A Celebration of Art and Imagination
The summer holidays are a time for children to let their creativity run wild, and this year was no exception as young artists from across our community came together to participate in our exciting ‘Otter Gallery and Wimborne’s, Young Artist of the Year Competition’. The competition, held throughout the school summer holidays, saw an impressive display of artistic talent across various age groups.
After weeks of creative exploration, the competition drew to a conclusion with an art exhibition showcasing all the work of our shortlisted artists, with a grand prize-giving ceremony where the winners were announced.
Let's delve into the world of these young artists and the remarkable winners who wowed the judges.
The competition saw an impressive array of submissions from children aged 0 to 16, divided into three categories: 0-7, 8-12, and 13-16, all with the theme, 'Nature's Canvas'. Each age group presented its own unique set of challenges and opportunities for these young artists, making the judging process both exciting and challenging.
The Winners
Ada Rose - age 3 (0-7 Category)
Ada Rose, at the tender age of 3, captured hearts and won the 0-7 age category with her adorable and imaginative artwork. Her piece was a delightful display of vibrant colours and boundless creativity, showing us that art knows no age limits.
Charlotte Elliott - age 9 (8-12 Category)
In the 8-12 category, Charlotte Elliott emerged as a star. Her artwork displayed an impressive level of detail and thoughtfulness. The judges were particularly impressed with her ability to convey humour through her art. At just nine years old, Charlotte has a bright future ahead in the world of art.
Izzy Cripps age 16 - (13-16 Age Category) and Overall Pegasus Art Trophy Recipient
In the 13-16 age category, 16-year-old Izzy Cripps emerged victorious, showcasing a level of talent that left everyone in awe. Her masterpiece not only secured her category win but also earned her the prestigious overall Pegasus Art Trophy. The judges and I look forward to seeing where Izzy's art career takes her.
Izzy's work is now on view in the gallery window and available to buy. (All proceeds of the sale will go to Izzy)
A Memorable Exhibition: Celebrating Young Talent
From August 30th to September 2nd, the shortlisted artworks from the competition were proudly displayed at Otter Gallery. The gallery was a vibrant showcase of creativity, featuring a diverse array of styles, themes, and techniques that these budding artists had explored during their summer holidays.
Visitors were captivated by the incredible talent on display, and it was heartening to see the community come together to support our young artists. Parents, friends, and art enthusiasts from all walks of life flocked to the gallery to show their appreciation for these young talents and to encourage their artistic endeavors.
The Grand Prize-Giving Ceremony
The grand finale of the competition took place on September 2nd, with a full house of parents, friends, and art enthusiasts in attendance. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as the winners were announced, and the young artists received their trophies and gift vouchers. To top it off, each child received a packed goody bag filled with art supplies, inspiring them to continue nurturing their artistic passions.
The Otter Gallery and Wimborne’s Young Artist of the Year Competition was not just an artistic showcase; it was a celebration of the creativity and talent that resides within our youngest community members. Ada Rose, Charlotte Elliott, and Izzy Cripps, along with all the participants, demonstrated that age is no barrier to artistic expression.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the participants. Their dedication and creativity have left an indelible mark on our hearts, and we look forward to witnessing their continued artistic journeys. We also want to say a huge thank you to all the parents who supported the competition and also our sponsors Winsor and Newton and Pegasus Art for donating such generous prizes and supporting Otter Gallery.
As we close the chapter on this summer's art extravaganza, we eagerly await the next generation of artists to emerge and inspire us with their creativity. Until then, let's continue to nurture the artistic spirit in every child and celebrate the magic they bring into our lives through their art.
Thank you
Katie x