Teenager’s art from the heart says a big thank you to NHS workers

Shayna Velasquez, 16, used her time during lockdown to capture the feelings of people across NI with her painting ‘Solidarity’.

Inspired by the dedication and professionalism of medical staff during the coronavirus pandemic, Shayna’s artwork was judged top among nearly 300 entries in the Radius Housing ‘Art from the Heart’ competition.

Today the teenager from Belfast presented a unique print of her painting to the Mr Swann as a way of saying thank you to all those working in the health service in recent months.

The Radius Housing competition called on young people from across Northern Ireland to paint and draw images of how they felt the community was responding to the crisis.

Speaking at the presentation, Shayna, who is a Year 12 pupil at Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School, said: “I’m really happy to win the competition, but also to present this copy of my artwork to the health minister today as a way of saying thank you to all health workers on behalf of young people across Northern Ireland.

“I wanted to create a piece that resonates with everyone, that reminds us of people’s selfless acts, how we had to adjust to the new normal and how we have supported each other during the pandemic. I wanted to address health workers directly to tell them that they are not alone and that we all are playing our part in flattening the curve.”

Eileen Patterson, Radius Housing director of communities, said: “The aim of our Art from the Heart competition was to help spread positivity and support right across the community during the pandemic.

“The volume and quality of the entries show just how much young people care about the health service, the community and family. Shayna’s entry stood out among all, as it captured so much of the effort everyone has been making to help people through this difficult time, not least the health service.

Mr Swann said: “There is no doubt that the frontline health service staff across Northern Ireland are the heroes of this pandemic, and they are rightly being recognised by the whole community.

“We’ve seen this through the clap for carers and the bright rainbows in the windows of so many homes.

“Now, thanks to Radius Housing’s Art from the Heart competition winner, Shayna Velasquez, we have this beautiful piece that can remind everyone in the health service of how grateful people are for their efforts.”