Work Of Budding Artists Celebrated

Three student artists of the Isle of Man College have had their work recognised in a prestigious competition.
Bethany Gale, Paige Goldsmith and Sam Hurt each won cash prizes of £100 in the annual Norman Sayle Prize for Art competition ran by the Archibald Knox Society and sponsored by Isle of Man Post Office. Bethany, 17, secured the prize for the first year National Diploma award – overall body of work, Paige, 19, won the category for the overall Knox/Sayle prize for Manx inspired artwork and Sam, 19, clinched the prize for the Knox/Sayle future prize for innovative work.
Commenting on her award Bethany said: “I’m very happy to have won and to have my artwork recognised. It means a great deal to me and I’m delighted that all my hard work has paid off.”
Paige Goldsmith said winning came as a complete surprise. “I’m really proud of my work, it’s been a stressful time getting it all finished and ready for display but it has all come together in the end.”
Meanwhile Sam Hurt was equally delighted with his award especially as his artwork was about exploring new ways to display work and connecting with his audience. He said: “I’m so happy that people became a part of my work as it’s a situation not an object. I feel very privileged and really appreciate this recognition, it’s really inspired me to carry on.”
The work of all three artists impressed the panel of judges who were British sculptor and artist Michael Sandle, Calum Harvey, a former Isle of Man College student and menswear designer, Carol Jones, Academic Team Leader for Masters courses within the School of Art & Design at Nottingham Trent University and post lady Katie Netwon, a former art graduate of Dundee University and representing the competition’s sponsor Isle of Man Post Office.