Four-year-old Phelim shortlisted for award
Phelim McEvoy (4) from Tullow is the youngest artist shortlisted in the competition
A FOUR-YEAR-OLD boy from Tullow is the youngest artist to be shortlisted in this year’s AIB Young Portrait Prize at the National Gallery of Ireland.
From hundreds of entries, Phelim McEvoy’s portrait of his future self has been chosen for the shortlist of this prestigious competition. His painting, along with 45 other shortlisted entries, will be hung in the National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin from November until March next year.
“Phelim is the youngest artist to be shortlisted, he was actually three years’ old when he did it. My heart is bursting with pride. For his portrait to be hung in the National Gallery is a prize in itself. It’s all over his head right now, but it’ll be very special for him when he gets older,” said his proud mother Laura.
Phelim’s wonderful vision of his future self came about when Laura’s friend, who’s an art teacher, shared the competition details with her, so Laura decided to enter her children into it.
“We love arts and crafts in our house. My friend shared the details about the competition and I was looking for something to do with the kids so we sent it in,” continued Laura.
Phelim’s dad is Ken McEvoy, while he has two brothers – six-year-old Turlough and baby Cathal (1).
Phelim’s painting will now be professionally framed, while he’s also in the running for an age category prize and the overall prize of €500, plus a personalised wooden box of art materials.
The winners will be announced in November.
