What a lovely evening in the Braid Arts Centre in Ballymena, and to complete the evening I am so honoured to say that I have won 'Northern Ireland Young Artist of the Year 2015'.
‘Glenarm Artist Wins top title’
‘’A 22- year- old Glenarm woman has been named as Northern Ireland Young Artist of the year 2015 as a glittering awards ceremony at the Braid Museum and Arts Centre.
Using both porcelain and black clay Sasha has created exclusive sculptural forms, influenced by the sea, forest, coast and glens using various skills and techniques to enhance the clays natural qualities.
Sasha graduated from the University of Ulster with B.A Honours Contemporary Applied Arts degree.
Vison Express was principal sponsor of the competition, organised by the Rotary Club of Ballymena, together with the Braid Museum and Arts Centre in Ballymena.
The competition was supported by Artsworks NI and Raceview Mill. The works of all award winners are on display in the Braid Arts Centre until 23rd April. Afterwards examples of the winner’s works will be on exhibition in Raceview Mill Broughshane.
In second place was Niamh McConaghy, third went to Jessica McAfee and fourth was Andrew Haire. Artists receiving highly commended awards were Timothy Adams, Sarah McClure, James Dalton, Matthew Allen, Brian Kielt, Gary Dougan, Jennifer McNeill and Alice Blackstock. Artists from all over the province entered the competition. The panel of judges included Guardian editor Jim Flanagan, Mid and East Antrim Arts Development Officer Rosalind Lowery, Rotary Club president Lesley Crawford, local SDLP councillor Declan O’Loan and renowned Irish artist Paul Bell.
Chairman of the judging panel, Rotarian and gallery owner Roy McKeown said: ‘’It is exciting to think the difference that winning the title can make to a young artists career.’’ - Ballymena Guardian