The sixth National Arts Competition has been won by artist Jude Zammit with his painting entitled Images. The competition is organised by the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce and is sponsored by the Malta Trade Fairs Corporation.

First Runner Up was Rupert Cefai, with his painting entitled Building Composition in Marine Blue, and the Second Runner Up was George Muscat, with his ceramic work entitled Archipelago.

Consolation prizes were awarded to Elizabeth Borg for her work Vision of a Sunflower 2 and Damian Ebejer, for his painting Portrait of a Soul.

Ten artists won an honourable mention: Adrian Abela (Il-Hmar tal-Klassi); Carmelo Vella (Space and Transparency); Tanja Van Poucke (Protect our Beautiful Nature); Joseph Pulo (Untitled); Debbie Seychell (Bicycle); Mark Scicluna (Red Passion); Godfrey Scicluna (Under the Sea); David Spagnol (Untitled); Walter Vella (The Onion) and Zell Osborne (Explorer).

Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce president Paul Asciak opened the exhibition, following a speech. MCCC chairman Charles Busuttil presented the prizes and exhibition curator George Glanville read the jury report.

A total of 127 artists submitted 197 works of art, which varied from sculptures in limestone, wood, earthenware and ceramics to paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolour, pastels, coloured pencils and mixed media.

The exhibition will remain open until Sunday, 8 July at the Marchese Scicluna Hall at the Malta International Trade Fair in Naxxar, from Monday to Thursday between 6pm and 10.30pm and from 6pm to 11pm at weekends.