Greenhill School artist's work selected by Royal Academy
A talented young artist from Greenhill Special School in Rhiwbina has gained national recognition after their painting was selected for the prestigious Royal Academy Young Artists' Summer Show.
Cocoa, a painting of 13-year-old Tyler’s pet dog, was selected from more than 25,000 entries by young people across the UK and is featured in the Royal Academy’s online exhibition.
The Young Artists' Summer Show is a free open-submission exhibition for people aged 4 to 18 and is judged by a panel of artists and arts professionals.
The artwork has attracted widespread praise on Royal Academy social media channels and significant interest from members of the public keen to purchase prints featuring the painting.
“I can’t believe my painting of Cocoa is in the Royal Academy exhibition. I feel really proud, happy and very lucky to have my picture chosen," said Tyler.
"Reading all the lovely comments people have written about my painting makes me smile. Cocoa is really special to me, so it means a lot that so many people like my picture too. I feel very lucky to have had this opportunity”.
The Royal Academy selection is one of two major creative achievements being celebrated by the school.
Greenhill has also been invited to become one of just 50 schools across the UK to take part in Tate's new schools project, We Are Here, which starts this month (September 2026).
The pilot programme will see pupils respond creatively to works from the Tate collection and an artist brief by Meera Chauda, exploring themes of identity through collage.
Their artwork will be showcased through Tate's online exhibition, with submissions also becoming part of a digital display at Tate Modern next summer.
Shane Mock, headteacher of Greenhill said: “I am incredibly proud of Tyler and of all the children at Greenhill who have such a passion for art and creativity. To see their talent recognised and celebrated by the Royal Academy of Arts is very special indeed.
"I am also enormously grateful to Anne Gibbs, who works tirelessly with our children, encouraging their creativity and continually finding opportunities to broaden their experiences across all aspects of the arts.”
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