PROJECT: THANK YOU - BESPOKE, HAND-LETTERED ART PRINT
CLIENT: CASTLE SCHOOL FRIENDS

Castle School Friends are the parents, teachers and friends group for The Castle School in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire. Their aim is to support the work of the school through hands-on activities and fund-raising.

OBJECTIVE

The idea, initiated by Castle School parent Louise Egan, was to create a bespoke illustrated art print for the teachers and staff, as a way to say thank you for their relentless work in keeping students learning and motivated throughout the Coronovirus Pandemic. The project went ahead following a successful Crowdfunder appeal.

The art piece would be a lasting way to commemorate and communicate appreciation of the whole staff’s efforts through the most challenging of times. It is now displayed as a framed A1 size Giclée art print in the school reception area, with smaller A5 size prints being given to every member of staff.

There had been an online thankyou card - hosted via Thankbox - where parents and carers had left messages of thanks for the hard work of teachers and staff throughout the pandemic. My challenge was to collate these messages into a hand-lettered art piece which encompassed the sentiments that came through the various words, from a large number of individuals and families.

My 2 sons attend the school, and so as a family we have felt the benefit of the great work the school did in stepping up their online provision and support for students throughout the pandemic. This made it extra important that I should do a good job - No pressure then!

This project went ahead following a successful Crowdfunder, with donations from parents, carers and friends going towards commissioning me to create the work and also to cover print costs. The remaining money is to be spent on items from the school’s ‘wish list’. Big thanks to all those who donated.

FEEDBACK

“We were truly moved as a staff body that Parents and the Castle School Friends took the time to create such a lovely bespoke piece of artwork to recognise the efforts of our staff. This beautiful piece is proudly presented in the reception area of the school. The last year has thrown up so many new challenges for all of us, and I have been so impressed with how our students, staff and parents have responded. I’m very grateful to all the parents who chose to fund this lovely artwork, and to Carys Tait the artist. They wanted to thank the staff for all their support, and this is a fitting tribute.”

- Joe Docherty, Headteacher, The Castle School

I was also especially pleased to get a couple of lovely direct messages from staff at the school

“We all love the art work - thank you so much!” - Ally Budd, Student Centre Manager

“I absolutely love our artwork!!! Thank you so much. I can’t wait to receive my version and put it on my wall! “ - Emma Colwill, Head of Year 10

RELATED PROJECTS