First class! Jonathan is Ballymena’s ‘Young Artist of the Year’

John Ramsey, Ballymena Rotary President; Roy McKeown, event organiser; and fellow Rotary Club members joined by the finalists of the "Young Artist of the Year" photographed at the exhibition of their work in the Braid Arts Centre. INBT 13-825H

The young man from Cambridge Avenue receives a cheque for £500 and a trophy for his amazing portraits, including a huge portrait painted on canvas using acrylics.

Second prize and a cheque for £300 went to Jamie McIlwee with screen prints over Belfast while Lauren Crabbe took third and a £100 cheque with some beautifully crafted textiles.

Artists receiving a highly commended award were Catherine Mark, Lauren McNicholl, Mark Connelly and Barry Lau while certificates of merit went to Christina Depp, Jason McErlaine, Jessica Todd, Lydia Richards, Micheala Gallagher, Michelle Millar and Vincent Vyce.

Rotary Foundation Chairman, Roy McKeown who organised the competition, said “I feel we have unearthed a remarkable level of artistic talent which most people never even realised existed in Ballymena.”

Roy thanked the main sponsor, Vision Express for their valued support of the competition which was also supported by the Adair Arms and Ballymena Borough Council.

Rotary Club President John Ramsay said: “The competition has been a tremendous success. This is our first year to run the competition and it has exceeded all our expectations. We wish the winners every success in their career.

Councillor Declan O’Loan, a member of the award winning Ballymena Arts Partnership, presented the awards and said: “I am tremendously impressed with the quality of the work. It’s fantastic to see the competition being so successful in its inaugural year. It’s a great opportunity for Young Ballymena Artists and I am sure it will go from strength to strength.”