Call goes out to young artists

Budding young artists from North Lanarkshire have until March 1 to enter the fifth annual John Byrne National Drawing Competition.

The competition is sponsored by renowned artist and playwright, John Byrne, in partnership with Education Scotland.

It aims to get pupils from P4 to S3 to channel their imagination and creativity into drawings.

Last year’s competition saw around 6000 drawings submitted from schools across Scotland.

John Byrne said: “This is a great way to give young people in North Lanarkshire the opportunity to harness their artistic skills and love for drawing.

“I’m hoping to see even more North Lanarkshire pupils unveiling their creative talents this year.”

Alan Armstrong, strategic director for Education Scotland said: “Art and design is an important part of the curriculum and this competition aims to encourage pupils across Scotland to develop their drawing skills and use their creativity.

“Education Scotland is proud to be hosting this competition with John and our education partners as it is a great way to raise the profile of drawing.”

Entries into the competition can be of any size and created in any media, but they must be ‘drawings’. There is no theme.

Three winners and 30 runners-up will have their drawings included in an exhibition at The Tannahill Centre in Paisley which will run from March 27 for six weeks.

Winners will receive a limited edition print by John, a voucher for art materials and a book token. Runnersup will receive a certificate specially designed by John.

The competition rules and information about submitting entries can be found on the Education Scotland website.