Young Artist Charley Bell Wins 70th Texaco Children’s Art Competition
Charley Bell, a talented 17-year-old artist and student at Methodist College Belfast, has emerged as the overall winner of the prestigious 70th Texaco Children’s Art Competition. Her exceptional artwork titled ‘Anticipation’, created with colored pencils, secured her the first prize in the senior 16-18 years age category, along with a prize of €1,500.
Judges’ Comments on Charley’s Winning Artwork
Final adjudicator Gary Granville praised Charley’s piece as “an exceptionally well executed portrait, portraying an ‘aged serenity’ with a wealth of experience and wisdom. The image exudes subversive energy, irrepressible optimism, and underlying joy, challenging stereotypes of aging.”
Charley, no stranger to the competition, expressed that the inspiration for her award-winning portrait stemmed from a photo of an elderly woman. She was captivated by the emotion captured in the woman’s face and found it intriguing to bring to life through her art.
Other Category Winners
In Category A (16-18 years), Donegal student Weronika Jarowinska and Clare student Eimear Fitzgerald secured the second and third prizes respectively. In Category B (14-15 years), Galway student Darragh Granahan and Donegal student Kerri Doherty claimed the first and second prizes. Limerick student David MacAodha won the third prize in this category.
Category C (12-13 years) saw Mayo student Charlotte Greham, Laois student Beth Phelan, and Meath student Nicole Doherty clinching the top three prizes. In the youngest age group, Category F (6 years and younger), young artists like Tadhg Traynor, Charles (Dominic) Gallagher, and Sofia-May Kenefick showcased their talent and creativity.
All Winners of the 70th Texaco Children’s Art Competition
Explore the full list of winners below:
- Category A (16-18 years):
- First Prize: Charley Bell
- Second Prize: Weronika Jarowinska
- Third Prize: Eimear Fitzgerald
- Category B (14-15 years):
- First Prize: Darragh Granahan
- Second Prize: Kerri Doherty
- Third Prize: David MacAodha
- Category C (12-13 years):
- First Prize: Charlotte Greham
- Second Prize: Beth Phelan
- Third Prize: Nicole Doherty
- Category F (6 years and younger):
- First Prize: Tadhg Traynor
- Second Prize: Charles (Dominic) Gallagher
- Third Prize: Sofia-May Kenefick