Three Port Macquarie students have artwork in Let’s Hang It 2018 exhibition

Hastings Public School student Abe Whitfield won the primary category of the 2018 University of New England School Acquisitive Art Prize.

Jake Whitfield from Hastings Public School and Caitlyn Toomey from St Agnes’ Primary School were finalists.

The 2018 University of New England School Acquisitive Art Prize, which encourages talented young artists, leads to an exhibition at the New England Regional Art Museum.

First prize winning artworks become part of the University of New England’s permanent art collection.

All finalists take home a certificate of distinction and their works are on display in the Let’s Hang It 2018 exhibition at the New England Regional Art Museum.

Abe Whitfield said he was happy with the win.

Abe created a colourful mixed media of gel pens, textas and metallic paints titled “Magical Owl”.

He received $100 prize money, a quality artist’s pack and two special awards.

The nine-year-old said he decided to add a crown to the owl to make it a bit different.

“I like being creative,” Abe said.

Six-year-old Jake said his artwork of a giraffe had lots of spots on it.

“I like you can do drawing and you can use gel pens and all those sorts of things,” he said.

Jake’s artwork “My Giraffe in the Starry Sky” watercolour on paper represented the infant division, and as a finalist, he received a certificate of distinction.

Caitlyn was pleased with her watercolour on paper but she was surprised at being a finalist given the high standard of the other entries.

Caitlyn received a certificate of distinction for her composition of a ram, titled “The Ram Captured in Time”.  

“How it turned out was amazing,” she said.

The 11-year-old said art was very calming.

New England Regional Art Museum director Rachael Parsons said it was wonderful to see the breadth and variety of talent and creativity from students.

“Even from kindergarten, you can see some real expressive creative talent and the depth and beautiful use of colour and expression,” she said.

Students from northern NSW submitted more than 500 entries.

Art teacher Jane Whitfield from Drawn to Art said art interrelated to so many other facets of our children’s lives and it was amazing to see how her own children and art students’ confidence flourished when they were able to express themselves through art.

“I am so thrilled for the kids’ art achievements,” she said.

“It was an absolute joy to see Abe, Jake and Caitlyn’s art on show at the NERAM art exhibition.”

The Let’s Hang It exhibition at Armidale’s New England Regional Art Museum runs until August 12.