A new exhibition of north-east schoolchildren’s drawings – working with artist, Jane Lee McCracken – is coming to Thought Foundation in Birtley (along with an endangered species conference).

These children’s drawings of endangered species have a real rawness about them. Evocative and uninhibited, they possess a purity that not only expresses an honest depiction of the sundry puffins, pandas and polar bears, but also portrays the unique characteristics of the inner child. Artist Jane Lee McCracken worked with over 200 children, visiting five schools across the region, to deliver some extraordinary Biro drawing workshops. The show also includes some of McCracken’s drawings. Tying in with the exhibition is a conference that will be headlined by Will Travers (Born Free Foundation), who will give a talk about wildlife conservation. Other speakers including Simon Clinton (Save Wild Tigers), Dr. Melvin (WCS Malaysia), PC Peter Baker (Northumbria Wildlife Crime Unit) and more.

Where Did All The Animals Go?, 20 June-22 July, Thought Foundation, Clarity House, Durham House, Birtley. The Endangered Species conference will be at the same venue on Saturday 22 June, 12-5pm, £5 (children £2.50). thoughtfoundation.co.uk