Eden Tinline (left) received the Desire To Sketch Creative Commitment Award from Keira Sloetjes for her piece "Pirates of the Caribbean".
11-year-old Isabelle Simsir received first place in the beginner's People's Choice Award.
Jacqi Powell was awarded first place in the adult's People's Choice Award category for her artwork "Reflections".
12-year-old Imogen Hutchinson received the People's Choice Award in the intermediate category.
A variety of artworks created by local up-and-coming artists are currently on display at the West Gippsland Arts Centre as part of the "Desire to Sketch Aspiring Artists Exhibition."
Created by students in Keira Sloetjes' Desire to Sketch art classes, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, growth and dedication of students, both children and adults.
"This exhibition was about the future and the bright times ahead," Keira said. "I wanted (the artists) to experience the joy and excitement and the sense of achievement that I've had throughout my journey with exhibitions, (so I) put on an exhibition for all of them."
The exhibition includes about 80 pieces, created by artists aged six to 70 specifically for the exhibition.
"Throughout the terms this year, we did our normal level of work and then we also fit in the odd class each term to work on an exhibition artwork," Keira said.
Artists were encouraged to pick something they were passionate about creating.
"I didn't want (them) to feel like they were locked in (to a theme) I wanted them to express themselves," Keira explained.
At the start of the process, Keira said a lot of the artists were nervous about exhibiting their work.
"A lot of them don't feel that they are artists," Keira said.
"But we're all artists and I wanted to show that it doesn't matter what level you're at, wherever you are in your journey, your art is appreciated on some kind of level and it's important to realise that and grow with it."
Keira said seeing the exhibition come together gave her "the biggest sense of pride."
"Seeing everyone's artworks on display, seeing everybody there, it was really heartwarming," she said.
About 150 people attended the exhibition opening where Keira presented awards and attendees participated in a "people's choice" vote across the beginner, intermediate and adult categories.
"Some of the adults, when I gave them their awards, their faces just lit up," Keira said.
"It's just been such a beautiful journey to see them all get the love and support for their artworks that they might have had self-doubt about."
The "Desire to Sketch Aspiring Artists Exhibition" will remain on display on level four of the West Gippsland Arts Centre until Friday November 28.
