Monkton Arts proudly hosted the fourth Island-wide Monkton Arts Prize awards ceremony on 28th January 2025, celebrating outstanding artistic talent in both the children’s arts prize and the main open arts prize categories.
This year’s competition saw an impressive 150 submissions for the main open arts prize, which were carefully reviewed by our expert judging panel. From these high quality submissions, 51 pieces were shortlisted and are currently on display in the new Mead Gallery at Monkton Arts (11 East Street, Ryde).
See them in person
The exhibition will remain open for public viewing until Friday 21st February at 4pm. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the artwork while the café is open from 10.30am to 4pm on weekdays.
After careful deliberation, the panel selected three prize-winning artists along with a selection of ‘Highly Commended’ pieces:
Main Open Arts Prize Winners:
- First Prize (£1,000 and a free exhibition in the Acons Gallery in 2025/6): Vicki Golden with Lowry and Lovebirds
- Second Prize (£500): Simon Avery with Sandown Carnival (Photography)
- Third Prize (£250): Alex Evans with Johnny Skateface
Highly Commended Artists:
Anna Hayward, Jacqui Adams, Jacob Light, Gillian Chapman, David Leefe Kendon and Wendy Welsford
Additionally, a People’s Choice Award will be announced following the conclusion of the exhibition, with votes counted from visitors to the Mead Gallery. The People’s Choice winning artist will be revealed after the exhibition closes.
Meanwhile, the winners of the Children’s Arts Prize 2023, Lola Parsons and Kit Hayler, proudly hosted a full exhibition of their artwork in the Acons Gallery.
This year, they joined a wider panel of young judges to select the 2024 children’s prize winners, as follows:
Children’s Arts Prize Winners 2024:
- First Prize: Bob Smallwood (aged 10) with Dog in Pastels
- Second Prize (Joint Winners): Isaac Stone (aged 8) with Pine-Cone Photograph and Lillie-Rose Lumsden (aged 12) with And They Call It Bunny Love
- Third Prize: Gregory Mallinson (aged 4), who explained, “It’s all about feelings, the bright colours make me happy.”
Heartfelt thanks to all participants
The team at Monkton Arts would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all participants in this year’s competition.
We look forward to sharing details for the Monkton Arts Prize 2025 in the coming months.
Keep your eyes peeled
Look out for the Monkton Arts Prize 2025, which will launch in June. We particularly encourage local schools and families to get involved in the children’s prize, as entry is free, and the experience of participating is invaluable for young artists.
For further updates, please visit our website or follow Monkton Arts on Instagram or Facebook.
News shared by Jenna on behalf of Monkton Arts. Ed
