Young artists from across Wicklow were honoured at the Arklow Arts Centre during the Arklow Young Artist of the Year 2026 Senior Edition prize-giving ceremony. The competition was open to secondary school students across the county and featured work across three age categories: 14 and under, 15–16, and 17 and over. Judging was carried out by Wicklow artist Conor Walton, who praised originality, skill, and individuality. Walton encouraged artists to trust their own creative instincts, emphasizing honesty, independent thinking, and courage to look closely. The overall winner was Eala Ní hAimhirgin, receiving €300, with €150 awarded to category winners. Category winners included Emily Wang, Leah Keogh, and Kate Seckington, with additional shortlisted artists and distinctions recognized in each group.
"The competition, open to secondary school students throughout the county, showcased a range of work across three age categories: 14 and under, 15-16, and 17 and over. The awards were judged by acclaimed Wicklow artist Conor Walton, who praised the originality, skill and individuality on display."
"Speaking at the event, Walton encouraged young artists to trust their own creative instincts, saying: "The most important thing for any young artist is to be true to yourself and true to your own talent. "Technique matters, but what stays with people is honesty; the courage to look closely, to think independently, and to make work that could only have come from you.""
"The overall winner was Eala Ní hAimhirgin, who received the top prize of €300. Winners in each age category received €150. In the ages 14 and under category, Emily Wang was named the winner. Ella Kelly and Savanna Pascoe were shortlisted."
"In the 15-16 category, Leah Keogh took first place. Megan Feris and Rada Kanevskaya were shortlisted. Distinctions went to Kayden Doyle, Aoife Murphy, Rosie Anderson, Tavia Driver, Caroline Krasowska, Abbie Reid Furlong and Nina Caulfield. In the ages 17 and over category, Kate Seckington was named the winner."
Read at Irish Independent
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