Young Archies on show at Hazelhurst Arts Centre

Open to children between the ages of five and 18, the competition seeks to uncover the portraiture talents of budding artists in St George and Sutherland Shire.

Children were invited to enter a portrait artwork during November. Their subject was to be a person of their own choosing.

Now a bunch of talented artists-in-the-making will adorn the walls of the gallery.

More than 50 nominations were received from schools, and from those, 20 finalists were chosen for the exhibition in the gallery foyer, outside the main gallery, in conjunction with the Archibald Prize 2021 exhibition.

Shire artist and experienced Archibald painter Alexander McKenzie judged and selected the winners of each age category.

Young artists from the region who received highest honours in each age category included Olivia Tong (Danebank) winner of the 5-8 year category, Christy Hansell (Inaburra School) winner of the 13-15 year category, and Scarlett Mandich (De La Salle Catholic College) winner of the 16-18 year category.

Olivia, 7, produced a portrait of her favourite teacher Miss Arena who helps her "get better at drawing", in her panting titled 'My Favourite Art Teacher (Miss Arena)'.

Christy Hansell, 15, drew a portrait of her grandfather in 'The Eyes Are The Window To The Soul' stating that although he is a man of few words, her grandpa's face tells his story.

Scarlett Mandich, 17 said of her portrait 'Mum', "I have chosen my mother who was my constant companion at home during lockdown. To fill time, I bought a tin of polychroma pencils and sketched the portrait. Starting with a light touch, I kept building the layers of colour and buffing to create the finished piece," she said.

Winners were announced at an event on December 13, when they received their prizes supplied by presenting partner ANZ.

This was also a chance for all Young Archie finalists to celebrate their achievements with afternoon tea, along with their families.

See the exhibition until January 16.