The Alton Art Society was formed in 1923 to promote the practice of the creative arts and has always encouraged the next generation of artists.

It has been proud to run the children’s exhibition alongside its annual exhibition, the highlight of the society’s year.

This year was the society’s 90th exhibition.

Because of Covid it was the first children’s exhibition since 2019, and although fewer entries were received the quality was very high.

Especially eye-catching was an enormous honey bee from Oak Class at Chawton Primary.

Magnificent collages included cupcakes from The Butts Primary, ancient monuments from Medstead Primary and pop art from Eggar’s.

Most group entries from the pre-schools, Wootey, St Lawrence, Chawton and St Mary’s Bentworth used some collage and showed wonderful style and collaboration. Prints included seascapes from St Mary’s Bentworth and fresh, bright, natural images from Treloar’s.

Portraits included amazing ones of music stars and themselves by Eggar’s pupils. There was even one made of clay.

The judge was 2021 people’s choice artist Ben Glover.

Prizes sponsored by Alton Town Council were gift vouchers for art supplies from the Alternative Packaging Solutions Ltd art shop in Alton.

For the fifth year there was a public vote for the best work in the children’s exhibition, named in honour of former chairman John Hearn.

There were 206 votes cast and the winner was Mae Woolman of Eggar’s School for her girl sitting on a wall.