Prince George is full of young talented artists and the best of a recent competition were rewarded for their skills.
After more than 40 submissions, there were six winners from five categories from the 2021 Prince George Public Library (PGPL) Teen Art Showcase.
The fourth annual event that celebrates creativity and originality of local youth went virtual resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and current B.C. public health orders on organized public gatherings.
Ava Batarseh's submission, known as The Whale City, won 'best overall' by a panel of judges.
The Grade 11 student also took home a second prize after more than 230 public ballots were cast in the People's Choice category.
She also tied the honour with Olivia Kozoris' artwork, Curious Little Fox, marking a first in Teen Art Showcase history according to the PGPL.
The full winners' list is as follows, each receiving $200 for their winning piece:
- Best Overall = The Whale City by Ava Batarseh
- Most Original = Mandala by Parniya Pekamiyan
- Best Use of Materials = Hidden in Plain Sight by Roxie Aronson
- Social Commentary = Coping? by Elya Foreman
- People’s Choice (tie)
- The Whale City by Ava Batarseh
- Curious Little Fox by Olivia Kozoris
All submissions were put on display in the PGPL's Bob Harkins Branch from Feb. 16 and March 6.
The Teen Art Showcase is a yearly joint collaboration between the PGPL, City of Prince George, Prince George and District Community Arts Council and B.C. Gaming.
The library says it's also part of a three-pronged program to help evolve young artists, including a mentoring workshop with professionals in the industry.
For more information, you're encouraged to visit the PGPL's website.
