When Sabrina Powell was studying for her bachelor of fine arts degree with a specialisation in art education at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, she created her very first metal sculpture: a gombey headpiece.

Normally an artist who works in charcoal, ink and acrylics, it took her about 20 hours to make, and she was so pleased with the result that, when she graduated and returned to Bermuda she had the piece shipped home at some expense.

Eschewing opportunities to exhibit the sculpture in general exhibitions here, Miss Powell felt it was so special that she decided to keep it under wraps until "something special" came along.

When this year's Charman Prize competition was announced, she knew that moment had arrived because 'Raw Gombey' fitted all of the prescribed judging criteria: serious social intent, innovation, distinctive and convincing style, and use of material.

A little concerned about its dimensions, however, Miss Powell first got the all-clear from the Masterworks Foundation, and then submitted it. When she learned that her entry had been accepted for judging she was delighted.

Like her fellow competitors, she imagined what that might portend, but only dared to hope.

Fast forward to Friday evening last, when the Masterworks Foundation's Museum of Bermuda Art was packed to capacity; the air tense with excitement, and abuzz with speculative chatter.

Addressing the record-breaking audience of artists, members and guests, John Charman, sponsor and patron of the Charman Prize, declared Miss Powell the $10,000 winner. Recalling the lead up to that magical moment, the artist admits that she was awed by the work and reputation of her fellow competitors. Among the 69 were works submitted by established, successful professional artists whose skills were highly regarded.

"The competition is very prestigious, and while it included up-and-coming artists, there were also people like Sharon Wilson, Graham Foster, who won last year, and Ami Zanders, whose work with fibres I love," she says. "I saw all of these prestigious artists whose work was really amazing. I thought Chris Dawson's portrait, 'Forgotten but not Gone' had a big chance to win. There was also one of a young boy with his hands over his ears. There were some really good pieces. I remember hoping it would be me to win, but I didn't think it would be me."

Hemmed in on all sides by the crowd on the upper level of the gallery, Miss Powell listened intently as first the 12 honourable mentions and then the four best in category winners were announced. Then, turning to her boyfriend, Eugene Seaman, she said: "They haven't called my name yet. Is there some prize I don't know about?"

"I was shaking, and I tried not to cry," she remembers. "Then they called my name, and I was so shocked. I can't explain the feeling that came over me. I felt so thankful, so grateful, and so honoured that the judges liked my sculpture so much that they were giving me the great honour of having it included in the permanent Masterworks Bermuda Collection, as part of the Masterworks Foundation and Museum of Bermuda Art."

The moment was also an emotional one for Miss Powell's boyfriend, who said: "I am so proud of you, Sabrina."

"The words which were spoken about why 'Raw Gombey' was picked brought tears to my eyes," Miss Powell says. "They made me feel that it was a good choice to enter (the competition), and I think it was meaningful why I won. I felt that the judges understood, and that the sculpture was as special to them as it was to me."

Certainly, Miss Powell, who also holds an associate degree in art and design from the Bermuda College, and currently teaches at the Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation in Devonshire, is inspired to do more with her art.

"I would be a fool not to," she says. "I am now planning to have a solo show after the summer. I would also like to participate in more members' shows, and then I would like to do a show with Ami Zanders."

Meanwhile, Miss Powell is handling her prize money wisely.

"I know that if I cash the cheque and put it into my regular account I will just spend it, so I am going to save it for my future endeavours."