Search is on for top young artist of 2014

The deadline for entry to the prestigious Ballymena ‘Young Artist of the the Year’ competition of January 31 is fast approaching. There’s the chance to put your work on exhibition in the Braid Arts centre plus £500 for first place and prizes of £300 and £100, respectively, for second and third. The competition, which is organised by The Rotary Club of Ballymena, has Vision Express as its main sponsor and is also supported by the Braid Arts Centre, Adair Arms Hotel and the John Street Gallery. ‘The Young Artist of the Year’ is open to everyone between the ages of 19 and 30 who has been born or lives in the borough of Ballymena. Last year’s winner was Jonathan Holmes from Cambridge Avenue with his stunning acrylic portraits. Entering is really simple, just email three to five images of your work and all mediums are considered including textiles, paintings, drawings, photography and sculpture. Full details can be found at www.rotary-young-artist.com The line-up of judges includes two gallery owners and our own Editor, Dessie Blackadder. Rotarian Roy McKeown, from the John Street Gallery says: “The Rotary club of Ballymena supports our local young artists and this competition not only provides encouragement for them but an excellent addition to their cv.”