Lifford pupil's winning artwork included in exhibition

A LIFFORD pupil's artwork is one of the top 42 winning artworks from the past two years of the Texaco Children's Art Competition - in which six works by Ulster students feature - that have gone on exhibition at Strule Arts Centre in Omagh.

Hosted by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, the exhibition is now open to the public each day from Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5pm, until it closes on Saturday, February 28.

'Moving Oceans' by Charles (Dominic) Gallagher, from St Mary's National School in Lifford which won second prize in the six years and under age category is among the impressive pieces on display.

Amongst the top Northern Ireland prize-winners from the 70th Texaco Children's Art Competition whose artworks feature in the exhibition is the overall 2024 competition winner Charley Bell, from Methodist College Belfast, who won first prize in the senior 16-18 years age category for her painting entitled 'Anticipation'.

Also exhibiting is a work entitled 'L'Ombre' by Antrim's Zara Craig, from Ballyclare High School – second prize in Category G of the competition.

Other 2024 works from young Ulster artists to feature at the exhibition are three paintings from Donegal students: 'Man to Machine', by Weronika Jarosinska, from Loreto Secondary School Letterkenny – second prize in the 16-18 years age category and 'Granda's Turn!', by Kerri Doherty, from Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town – second prize in the 14-15 years age category.

A top Ulster prize-winning artwork from last year's 71st Texaco Children's Art Competition featuring in the exhibition is 'My Bro, My Bun' by Cavan student, Pierre Gaultier Swords, from Corlurgan National School, who won first prize in the seven to eight years age category.

Speaking at the launch of the exhibition, councillor Barry McElduff, chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, said: "This competition celebrates and showcases children's creativity and talent.

"It provides young people with an important platform to share their unique perspectives while nurturing imagination and enjoyment as well.

"It is inspiring to see the exceptional standard of work produced by these talented artists."

Admission to the exhibition is free.