Newcastle student Alexandra receives accolade in Texaco Art competition

Newcastle student Alexandra receives accolade in Texaco Art competition

29 June 2022

A BUDDING young artist at Newcastle’s Shimna Integrated College has made her first strides towards artistic acclaim by clinching a special accolade in the annual Texaco Art competition.

Alexandra Buzova, who is only 14, secured a special merit award for her insightful pencil study of an old man.

The Texaco children’s art competition is regarded as the longest-running sponsorship in the history of arts sponsoring in Ireland, with a history dating back to its very first competition in 1955. Former winners include Irish fashion designer Paul Costello.

Melanie Skelcher, head of art at Shimna College, said Alexandra was “incredibly talented”, while her teacher, Laura Walsh, believes she is “a prodigy for art,” and one to watch out for in the future.

Receiving her prize and certificate of achievement, Alexandra said she was very excited to have her talent recognised on a national level. 

She added: “I’m looking forward to entering again, and this time for the big prize.”