A BUDDING artist inspired by his pet dog will see his artwork form part of a large mural displayed in the town centre.

Rudheath Primary Academy pupil Jude Cole was named the winner of Project Happy – an art competition asking children to draw something that makes them happy using lots of colour.

The seven-year-old decided to draw a picture of his pet dog, a Labrador cross called Buddy, which will become part of one of three artworks that are expected to be completed in the summer.

And Jude’s dog drawing was a popular choice for the panel of judges, which included Barons Quay centre manager Lina Higuita, Cllr Richard Beacham and north west artist Emma Evans, who has been commissioned to undertake the project. 

Five runners-up – Louise Donati, 11, Laura Dawson, 11, Pippa Humphries, 8, Aurora Quinn, 5 and Skye Dawson, 9, have won a £20 voucher for The Entertainer and will see their artworks displayed at Barons Quay over the summer.

“We hope that Project Happy will bring hope and positivity to people in Northwich post lockdown,” said Lina.

“We launched the competition to give young people something happy to focus on and we have been overwhelmed by the response from local artists.

Northwich Guardian:

Runners-up Laura Dawson and Skye Dawson

“It was very hard to choose the winning design, but I loved the inspiration behind Jude’s piece as well as the picture itself.”

Emma said: “There is certainly some creative talent in Northwich. It was difficult to pick a winner, but I felt that Jude’s piece of art was perfect for Project Happy.

“Pets have played an important role during lockdown, keeping people’s spirits up and offering a good distraction.

“I love his fantastic use of colour and I believe that Jude has captured the personality of his happy dog wonderfully in this picture.

“I am looking forward to painting Jude’s art into my large mural, as it will complete it.”

Cllr Beacham, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and growth, added: "I am delighted that so many children got involved with Project Happy and it was amazing to see so many fantastic pieces of artwork.

"Although it was extremely difficult to pick just one winner, I think that Jude's drawing of his beloved pet dog is brilliant and will put a smile on people's faces when it is incorporated into the mural for all Northwich residents to enjoy."

Project Happy, launched by Barons Quay in June, will include a number of other initiatives for Northwich to reward the local charities and individuals that have helped others during the coronavirus outbreak.