Art by two ten-year-old West Pembroke Primary students has been featured in an exhibition overseas.

Kinae Dowling and Mi'Kerah Moore beat thousands of children around the world for their spots in the 14th International Art Exhibition for Children and Young People.

Put on by The Art Centre for Children and Young People in Finland, it was open to children around the world aged seven through 18.

The centre received 7,229 entries from 69 countries. The work was judged by a panel of professional artists and art educators.

Both girls received a certificate for their efforts Mi'kerah also received a medal for her achievement.

School principal Opal Wilson said: “Truthfully speaking we strive for excellence at West Pembroke. For someone, even if it was one student, to be able to represent us in this way would be great. So to have two people acknowledged is such a thrill.

“The students really worked hard in art and they are always encouraged to tap into their unique skills and ability. This was brought out by the competition.

“I thank these two students for putting West Pembroke school on the global map in respects to art.”

Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith praised the efforts of the two girls and their art teacher Dawn Fubler in the House of Assembly on Friday.

“Bermuda was fortunate to have two of its public school students recognised out of the more than 7,000 works entered.

“What a wonderful achievement for the students, for West Pembroke Primary and for our public school system.

“As an artist myself, I am a firm believer that nurturing the talents of our students through arts and cultural activities, and allowing them to express their creativity through such mediums can only assist in developing youngsters who have a broader appreciation for their world around them. I applaud Kinaé and Mi'Kerah for their accomplishments and I salute Ms Fubler for demonstrating her commitment to their success.”

The competition aims to promote art education and visual arts around the world and works in co-operation with art, culture and youth work experts.

Entries may be submitted in a range of art forms including drawings, paintings, graphics, photographs and comics. Each person may submit one piece of work. Schools and groups can submit a maximum of ten.

All winning entries have been added to the centre's international collection and will be used for research and educational purposes. The exhibition opened in Hyvinkaa, Finland on October 14.