The 69th annual Texaco children’s art competition has come to a close, leaving countless children and families overjoyed at the opportunity to showcase their artistic talent. This year’s theme, “An Inspring View,” allowed for a wide range of interpretations and styles, resulting in breathtaking displays of creativity from young artists across Ireland. As the winners are announced and celebrations commence, it’s clear that the art competition has once again brought together families and communities to celebrate youthful imagination and innovation.
The Texaco Children’s Art Competition has been a fixture in Ireland since 1955, providing a platform for young artists to showcase their talents. With an unbroken history spanning over six decades, the competition has played a vital role in supporting and promoting the arts among children and young people.
This year’s competition was no exception, with entries received from across the country reflecting a diversity of styles, themes, and techniques. From self-portraits to landscapes, portraits to abstracts, the artworks displayed a range of skills and artistic visions that spoke to the imaginative and creative capacity of the country’s youth.
Perhaps one of the most heartening aspects of the competition is the way it fosters intergenerational bonding and the transmission of artistic skills from one generation to another. Evidence of this was seen in the success of Charles and Neal Gallagher, two brothers from Carrickfinn, Co Donegal, who both scooped prizes in the 69th edition of the competition.
According to their mother, Orla Gallagher, an art teacher at St Columb’s College in Derry, Neal insisted on entering the contest after Charles completed his painting, entitled “Moo Moo Rua”. While Charles won second prize in his category, Neal became the youngest entrant ever to claim a prize, taking third place in the under-six category.
With her children following in her artistic footsteps, Orla is proud to see how the competition has sparked their imagination and interest in art. She believes that such competitions are essential for nurturing creativity and self-expression, especially among young children.
Another indication of the competition’s impact can be seen in the case of Jerry Luo, from Dublin 15, who came second in the nine to 11 years category. The son of an art teacher himself, Jerry’s artwork is a testament to the enduring legacy of artistic talent being passed down from one generation to another.
With his younger sister, Jane, also winning certificates of special merit for her entries, the family’s love of art is clearly something that has been ingrained in them from an early age. As their mother, Lan Chen, explains, she encouraged her children to paint because they were too active.
With so much emphasis placed on academic achievement and career prospects, it’s easy to overlook the importance of nurturing one’s creative instincts. Yet, art and creativity can play a critical role in promoting mental and emotional wellbeing, fostering imagination, and developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Through initiatives like the Texaco Children’s Art Competition, young people can find an outlet for their creative energies and a platform to express their unique perspectives on the world around them.
This year’s overall winner, Charley Bell, a 16-year-old student at Methodist College Belfast, embodies this spirit of creativity and innovation. Her winning work, “Curiosity”, is a detailed portrait study in coloured pencils, showcasing her exceptional skill and sensitivity as an artist.
Despite having won special merit awards in previous years, Charley’s victory this year is a triumph that reflects her commitment to honing her craft and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. As the final adjudicator and chairman of the judging panel, Gary Granville, Professor Emeritus of Education at the National College of Art and Design, noted, Charley’s artwork is “a most impressive piece and a deserving winner among entries of the highest quality”.
Looking back at the history of the competition, one is struck by the many notable past winners, including artists, writers, politicians, and musicians, who have gone on to make significant contributions to Irish culture and society.
Whether it’s Graham Knuttel, Robert Ballagh, Thelma Mansfield, or Clare Boylan, these luminaries all share one thing in common – the early recognition and nurturing of their artistic talents through competitions like Texaco.
With the 69th Texaco Children’s Art Competition now behind us and preparations underway for the 70th edition in 2023, we can look forward to a future in which young artists continue to find support, encouragement, and recognition for their creativity and artistic passions. In doing so, we can be assured that the future of Irish art and culture is in good hands.
In conclusion, the 69th Texaco Children’s Art Competition was a tremendous success, as talented young artists from across Ireland showcased their exceptional creativity and imagination. The families of the winners were rightfully proud, as they celebrated their remarkable achievements and the hard work that went into their winning entries. The competition is a testament to the joy that art can bring to our lives, and to the importance of nurturing the artistic talent of our young people. We look forward to the 70th edition of the Texaco Children’s Art Competition and the wonderful art that it will undoubtedly inspire!
