More than 600 students presented artwork for this year?s Student Art Competition, currently on exhibit at the Bermuda National Gallery.

Students from all private, home, and Government schools in the primary, middle and high school level were eligible to enter. Students had to stick to the theme ?What does Bermuda Mean to You? and were asked to submit an explanation of how their work suited the theme with their entry.

The competition was designed by the gallery?s education director, Judy Wong, to not only make students think about their Bermuda and what makes it special to them ? whether it be the water, the environment, the people or something more personal, but also to encourage them to explore different ways of expressing their feelings through art.

Entry rules stipulated that artwork should be two-dimensional (i.e. a painting or drawing)

and be no bigger than 12 x 18 inches.

In total, 663 students aged four to 17 entered. Organisers were excited with the number of entries as it was a significant increase on last year?s 200 submissions.

?The sheer quantity and quality of the artwork submitted was very impressive,? said Judy Wong. ?There is clearly an abundance of creativity on the Island, which is demonstrated through the students? work.

?What has been produced is also a reflection of the teachers? commitment to their students? education. Although we offer this competition as a support to the school curriculum, it is the sheer effort of the teachers and their students that has made it such a success. I hope that we can work even more closely with the schools again on next year?s competition.?

Belco was a major sponsor of the event with Artcetera and American Airlines offering prizes. Prizes of Artcetera vouchers were awarded for first, second and third in each of five age groups with the school of the first place winner receiving $250 towards the school?s art supplies.

Because of the large number of entries in the Primary 3-4 and 5-6 groups, additional prizes were awarded for fourth, fifth and sixth places.

All prize-winners were also placed in a draw for a grand prize of two airline tickets,

donated by American Airlines.

Local artists Sharon Wilson, Daniel Dempster, Peter Lapsley, Michael Swan and Carmel Byrne judged the competition, while Education Minister Terry Lister presented winners with their prizes.

All of the artwork entered in the competition will be on display in the Education Centre at

the Bermuda National Gallery until January 17.

The winners are listed below: