THE competition was open to Liverpool John Moores University's (JMU) final year fine arts students, as part of an initiative launched by life insurer, Swiss Life (UK), in support of Liverpool's bid to be European Capital of Culture 2008 last year and is now in its second year. In total six students from the Fine Arts Department at Liverpool John Moores University will share prize money totalling £2,500.

The winners attended a prize giving ceremony at the Albert Dock, Liverpool on Monday 14th July. The distinguished judging panel included Walker Gallery Curator of British Fine Art, Alex Kidson and TATE Liverpool, Head of Education and Visitor Programmes, Lindsey Fryer, were there to see Swiss Life Managing Director, Brian Hurd, who was also a judge, presenting the cheques and certificates to the winners. 

Joint First prize was awarded to Patricia Watts from Southport and Alan Walton from Fazakerley, for their respective pieces 'Landscapes of the mind' and 'Into the Spanish Storm'. Both receive £650.00

In Second place were Richard Morrow, from Ardsley, Barnsley, with his piece called 'Is this Sh*t or What?' and Tim Ellis, from Mollington, for his piece called 'No Distance Left to Run.' both taking away £500.

Third place went to Douglas Blackmore, from Formby, getting £100 for his piece called 'Architectural Space with Yellow and Blue Tree'.

The winners will have their pieces displayed for a minimum of one year in Swiss Life's flag-ship offices in the Albert Dock.

Swiss Life manager, and chairman of the judging panel, Clive Chislett, said:-

"If the high standards achieved by the students at this and last year's event are anything to go by, the region's up-and-coming artists have a bright future. Swiss Life is committed to continue to support and encourage this level of talent and indeed champion the spirit of Liverpool's Capital of Culture status."

Southport’s Patricia Watts who is 54 years old and a mature graduate whom after building up a business with her husband and rearing three children was on the look out for a hobby she told us. "I wanted a hobby that I would enjoy and be able to get my teeth into. I have always loved art and painting from when I was a little girl however the limited opportunities led me to give up my art and I have always missed it ever since. Hence when the opportunity arose to enrol on a GCSE Art and Design course, I nervously attended class after 32 years out of education. 

I moved on with my art completing an 'A' level, foundation course and first year of my degree course at Southport College, then I went on to complete my degree at Liverpool John Moores University. The support from tutors and fellow classmates was second to none and my family encouraged me all the way. 

I am so thrilled to be a graduate with a degree and to be a first prizewinner selected by Swiss Life insurance is just amazing. I am really looking forward to my Cap & Gown Ceremony on Monday and hopefully the future also

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