THE hunt is on to discover who will be crowned Young Artist of the Year 2015 in the third annual competition from Hereford College of Arts (HCA), sponsored by Hereford Round Table.

Following two successful campaigns, this year’s contest invites entries from talented young artists aged 5 to 16 offering their interpretation of this year’s theme, Mini Beasts.

“Although there is a set theme, we welcome and encourage interpretations from our young artists,” said Sophie Foulkes of HCA, who is in charge of the competition. “Last year we saw incredible creations; paintings, drawings, illustrations, collages and prints to name just a few. Our panel of judges will want to see them all.”

As well as the cash,workshop and materials prizes on offer to the winners, selected entrants from the three age categories (5-8 years, 9-12 years and 13-16 years) will have their work displayed at the Young Artist of The Year Exhibition at HCA during the summer. “Last year hundreds of people came to see the work at the exhibition,” says Sophie, “It’s a great opportunity for the general public to see the talent on show, and a real insight for our young artists into how arts organisations curate exhibitions within the successful creative industries.”

Full details on how to apply can be found on the Hereford College of Arts website, hca.ac.uk. The deadline for entries is Friday, May 1.