It was almost a clean sweep for Banstead Prep in the inaugural Banstead Young Artist of the Year competition, launched at the Banstead Art Group Annual Exhibition held from Thu 24 – Sat 26 October at Banstead Community Hall.

Prizes in the Age 8-11 category were all awarded to BPS artists with Plant by Olivia (Y6) receiving the 1st prize ribbon, Sunset bay by Shreya (Y5) awarded second prize and Kingfisher by Georgie (Y6) taking 3rd place.

In the Under 7 category, Year 1 pupil Beau’s Self Portrait was presented with the top prize and Melina (Y2) was awarded 3rd place for her Charcoal Plant. This is the second external art competition prize for Melina this year, who also won a Silver Award in the Toyota Dream Car Art Competition

There was a further prize, awarded for the public’s favourite piece of art entered for the competition, as voted for by those who attended the exhibition.  We were thrilled that this was awarded to Georgie in Year 6 for her pastel rendition of a kingfisher.

The children received a certificate and generous prizes of artists materials provided by Pullingers, sponsors of the competition.

Vicky Ellis, Headteacher at Banstead Prep School, said: “As a school, we value the importance of being part of our local community and are always keen to support fantastic local initiatives such as the Banstead Art Group. We were delighted to see our children’s work exhibited alongside other local schools and for them to have done so well in the competition itself is an added bonus.

“We are determined that our children get a rich and rewarding Education with Character alongside academic learning at Banstead Prep and this event is a perfect example. Not only have the children had the chance to develop their artistic abilities, but it has been a real boost of confidence for them to be able to share their work and receive such positive feedback and praise.”

Olivia, winner of the 8-11 category said “It was really exciting to see my painting in an exhibition, and at first I couldn’t believe the 1st prize ribbon was for me.  My prize included lots of art materials that I don’t have at home, so I’ll be able to try something new.”

Banstead Art Group has been a part of Banstead Village life since 1957, welcoming members of all ages to support each other, share knowledge and exhibit the results in pop up exhibitions. The Group’s Chairman, Jon Collins, and the committee launched the competition following consultation with local schools as a way of reaching out the community and sharing the group’s enthusiasm for art.

Jon Collins said: “We are very happy that both schools and the public supported this initiative so positively, and we were impressed with the energy and talent of all of the finalists. In any competition, winners must be chosen, but all the children did magnificently, and we thank everyone for their outstanding work.  We hope this event will be part of our Annual Exhibition for years to come and now established will attract even more schools and young artists to participate.  Hopefully, some of these artists who have shown such talent will have a lifelong interest in producing art and become members of our group in future years.”

David Watson, one of the owners of local family-run business Pullinger’s, said the company jumped at the chance to sponsor the competition: “We love seeing children dragging their parents into our shops, excited by the materials available.  We saw supporting the competition and providing prizes for the winning artists as a great opportunity to encourage school children to get involved with art, whether they go on to study art further or just enjoy it at home.”  David enjoyed browsing the exhibition and seeing the Banstead Young Artist of the Year entries.  “Many congratulations to the winning artists at Banstead Prep School – the standard of the art entered into the competition was very high”

To find out more about Art at Banstead Prep School see our Curriculum page

See Matt Ayling, our Art Subject Leader, on YouTube talking about how we foster creativity at Banstead Prep School

You can see more of our children’s artwork and visit our spacious Art Studio during a private tour of the school. To book an appointment go to bansteadprep.com/admissions

Pullingers’ passionate, knowledgeable staff are able to suggest materials to help children get started with new art projects.  Find their stores at www.pullingers.com