All work submitted must somehow incorporate a newspaper into their construction and the competition is open to all ages.

Competition organiser, Lisa Bendiech said there are a lot of talented artists in Singleton but they don’t get a lot of opportunities to show their work.

“I hope this will be the first of many regular competitions that challenge artists to step out of their comfort zone and attempt something different,” she said.

“We really only have the Singleton Art Prize and the show which don’t cater for everyone.

“I have created four different sections, Adult, High School, Primary School and Infants.”

Lisa, an accomplished artist herself, is passionate about ensuring Singleton’s artistic community flourishes.

So passionate she has opened her own art supplies store so local artists can access the necessary tools they need to create their work.

“I really want to nurture the young artists in Singleton,” she said.

Two of which are her own daughters, Chelsey and Courtney, who have both won a number of competitions.

“Chelsey received first place in the 2012 Esther Bellis Youth Art Prize after I entered a sketch she had thrown in the bin,” she laughed.

“She was so surprised and ended up winning $500 dollars then selling the drawing.

“This was after she told me no one would want to buy, it.”

Entry forms for the competition are available from the store at 2/96 John Street and are limited to three entries per section.

The entry fee is $4.00 for each work submitted and close April, 28.

“We have prize money and the Hunter Mutual has come on board to help us out,” she said

“The judging will take place on May 2 and will be done a bit differently.  The name of the artists will not be revealed until the winners have been chosen.  It will also be photographed and displayed on the shop’s in house television.”

For more information contact Lisa on 6572 1364 or pop into the shop.