Earlier this week, 27-year-old John Mathias, of Paget, walked away with the $7,000 prize after submitting a portfolio, including the two images at top and right.

Mr. Mathias, who is currently abroad studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia, already possesses an associate degree in commercial art from an Orlando College.

At the moment he holds a 4.0 grade point average, a testament to Mr. Mathias' hard work and determination since he suffers from dyslexia.

"He was always gifted, from a small child,'' his mother Jean Mathias explained. "He had his difficulties learning and art was one of the things he could do well.'' After completing high school, Mrs. Mathias said her son decided to enter the work world and became a qualified skilled landscaper.

"Years later he decided to pursue his love of the arts. Even while he was working he always made time for his art. I am very proud of him,'' she added.

"He's worked very hard for this.'' No caption