Oakham School student Evie Holder is the overall winner and Arts for Rutland Winner of the 11-13 category at the Rutland Open Youth Art Exhibition.

The competition was open to pupils across Rutland, and the theme for 2021 was 'Open the door', which the artists could interpret in any way they wished.

Evie's artwork is entitled 'Alice in 2021 - Opening the door to hope', and she used the medium of 'mixed media' - watercolours, coloured pencil and ink.

Evie said, "The theme of the exhibition made me think of that timeless Alice in Wonderland scene where Alice has just fallen down the rabbit hole, and she is trapped in the corridor of locked doors.

"She feels stuck - but then she notices the tiny door into the garden, and it gives her hope, however she can't get out unless she eats the cake and drinks the mysterious liquid.

"I then thought about how I could make this piece current and thought-provoking - that was when I linked it to the pandemic: at the moment, it seems like there are so many things we can't do, and we have to wear masks etc., but we still have hope. Everything will be alright in the end."

Evie added: "I feel very lucky (and am very pleased) to have been awarded Overall Winner and Arts for Rutland Winner in the 11-13 age category. I really wasn't expecting anything - I know the standard of other artists is incredibly high!"

Evie's artwork is on display in the virtual exhibition hosted by Arts4Rutland from 9th April to 6th May 2021 and can be viewed here .