About YorKAOS

YorKAOS is a free public art exhibition showcasing the incredible work of young artists aged 5-11 from the York area. This exciting event will take place during the February half-term of 2025 at SPARK:York in the city center.

The Inspiration Behind YorKAOS

YorKAOS is an acronym of York Kids Art Open Studios and the inspiration for this exhibition came from a 8-year-old Ada Jobling, who was motivated by the York Open Studios event in 2024. Ada formed a committee of her friends to organise the first YorKAOS exhibition, with the aim of highlighting the amazing work that young artists can produce.

Meet the committee

The YorKAOS committee is comprised of Ada, HS, Seth, and Mabel, all primary school students in York. Together, they’re passionate about showcasing the amazing artwork of their fellow students to the wider community.

Below you can read our profiles

Ada

Hi!
I am 8 years old, the founder and Chair of YorKAOS. I’ve loved doing art since nursery, and it brings me so much joy. It’s amazing to see my friends participating in YorKAOS too ā€“ you should check out their incredible artwork, like the kingfisher piece!

This year has been extra special. In June 2024, I was honored to receive the “Service in Community Award” from Lions International! Over the past two years, I’ve been fundraising for a local charities, and have raised an incredible Ā£6,300.

You can read all about it at the links below:

School Website

The Selby Times

St. Leonards Hospice

HS

Hi I’m HS, I love creating art and sculptures using every type of media. I am especially keen on printmaking, using a variety of natural materials, and draws inspiration from a number of artists, particularly Paul Klee.

Seth

Hi, Iā€™m Seth, 

I am 8 years old but I will be 9 when the exhibition opens. One of my favourite things is art and I enjoy seeing it and making it. Making art makes me feel calm, gives me joy and I go to an exciting art class with my friends.  I have enjoyed going to the York Open Studios and love to think that children can display their work too.

Mabel

Hi, my name is Mabel, I have loved doing art ever since year one because it always felt like a bit of free time. Art helps me relax and it gets my mind off things. I enjoy drawing big bubble writing, but I also like drawing fantasy as well. I sometimes get nervous about showing people my art because I’m scared they might judge me, but now I feel nice and confident showing people my art and I hope that people will like it too.