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Flair art competition for young people, launched by Finborough School near Stowmarket, attracts entries from across the UK




The winner and runner-up have been announced for a school's newly-launched art competition that celebrates the artistic talent of young people.

Flair, organised by Finborough School, near Stowmarket, attracted an abundance of entries from all over the UK, which were whittled down to 11 finalists.

The theme of the competition, which was open to all 13 to 16 year olds, was ‘identity’ and ‘who am I' and it was judged independently by local artist John Frith of Art by Frithy.

Artist John Frith with competition winner Eshal Hassan. Picture: Finborough School
Artist John Frith with competition winner Eshal Hassan. Picture: Finborough School
Artist John Frith with runner-up Zorah Taderea. Picture: Finborough School
Artist John Frith with runner-up Zorah Taderea. Picture: Finborough School

The final 11 were invited to showcase their art at the inaugural Flair Art Exhibition held at Finborough School's art, design and photography facilities.

The winner and runner-up were announced at the exhibition on Saturday, January 21: the winner was Eshal Hassan, 16, from Wolverhampton Girls' High School, and in second place was Zorah Taderea, 15, from Southend High School for Girls.

The first prize was a MacBook Pro, with the runner-up taking away a £50 Hobby Craft voucher.

Steven Clark the Headmaster of Finborough School. Picture: Finborough School
Steven Clark the Headmaster of Finborough School. Picture: Finborough School

Steven Clark, headmaster of Finborough School, said: “The creativity and talent of the short-listed artists is breathtaking and renowned artist John Frith had the difficult task of selecting a winner of the prestigious prize including an Apple MacBook Pro.

"The creative arts are such an important platform for young people to express themselves, their views and aspirations for a better world. The theme of the Flair competition has been identity, a stimulus that has commanded a range of inspiring interpretations championing a wonderfully-bold view of life, our heritage and connections.

"Art is a powerful liberating tool and it is abundantly evident that our entrants' lives are enhanced by their fantastic creative endeavours, promoting happiness; evidence of the incredible importance of our children's engagement in positive and fulfilling opportunities.”

Art teacher at Finborough School Emma Gregory said: “I have been so impressed with the abundance of skill and creativity from everyone who entered. What really struck me was just how personal and different they all were in terms of subject and media.

"Clearly a lot of effort has gone into producing them and everyone who entered should be really proud of what they have achieved.”

The school said the exhibition was a 'fantastic success'.