FARNHAM Maltings is offering a fantastic chance for young artists to have their work displayed in the building’s Riverside Café Gallery, through The Young Portrait Artist Award, aimed at those aged 18 or under.

The award aims to celebrate local, creative talent through the form of a competition. Interested artists should submit their work for judging by a panel including Caroline Jackman, director of the New Ashgate Gallery, Jonathan Parsons, artist and UCA fine art lecturer and Jonathan Thompson, painter-printmaker.

They will then select 15 finalists whose work will go on display. Farnham Maltings will be contacting schools and clubs to find entrants but will also accept work from individuals who wish to get involved.

Not only will the winners have their work exhibited, one finalist from each age group (seven to 11, 12 to 15 and 16 to 18) will also receive a prize sponsored by Pullingers and a place at an arts workshop with artist Jonathan Thompson.

Anna Garrett, who is co-ordinating the competition, said: “The award is an opportunity for young artists to express themselves, giving them the chance to show their artwork in a professional space and have their talent recognised.

The deadline for the competition is January 29. Deliver work and £3 entry fee to the box office, Farnham Maltings, labelled with the artist’s name, age, phone number and email address. Artists can use any medium, but no photography and the artwork can be sized up to the maximum of A4. The exhibition dates in the Riverside Café will be between March 5 to April 1.

Any questions about the competition contact Anna Garrett at [email protected].