.

Guest of honour, local artist Lincoln Lightfoot, said he hoped the "amazing work" would remind adults of the time they had "an unbridled urge to create something".

Ada came up with the idea when she was eight years old, after visiting the York Open Studios arts festival in 2023.

She swiftly recruited friends Seth and Mabel to help her organise her own version of the event for children.

Speaking at the opening of YorKAOS - which stands for York Kids Art Open Studios - she said: "It's really amazing seeing all this art up on the walls.

"I never thought we would achieve this, and I thought we wouldn't get that many works, but there's tonnes and tonnes of pieces of art, that are all really good."

The exhibition is not only a showcase for the creativity of younger artists in York, but is also raising money for Explore York Libraries and Archives, BBC Children in Need and St Leonard's Hospice.

Ada's collaborator, Mabel, 10, said: "It feels weird because when Ada told me about it I imagined we'd only get a few pieces in Spark and just a little money for charity, but these walls are just completely full of really cool art pieces."

Meanwhile, Seth, nine, said he had been shocked at the way the project took off.

"It's just amazing that all these kids have wanted to be involved and been really passionate about this idea," he said.

"We've had to do quite a lot of work with all the committee, but here we are now eventually, after everyone working together, we've achieved this."

Ada opened the event with a stirring speech to motivate onlookers.

"Look around, buy the artwork and tell your parents to make a donation," she said.

Meanwhile, Lightfoot said it was an "amazing honour" to be part of the event and said Ada had come up with an "incredible idea" which showed a love for art and creating that he hoped "young people will continue into their later life".

He said everyone who submitted a piece "should be incredibly proud" of themselves.

"To be part of an exhibition in the centre of York at your age is amazing," he added.

The exhibition runs until 22 February.

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