AN ART collector from Haverfordwest is urging Pembrokeshire artists to take part in a new creative competition.

Philip Vaughan now lives in Porthcawl, and the seaside town will play host to the first Art Challenge Wales on Saturday, June 6.

The event – organised by Philip with some funding from the local council - invites people to paint, draw, sculpt or sketch to create any piece of artwork in just one day, in order to compete for prizes including a top award of £500 and a three-day residential art course in Brecon.

“Art is my passion, and I’m very keen for artists in Pembrokeshire to enter and make this a national event, as nothing like this has taken place in Wales before,” Philip explained. “I’ve put money, heart and soul into Art Challenge Wales and I really hope it will work. If it does, we’ll run it every year, and perhaps tour around the country – it could come to Haverfordwest one day!”

Non-competitors are welcome to head to Porthcawl to watch hundreds of entrants create their works.

Former Pontypridd MP Dr Kim Howells and celebrated Welsh Artist Kevin Sinnott are the high-profile judges of the event. The chosen winners’ work will be showcased in Cardiff’s Kooywood Gallery.

You can register now by calling 01656 772222 or e-mailing info@artchallengewales.co.uk. Visit www.artchallengewales.co.uk for more information.