Two very different takes on the impetus of ’eye’ led to two local artists sharing the top prize in a recent art competition.

Sculptor Neil Milson’s creation of a circular iris, made from slate, lead and plaster, entitled ’Watch Over Me’ and painter and illustrator Mirjam van den Hoek, with her striking portrait of the Dutch Queen Beatrix, entitled ’The Eyes Which Have Seen Everything’, were named the joint winners of the ’Eye’ open art competition, run by the Hodgson Loom Gallery, based at the Laxey Woollen Mills.

The two winners were chosen by a panel of independent judges, while a separate public voted chose ’Avain Eyes’ by by Chrissie Moss, with Mirjam being named as runner-up with ’Afghan Girl’, her huge portrait of the classic National Geographic Magazine cover photograph of a young girl with piercing green eyes.

The under 16s’ category was won by Finlo Stanford for his creation ’Jell-eyefish’, with the runners-up spot being shared by Austin Rogerson and Harley Cowley.

Maureen Kennaugh won the textiles category, with Janice Cottier in second.

Other winners were Louisa Jane Bawden, who won the mixed media category with her first ever exhibition entry and Greg Barlow, who wont the photographic section, with his picture ’Bridge of Eyes’.

Margaret Jones won the ceramics category.

Organiser Julia Ashby-Smyth said that choosing the different winners this year was a hard task.

’There were a number of entries in the competition that were obviously inspired by the events surrounding the Covid strewn year, the various lockdowns, fear, anxiety and unfortunately, loss,’ said Julia.

’A number of these pieces have resonated with the judges too and have featured in their adjudications.

’There were over 400 public votes cast, which considering, not everyone who visits votes, is quite remarkable.

’This year, the votes were well spread across all the pieces on display, and a number of pieces could have taken the prize. Many people commented that it was too difficult to pick just one favourite.’

The exhibition of entries closes tomorrow (Friday).