In October this term Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen, launched a NI100 Art Competition for schools across Northern Ireland.
The competition included pre-schools, primary, post-primary and special.
The art competition formed part of the Department’s NI100 Education Programme, which included a range of shared history resources, a coding programme for primary school pupils, NI100 time capsules and a school 1921 celebration event.
Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen said:
“The aim of the NI100 Art Competition is for pupils to share their love for the stunning landscapes, natural beauty, people and places of Northern Ireland in 2021 and reflect on the meaning of home and family.”
And that is exactly what Ben Blaney Yr13 achieved in his fabulous painting of the North Coast earning him first place in the 16+ category. Ben says of his painting:
‘I love seascapes and the amount of change you notice depending on what the weather is doing. There can be crashing, dynamic waves or there can be mirror like, calm silent moments. This painting was part of my development towards a larger piece of work. I painted it in acrylics using a variety of mark making techniques including a pallet knife to apply thicker layers of paint for detailing in the waves, and for rocks in the water. As this was not my final piece, I felt much more free to experiment with techniques such as applying paint with a textured sponge. I feel the painting captures the scene really well and is only one of the breathtaking places to be inspired in Northern Ireland’
Ben was presented with a trophy, his painting professionally framed and a cash prize from the Education minister at a special awards ceremony in Stormont estate.
The Minister concluded: “This is an exciting opportunity for children and young people across Northern Ireland to participate in a centenary art competition. It is a great way to motivate young artists, showcase their talents and further develop their creative skills.”
Last modified: December 20, 2021
