A “Bright Horse” painting by renowned artist Jo Taylor will help bring a brighter future for young people thanks to Warrington Youth Zone’s mentoring programme.
Warrington Youth Zone (WYZ), and the renowned Northern artist have joined together to launch a fantastic and unique fundraising initiative to support 100 young people on WYZ’s Mentoring Programme over the next three years.
Lancashire-born Jo Taylor, one of the world’s finest equestrian painters, has donated a wonderful painting of a young horse; ‘Bright Horse’ worth approximately £10,000, from which a limited edition of 100 prints have been created and will be used to support the fundraising campaign for the mentoring programme.
All prints have been produced in collaboration with Kip Gresham of The Print Studio, Cambridge; one of the best printmakers in the world, and measure 33” x 26”, and are individually numbered, signed and finished by the artist. Once all 100 prints have been distributed, each print’s number will be entered into a draw, from which one winner drawn at random will win the original painting.
The Mentoring Programme benefits local vulnerable children and young people including those who are experiencing abuse and neglect, mental health problems, bereavement, family breakdown, social isolation, and those who are struggling to socialise and engage with school, by matching the young person with a trained Mentor to provide a consistent positive outlet over a 12-month period.
Its aim is to give young people time dedicated to them, where they can enjoy life as a child. The activities are led by the young people and their interests, and Mentors provide a consistent presence, encouraging them to grow in confidence, meet young people their own age, and develop the self-belief that will help throughout their teenage years and into adulthood.
Jo Taylor’s family has a long history of working with disadvantaged people and was delighted to create a piece of work she felt reflected young people of Warrington being given the opportunity to break free and reach their potential.
Jo is hugely supportive of the Mentoring Programme which has been proven to save young people’s lives, and said: “Life isn’t always fair for some young people and if my artwork can help some of them to deal better with today’s challenges then I really want to be involved. Good luck to all at WYZ and to all the young people they help. And thank you to all the generous donators who receive a horse print. I hope you enjoy life with him!”
High Sheriff of Cheshire Nick Hopkinson MBE, DL, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to support our brilliant mentoring programme helping to change the lives of young people who struggle in some way to deal with modern-day life and at the same time enjoy a wonderful piece of art from a fabulous northern artist. What could be better than looking at your “bright horse” and thinking that you might have just saved a young life?”
Warrington Youth Zone would be keen to hear from anyone who is interested in findng out more about the Bright Horse prints, and for more information, please email [email protected]
