A Heartfelt Workshop Celebrating Creativity and Community
This April, something truly special bloomed in Catterick.
As part of the “Seeds of Love: Hearts of Strength” project, artist Mackenzie Thorpe led a warm and joy-filled workshop with local children aged 7 to 14 — many from military families. The goal? To create heart-themed artwork that expresses love, resilience, and the strength found in community.
Held at Risedale School, the day was filled with colour, music, and creative freedom. Each child was given a blank resin heart to decorate in their own unique style — no rules, just imagination. Mackenzie encouraged them to be bold, expressive, and true to themselves.
“It was incredible to watch their ideas take shape,” Mackenzie shared. “Each heart tells a story of hope and togetherness.”
But this wasn’t just a one-day event. These beautiful hearts will become part of a monumental public sculpture, set to be unveiled in the heart of the new Catterick Garrison town centre. Once installed, the sculpture will serve as a powerful symbol of the strength, creativity, and love shared by military families.
The event also included performances by the Service Children’s Community Choir, NY Voice, and creative workshops run by Thunkit Theatre — turning the day into a true celebration of community spirit.
As Mackenzie puts it:
“Art brings people together — and when we create with heart, we create something lasting.”
Keep an eye out for updates on the sculpture’s unveiling. We can’t wait for you to see the final piece — and feel the love behind every heart.
