MERCIA Marina has launched its fifth annual art competition in conjunction with Willington Arts Festival.
Artists of all ages and skills are invited to submit entries for the competition, which will be judged during the Willington Arts Festival weekend on the 14th and 15th May.
Any medium
The works of art can be created in any medium, from paintings and drawings to photography and sculptures, though all must follow this year's theme of 'Water, Walks and Wildlife Along the Canal'. For the first time, the organisers have also introduced music and creative writing categories to the competition.
There are three entry levels—Professional, Amateur and Junior (aged 18 and under)—which will each be judged over three categories.
The categories are: 'Visual Arts', including mediums such as drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, knitting and digital arts; 'Words', including poems, typography, stories and creative writing; and 'Music', which could be a song, performance or recording.
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded to winners in each of the categories plus a prize for the overall winner, as judged by a combination of public votes and a panel of experts. A special prize will also be awarded this year in recognition of artistic ability. The pictures shows Brian Davies,Chairman of Willington Arts Festival and Tony Preston, Sales and Marketing Manager for Mercia Marina, who explains:
"The annual art competition has proved hugely popular year after year, so we are delighted to launch it once again in conjunction with Willington Arts Festival.
"The standard over the years has been extremely high, but the most important thing is that it has encouraged people of all ages and abilities to get out there and get creative.
"We just want artists of all description to show us what inspires them about the beautiful canals and nature that surround us. Everyone's a winner as far as we are concerned."
Popular annual event
Willington Arts Festival will hold workshops and display works by amateur and professional artists in at least six venues during the festival weekend in May. It has become one of the most popular annual events in the South Derbyshire village's calendar.
All entries must be submitted to the main office at Mercia Marina by Thursday, 28th April. Each entry must be labelled with the artist's entry level and category as well as their name and contact details.
For further details: www.willingtonartsfestival.co.uk