Budding Gladstone High School artists have been recognised for their talents at the inaugural Gladstone Art Exhibition.

In the Junior Art section Helen Harpas, Wynne Plug-Berndt, Will Croser and Tara Hurley received merits while in the Fine Art section Alicia Ballantyne and Jessie Avery got encouragement awards.

Year 9 student, Wynne, said she enjoyed completing her artwork and is looking forward to continuing taking art at school as it’s her “best subject.”

Teacher Peter Hughes said there was a wide range of artwork entered into the exhibition from representational through to abstract pieces.

“A lot of the work is based on generating images through abstract training,” he said.

Year 11 student Alicia Ballantyne said she enjoys painting abstracts and portraits.

“It’s the first time I have entered the awards so I was happy to be recognised.”