Warrington art award showcases young creative talent across the town

This year the college has seen a whopping 80 plus entries come in from across 14 different schools all over the town, showcasing the work of young talented artists.

Open to both year 10 and 11 pupils, the college annually seeks to crown two winners: Young Digital Artist of the Year and Young Creative Artist of the Year – with this year’s submissions being described as ‘outstanding’.

Showing a variety of skills, the entries have included sculptures, textiles, digital photography and various painting and drawings, all of which have demonstrated each individuals passion and talent for the arts.

Warrington & Vale College art competition (Image: Supplied)

Two worth-while prizes are up for the taking, one being a state-of-the-art Wacom Intuos creative pen tablet and another being an artist’s essentials kit worth around £70 from Abacus Resources.

On the judging panel is the college’s assistant director of creative arts, Ben Brady and subject leader of graphic design, Ellie Strowger, who have the tricky decision of choosing out of over 80 pieces which deserves the winning title.

Ben said: “This year has truly been a special year for the college’s Young Artist competition.

“Not only have we seen the most entrants to date, but the calibre, variety and professionalism of work has been of an unprecedented standard.

“This exhibition has been the perfect way to round off the official launch of our Advanced Creative & Digital Skills Centre.”

Warrington & Vale College art competition (Image: Supplied)

Tom Welsby, a year 11 pupil at Hope Academy in Newton-Le-Willows, was chosen as this year’s winner of the Digital Artist category, having submitted a striking digital drawing inspired by the 1991 horror movie, American Psycho.

Judges spoke of how they were ‘blown away’ by his work and creativity.

Cardinal Newman Catholic High School pupil Carys Backhouse-Worrall was this year’s top Creative Artist, having painted a stunning abstract portrait on canvas, mixing techniques of painting and collage to create a stand-out piece.

Judges expressed being ‘immediately drawn’ to the creation and its bright colours and varying textures.

Warrington & Vale College art competition (Image: Supplied)

The competition concluded with an exhibition to display all the entries and more than 90 guests attended.

Following the presentation, guests were invited to tour the college’s newly launched facility and experience some of what its unique training centre has to offer its students.

Thanks to a £2 million investment from the Department of Education, the college is now a technological hub where students can kickstart their futures in the creative and digital industries.