Ten aspiring artists from around Hawke's Bay and the lower North Island are in the running for a major national prize after being declared the "top 10" at the IHC Art Awards regional exhibition being staged in Napier.
Five of them are from the Bay.
After a long and intensive inspection of their works by guest judge, actor and writer Oscar Kightley, the nods went to Darryl Kennedy (Wellington), Pouui Sua (Wellington), Andy Bailey (Napier), Emma Lou (Wellington), Jayne Bruce (Levin), Caroline Wilson (Clive), Phillip Sisam (Clive), Alain Ndicunnguye (Palmerston North), Paul Stalker (Clive) and Scott Taare from Napier.
The works of Emma Lou, Phillip Sisam and Paul Stalker were highly commended.
One of the event organisers, Penny Harding, said the standard of the works was "stunning - amazing".