Libby, 17, was chosen as the winner of the inaugural competition in which Mackenzie Thorpe’s Arthaus Gallery, in Richmond, partnered with The Northern School of Art.
The initiative, created to celebrate and support emerging creative talent in the region, received an outstanding number of imaginative submissions, and Libby came out on top with a festive vision inspired by Mackenzie’s much-loved artwork.
The prize was a £500 cheque plus a budget to bring her design to life in the gallery’s iconic window space in Finkle Street, Richmond.
The finished installation was unveiled at the weekend when the Middlesbrough-born artist visited the gallery for his annual Christmas show and presented Libby with her prize.
“It’s wonderful to see young talent thriving,” said Mackenzie. “Libby’s work captured the magic of Christmas beautifully, and it’s a privilege to recognise her achievement.”
Libby, from Chelmsford, in Essex, said: “I have a lot of confidence issues with my own art, and I always seem to come second, so to win the competition was so rewarding.
“Working on the window design was also a great opportunity to add to my portfolio because I’ve got a university interview coming up.
“I really fell in love with Mackenzie’s work while finding out more about him. His art, especially the way he uses colour, is gorgeous. I love colour, so I took a lot of inspiration from him.”
In a further boost, Libby’s design was also chosen as this year’s winner of the Richmond Duck Club Children’s Christmas Window Trophy – an annual competition based on votes from children.
“We are incredibly honoured,” said a spokesperson for the Arthaus team. “To know that children connected so strongly with Libby’s design is truly heartwarming. Her creativity brought joy and wonder to our window, and we couldn’t be prouder.”