Longford arts: Adam's portrait head and shoulders above the competition

A budding artist from Lough Gowna won the top prize in his age category in the prestigious Zurich Young Portrait prize last week.

Adam Wiercioch Chinatamunee was crowned the winner in the 7-11 age category of the national art competition run in association with the National Gallery.

Adam's mum, Anna Wiercioch, is herself an artist. Anna has been involved in many art projects in Longford, facilitating workshops and co-ordinating artistic summer camps for children.

Anna said of her son's achievement: “He is a very talented young artist. He loves to draw, paint and to create art with different mediums.”

Anna says this is not her son's first win: “Adam has been interested in art since he could hold a crayon. He's won a few prizes in the past. They include winning the Toyota Dream Car competition in 2020, and a second place in 2021.

“He was awarded merit in the Texaco art competition in 2022, and was shortlisted for the Young Zurich Portrait Prize in 2021. He also won first prize in Dublin Winter Lights’ Children’s Art Competition in 2022.”

The proud mother says her boy is very generous with his talent: “Adam goes to St Patrick’s NS in Gowna. He's always involved in art projects in Longford.

“He was a great helper during the Dead of Night festival, the Longford Lights festival and participated in the Halloween parade this year.”

The Zurich Young Portrait Prize is an annual inclusive art competition aiming to foster and support creativity, originality and self-expression in children and young people.