A HARTFORD schoolgirl has been commended for her artistic talents in an inter-school arts competition.

Pupils from schools from across Cheshire submitted their art to the dot-art schools competition, with a panel of arts professionals and a public vote then choosing a winner and two runners up.

Year 9 Hartford High pupil Mary Smith was named as a runner up for her ‘Matilda’ painting on card, behind winner Megan Thomason of Beamont Collegiate Academy, who won with her ‘Alleyway’ painting.

The shortlisting panel is made up of arts professionals including international artist Ryan Gander, Chester based artist Kaety Moon of Woodhouse Studio and Dr Caroline Wilkinson Director of LJMU Liverpool School of Art & Design, who select their top three entries from each school.

The public were then encouraged to vote online for their favourite piece of work with the entry from each school with most votes featuring in the final exhibition.

Dot-Art Schools project manager Carolyn Murray commented: “The standard of work is outstanding this year and it’s inspiring to have so many talented young artists in the region. The exhibition is a fantastic opportunity for the public to check out the best work by some of Cheshire’s rising stars”

View the third annual dot-art Schools Cheshire 2019 exhibition featuring winning artworks from 21 primary and secondary schools across Cheshire until Friday, July 12, at The Old Library Chester, Northgate Street, Chester, thanks to a partnership with Chester Visual Arts. The exhibition is free entry from 11am to 5pm from Wednesday to Sunday.

Schools who want to enter next year’s Dot-Art Schools competition can register now. For more information visit schools.dot-art.com or contact Carolyn Murray on schools@dot-art.com.