One of the youngest artists to enter an open competition has been awarded the top prize.

Matthew Kerruish won both the top prize in the under 16s category and the overall prize of best overall entry in the ’Light’ open art competition, hosted by the Hodgson Loom gallery.

Matthew’s entry, an etching entitled ’Light Through the Darkness’, was a popular choice with both the judges and the public vote, with the gallery curator, Julia Ashby Smyth saying that the small picture packed a ’big punch’.

’This was the first time a piece from the Children’s Category has won the overall top spot,’ said Julia.

’A small, emotive etching, packing a big punch, not only in the interpretation of the "Light" theme, but also in its execution and subject matter. It is part of Matthew’s GCSE piece, and certainly bodes well for future artistic endeavours.’

Other winners included Photographer Greg Barlow, for a stunning landscape of the Point of Ayre, sculptor Neil Milsom for a slate and lead creation, entitled ’Spear of Darkness, Stealer of Light’, Charlotte Henry, textile artist Manou Boesten and Tony Hewson, for a painting of light filtering through trees.

The winner of the new ’Light & Lamp’ category was ’The Light is on, but Nobody is Home’ by Margo Gray, a beautiful ceramic fairy house, which also won the public vote.

’What an amazing, diverse and inspirational exhibition,’ said Julia.

’It never ceases to amaze me how creative the people are this little speck of land.

’The predominant word I have heard from people as they enter the gallery is "Wow", which was followed by a lot of people saying, as they wander around the 200 exhibits is, "it is so inspiring" and that it "makes me want to go and create".

’The different interpretations of the one word theme are endless and a delight to curate,’ she added.

’I am so glad the I don’t judge the competition.

’It is always interesting to see whether the Public Voting and the judges scores agree, and generally there is a correlation, this year being no exception .’

The prizes were awarded at a ceremony held at the gallery on Saturday afternoon, where Julia also revealed that the topic of the next open art competition will be the general theme ’Under’.

The ’Light’ exhibition remains on display until tomorrow (Saturday).