An exhibition of Biro drawings created by more than 500 schoolchildren is set to go on display in Northumberland.
The Chimpanzee Community 2024 exhibition will showcase the artwork of children from schools in the UK, USA, and Liberia, including North East schools Belsay School and Ponteland Primary.
Founded in 2022, the Chimpanzee Community Project is a collaboration between Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue and Protection (LCRP) and international wildlife charity Born Free.
The youngsters took part in workshops led by Jane Lee McCracken, artist and founder, which taught them about chimpanzees and the threats they face, before encouraging them to create Biro drawings of the animals.
The exhibition, set to be displayed at Queen's Hall in Hexham from October 25 until November 22, will also feature photographs of orphaned chimpanzees by LCRP co-founder, Jenny Desmond.
The workshops aimed to highlight the 'vital' role chimpanzees play in the wellbeing of the planet.
The children were encouraged to create ballpoint pen drawings of LCRP's orphan chimpanzees.
The exhibition depicts these animals, inviting viewers to consider what their eyes have seen.
The initiative hopes to encourage a sense of collective responsibility towards wildlife conservation and welfare.
Ms McCracken said: "Passion for art, education, and conservation of nature is at the beating heart of this project.
"It has been a privilege to work with children from three continents and such impactful partners who have illuminated a generation about how important chimpanzees are to humanity.
"To see the joy on children's faces as they drew our relatives was priceless - I am so proud of what we have achieved."
Laura Eastwood, head of education at Born Free said: "We are so proud of playing our part in this amazing initiative and would encourage everyone to go along and engage with the moving and impactful exhibition”
The Drawing for the Planet exhibition is free to visit and will be open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
Ms McCracken has developed a teacher-led resource to ensure the project’s 'legacy' continues beyond the exhibition: www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-13132109
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