There's been a surge in new artists joining the Dannevirke Art Society, thanks to the work Elspeth Atkinson is doing to generate interest.
On Tuesday night at the opening of the 57th annual exhibition, new and emerging artists were to the fore in the Heather Foote Trophy section, open to those with less than four years' experience.
Presented by Maurice Foote, it was David Phillips who has been with the art society for just three months, who won the trophy.
"David is an exciting young talent," Mr Foote said.
Second was Patricia Gilmore who has only been in Dannevirke for two and a half years, with Christine Moses third. Christine has been painting for 12 months.
Mr Foote and his brother, Ken, have been associated with the Dannevirke Art Society since 2003.