The exhibition of entries for the Gibraltar Heritage Trust’s Annual Painting Competition is now open at the Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery in Casemates. The exhibition, which is supported by EY, will be open to the general public until 1pm on Friday 16^th June.

The competition, which is in its 28^th year, took place on Saturday 20^th May and saw participation from of a wide spectrum of the Gibraltar community from locally established artists, amateurs, schoolchildren and families alike.

The aim of the competition has always been to encourage participants to take a closer look at the heritage that surrounds them on a daily basis and reproduce it through artistic media.

A spokesman for the Trust said: “This year’s subject, Wellington Front, has recently been subject to a comprehensive refurbishment and restoration project. The location has been a significant strategic defensive point even from the days of Moorish occupation. Wellington Front as we know it today was completed in 1850, originally by convict labour. Over 200 male convicts, from the prison hulk HMS Owen Glendower moored in the bay, were assigned with the construction of Wellington Front and the project was completed with the use of local labour when it became more economically viable. The vaults were built to accommodate soldiers and house large cannons and armoury.”

Jose Julio Pisharello, Managing Partner at EY, added: “This art competition has established itself firmly in the minds of our community. It reminds us of the rich history that surrounds us all and helps us to fully understand our identity as Gibraltarians. We are delighted to be able to support the exhibition and would encourage everyone to take time to view the work.”

At the exhibition opening and prize giving last night Leslie Gaduzo took the first prize in the adult section, with Vin Mifsud receiving second and Rebecca Moritz third prize. In the Junior section (age 11-17) Matthew Boasano took the first prize, with Chloe McToldridge receiving second and Sinead Desoiza third prize. Rebecca Martinez, Yaiza Padron Sanchez and Hannah De Haro were highly commended. And in the Children’s Section (Under 10) prizes went to Dylan Reese in first place, Piero Guzman in second and Sarah Willis in third, with Matthew Busto, Jesse Canepa, Cody Macias, Kate Piner and Finlay Savignon-Watson as highly commended. The David Gladstone Prize for Most Promising Artist was presented to Liz Savignon. Prizes were presented by the Trust’s Patron H.E. Mr E. Davis in the presence of the Minister for Heritage, Dr. John Cortes.

All artwork entries from this year’s competition will be on display at the Gustavo Barcarisas Gallery in Casemates from Wednesday the 14^th to Friday the 16^th of June. The gallery will be open from 10am to 6pm, and until 1pm on Friday when the exhibition will close. The exhibition is free and open to the public. Wellington Front was last subject of the GHT painting competition in 1991 and prizewinning artwork from that year will also be on display.