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This year's open art exhibition for children and young people is proving a huge success with record numbers entering the competition.

Over 50 young people aged three to nineteen years have submitted artwork, all with the hope of displaying their talents in a special exhibition at The Gallery at The Place which will run until 12 September with a special preview evening on 6 July.

Budding artists had to submit their work to The Place in Oakengates on Sunday 28 June and the exhibition curators say they are so overwhelmed by the level of entries that they are going to award two highly commended certificates for each group in addition to the first and second prize cheques (£100 and £50 respectively.)

The entries are being judged by Telford and Wrekin's Young Curators group who have been learning how to organise and curate gallery exhibitions with the support of Telford & Wrekin Council's Arts Development Team.

The winners will be announced and prizes awarded by The Mayor of Telford & Wrekin, Councillor Karen Blundell at a special preview evening for submitting artists and their families on Monday 6 July from 6pm to 8pm.

Cllr Miles Hosken, Cabinet Member with responsibility for arts and leisure, said: "It is fantastic that so many young people have entered the competition and I would encourage as many people as possible to come along to see the artwork themselves at The Gallery at The Place. It's such a unique exhibition because it is organised and judged by young people themselves and showcases all the creative talent in the borough."

There are three age groups in the exhibition - three to ten year olds, eleven to fifteen year olds and sixteen to nineteen year olds - which includes a range of media from textiles to photography, oils, pencil, pastels and collage.

The Gallery Bar is open Mondays to Saturdays from 10am to 6pm and on Wednesdays from 12 noon to 6pm and for ticket holders also prior to and during intervals at theatre performances. Admission is free.

The Young Curators group is supported by the Find Your Talent pathfinder which is being piloted in 10 areas across England and offers children and young people regular involvement with arts and culture both in and out of school.

For further details about this year's exhibition please contact the Arts Development Team on 01952 382366 or email artsandculture@telford.gov.uk