A YOUNG artist has been building bridges with friends across the Atlantic after painting a North-East landmark for a top education director who made an official visit to America.
DfE regional director Katherine Cowell commissioned students at Beaumont Hill Academy, Darlington, to come up with some iconic images of the region to take as a present for hosts at Harvard University, Boston.
She chose the work of Year 11 student Alfie Prentice who had produced a vibrant image of the Transporter Bridge in Middlesbrough.
Ms Cowell started in her role as regional director for the North East in September 2022. She was previously the regional schools commissioner for the North.
The regional director is responsible for working across children’s social care, SEND schools and area-based programmes to improve outcomes for children, families and learners.
She presented the painting to Otto Scharmer, an academic at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
“We have a real commitment to learning and the development of our own staff as well as education,” she said. “The visit was part of a leadership course and I had the real privilege of going to Boston.
“Staff, professors and a range of people gave up their time and I wanted to give them a meaningful gift. So I thought what better than a piece of artwork from a student. This lovely school is right next to our office and we have a really great relationship with it and the Education Village Academy Trust.
“The picture of the Transporter Bridge is so striking and it is a great representation of the North East, a slightly unusual representation for the people who live in Boston, which made a lovely gift when I handed it over.”
Alfie was thrilled to have his painting chosen. He said: “I couldn’t believe it when mine was chosen. It didn’t take me too long to do at the weekend and it was one of a number I produced. I hope to use it as part of my GCSE work and it is amazing to think it is now hanging on a wall somewhere in America.”
Beaumont Hill Academy teacher Julie Carlson said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for our school. The staff are really enjoying what is a flourishing art department with pupils producing some incredible work.”
Education Village Academy Trust chief executive Mike Butler added: “I am sure this will be the first of many commissions. It is an incredible opportunity for a student, featuring their artwork in a world-renowned educational environment.”
