Creative Sunderland youngsters showcase their artwork

Creative young people have been showcasing their work at an annual exhibition.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Feb 2016, 15:00 BST
One of the Youth Arts Exhibition winners, Lilly Thompson, with her work, at Washington Arts Centre.One of the Youth Arts Exhibition winners, Lilly Thompson, with her work, at Washington Arts Centre.
One of the Youth Arts Exhibition winners, Lilly Thompson, with her work, at Washington Arts Centre.

Visitors to Arts Centre Washington can enjoy The Youth Arts Exhibition, which is running at the venue until February 27.

The exhibition runs each year as part of the city’s highly-acclaimed Young Achievers Awards which is now in its 22nd year, and displays the work of young people from across Sunderland and Washington.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland Coun. Barry Curran and his wife Carol, present prizes to two of the winners, Lilly Thompson and Alex Laidler.The Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland Coun. Barry Curran and his wife Carol, present prizes to two of the winners, Lilly Thompson and Alex Laidler.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland Coun. Barry Curran and his wife Carol, present prizes to two of the winners, Lilly Thompson and Alex Laidler.
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This year the arts centre received around 120 entries including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photography from schools, youth groups and individuals.

Matthew Blyth, audience development officer at Arts Centre Washington, said: “It’s a real honour to host this exhibition.

“When we started receiving the work back in December we were amazed by the quality and diversity of the pieces, the standard really is phenomenal.

“Some of the work deals with some important issues such as self-identity, mental health, relationships as well as some more quirky pieces, like the most delicious gingerbread house I have ever seen.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland Coun. Barry Curran and his wife Carol, present prizes to two of the winners, Lilly Thompson and Alex Laidler.The Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland Coun. Barry Curran and his wife Carol, present prizes to two of the winners, Lilly Thompson and Alex Laidler.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland Coun. Barry Curran and his wife Carol, present prizes to two of the winners, Lilly Thompson and Alex Laidler.
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“We would like to say a massive thank you and well done to all of the young artists who entered work this year.”

The exhibition was judged by an independent panel comprising of Ross Millard (The Futureheads/Frankie and the Heartstrings/ Printmaker), Kathryn Brame (Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art), Susan Coles (Creativity and Education Consultant), Helen Connify (Sunderland Cultural Partnership) and Stephen McCabe (Sun FM).

There were two categories 11–14 years and 15–20 years and five winners were announced in each.

Each winner will be recognised at this year’s awards ceremony at the Stadium of Light and will receive a trophy.

15–20 years

Robyn Dyboll from Sunderland College

Matthew James Maltas from Sunderland College

Joe McAllister from Sunderland College

Abbey McGuire from Sunderland College

Ashleigh Swain from Sunderland College’

11–14 years

Jenna Davidson from Biddick Academy

Alex Laidler from Argyle House School

Elaina Rooks from Argyle House School

Lilly Thompson from St Anthony’s Girls Catholic Academy

Collaborative Piece by: Kay Linday, Tamzin Toolin and Paige Crumbie from Monkwearmouth Academy

Related topics:Sunderland