25th January 2012
TALENTED artist Emily Betham rubbed shoulders with leading figures in the art world when one of her paintings was shortlisted for the auspicious Saatchi/Sunday Telegraph Art Prize For Schools last week.
The 17-year-old Captain at St Edmund's School, Canterbury, Kent, attended the awards ceremony at London's renowned Saatchi Gallery where her painting, Reflection of A Chandelier, was one of 19 runners-up to the eventual winner.
Emily, whose parents, Emmanuelle and Bill Betham, own Canterbury's popular Cafe des Amis restaurant, said: "It was an amazing evening. To see my painting on show in the Saatchi Gallery was an incredible achievement."
Emily's painting was chosen from 12,000 entries submitted by school children around the world. Emily said: "I was very impressed by the quality of all the other shortlisted paintings. There were some incredible exhibits. It gave me quite a buzz when I heard people saying nice things about my painting."
Arts patron, Charles Saatchi, is renowned for launching the careers of many of the highest profile contemporary artists. The Saatchi School’s prize was launched to promote young talent and is open to pupils up to the age of 18 from around the world.
A shortlist of 20 is selected by a panel of judges for exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea. The prize winning pupil receives £2,000, while the art department of his or her school is awarded £10,000 to spend on art or computer equipment. This year’s judges were Marc Quinn, artist; Alistair Hicks, art adviser to Deutsche Bank; Kaye Umansky, children’s author; Rebecca Wilson, Saatchi Gallery associate director and Alastair Smart, Sunday Telegraph arts editor.
Emily's painting Reflection of a Chandelier was one of the 20 finalists, having been entered by St Edmund's Head of Art, Mrs Alison Slater-Williams.
The private view showcased some exceptional talent which could easily have been mistaken for the work of professional artists. A variety of styles, subject matter and use of media was on view from pupils worldwide. Any one of the finalists would have been a worthy prize winner.
Emily said: "Although I missed out on winning the competition I thought it was a fantastic achievement to be one of the final 20 and to have my painting exhibited in such a prestigious London gallery. My painting was hung in a prominent position and immediately drew attention to the visitors as they entered the exhibition."
She explained that although normally preferring to paint architecture and people she relished the challenge of the competition and her theme of mirrors and reflections.
Emily, who plans to study international relations at university, praised her art teachers at St Edmund's who had always been quick to encourage and nurture her artistic aspirations throughout her schooling.
She said: "From a very young age the teachers placed a big emphasis on art work and I really enjoyed it. I decided to concentrate on painting at GCSE and A-level but out of school I also enjoy sketching, photography and making my own jewellery."
Emily, who also represents the school at tennis and is an accomplished dancer, added: "Although I am not planning on a career in the art world, to have my painting exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery has been wonderful."
It has been a year of achievement for Emily as this painting was also part of a recent exhibition at The Horsebridge Art Centre in Whitstable and her piece entitled ‘Umbrella’ was shortlisted for the Royal Academy of Art A-Level Exhibition in the summer.
Mrs Slater-Williams said: "I have taught Emily throughout her GCSE and A level courses and have had the privilege of seeing her develop personally and artistically into a thoughtful, independent and creative student of art who has the potential to excel in this field.
"I am delighted that her work has gained such high profile recognition in reaching the final 20 from worldwide entries. This is a fantastic achievement and it was wonderful to view her painting exhibited in the Saatchi Gallery. I am delighted for her."
Emily attended the private view with her family, St Edmund's head Mrs Louise, Moelwyn-Hughes, assistant deputy head Mr Leigh Millard and Mrs Slater-Williams.
The paintings will be retained by the Saatchi Gallery for a period of time for use in the education room.
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