EIGHT artworks by Donegal students are set to feature in an exhibition of winning paintings from the past 10 years of the Texaco Children’s Art Competition taking place at Strule Arts Centre, Omagh.
Amongst the top prize-winners from last year’s 69th Texaco Children’s Art Competition whose artworks will feature in the exhibition are Donegal artists Charles (Dominic) Gallagher from St. Mary’s National School, Lifford, who won second prize in the 6 years and under category, and his younger brother Neal (Bernard) from CPI Creche, Lifford, who won third prize in the same age category.
Other Donegal winners from previous years whose works will exhibit are: Kerri Doherty from Abbey Vocational School, who won third prize in the 12-13 years age category in 2022; Leanne McBrearty from Finn Valley College, Stranorlar, second prize in category G in 2022; Matthew Clifford, previously from Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana, third prize in the 16-18 years category in 2021; Caitríona McClay, previously from Loreto Community School, Milford, second prize in the 16-18 years category in 2014; and two winning artworks by P.J. Doherty, previously from St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny – his work entitled ‘Me And My Dad’ which saw him become overall competition winner in 2021, aged 16, and a self-portrait for which he won first prize in the 14-15 years category in 2020, then aged 15.
The exhibition will open to the public on Friday, February 2 and will remain open each day from Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5pm, until it closes on Saturday, February 24. Admission is free.
This year the Texaco Children’s Art Competition will celebrate its 70th anniversary. Past winners include artists Graham Knuttel, Robert Ballagh, Bernadette Madden, Dorothy Cross, fashion designer Paul Costelloe and artist and former broadcaster Thelma Mansfield.
Other notable past winners include former minister Ruairí Quinn (a four-time winner); communications consultant and broadcaster Terry Prone; former trade union chief David Begg; actress Jean Anne Crowley; musician Ethna Tinney; Trinity College Professor of Contemporary Irish History Eunan O’Halpin; and the late novelist Clare Boylan.
This year’s competition is now open and organisers are inviting young artists across the island of Ireland to participate.
The closing date for entry is Wednesday, February 28.
“We hope that we will continue to see the outstanding creativity and talent that is reflected in the finest and widest choice of entries that we normally receive, in this special anniversary year,” said a spokesperson.
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